UZH Launches Independent and Confidential External Reporting Office

Anyone at UZH who observes or suspects irregularities or misconduct should have a simple way to report it. Speaking up allows UZH to spot problems early on, put a stop to them and protect the parties involved and UZH from harm.

The University of Zurich’s new External Reporting Office will be launched on 15 October 2026. It operates independently and offers a simple digital reporting system that allows for two-way communication, even with anonymous reports. The new service complements UZH’s existing internal points of contact and advisory services.

Reports are sent to the External Reporting Office – housed at an independent Zurich law firm – via an external digital reporting platform. The office confirms receipt and contacts the person who filed the report to clarify any questions or concerns and to record their account of the facts.. The office informs filers about the next steps and then forwards the report to a designated contact point at UZH’s Legal and Data Protection department.

The responsible offices at UZH then look into the matter in a fair process for everyone involved and decide whether action is needed. Confidentiality is maintained at every step, whether or not the report was filed anonymously.

Anyone can report irregularities and misconduct at UZH, in particular breaches of compliance and violations of personal integrity.

Compliance breaches include fraud, embezzlement, mismanagement and bribery, while violations of personal integrity include sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and abuse of power. Other reportable issues include violations of procurement and contracting rules, breaches of research integrity, risks to health, safety and the environment, and misconduct related to data protection and information security.

UZH protects people who file a report, and anyone affected by the reported irregularities or misconduct, from disadvantages or discrimination in their employment, supervisory or contractual relationships. Attempted or threatened retaliation will not be tolerated either.

Vice President Gabriele Siegert chairs the steering committee of the project for improving complaint management and support services at UZH. In the conversation below, she explains why the External Reporting Office was a necessary step.

Gabriele Siegert: Why do we need an external reporting entity at UZH?

Gabriele Siegert: UZH already has a wide range of internal points of contact and advisory services. The External Reporting Office complements this by giving people a way to file reports with UZH through an independent, external body. We want to make it easier for people to speak up when they see irregularities or misconduct. The digital reporting platform adds further value by allowing secure communication with people who report anonymously, without them having to reveal their identity. That makes it easier to follow up on anonymous reports of irregularities and misconduct.

What’s the difference between the new External Reporting Office and the existing points of contact and advisory services?

Gabriele Siegert: The External Reporting Office is purely a place to file reports. It doesn’t offer advice, so anyone who needs guidance should turn to our established internal advisory services instead. Most of these services also serve a specific group or focus on a certain topic. The External Reporting Office is open to all employees, students and third parties connected to UZH, and it covers the full range of possible irregularities and misconduct at UZH. 

What happens if a report is investigated, but UZH can’t establish the reported irregularities or misconduct?

Gabriele Siegert: UZH gives everyone the opportunity to report irregularities and misconduct, because that allows us to spot problems early on and prevent any harm. That’s why people who file a report in good faith are still protected even if the facts they reported can’t be proven. People must not be penalized for speaking up. However, anyone who knowingly provides false or misleading information may face disciplinary, employment-related or even criminal consequences.

UZH is currently reviewing and improving its entire range of complaint and support services. Are there more changes in the works?

Gabriele Siegert: Over the coming months, the project that I’m chairing will also clarify the remits of the existing points of contact and advisory services. A new central point of contact will also serve as a first stop: it will assess concerns, direct them to the right place and help out whenever it’s unclear who is responsible. Once all of that’s been clarified, there will be a separate announcement.