A new ombudswoman, Veronika Střítecká, begins her tenure at UHK

„The creation of the ombudsperson position supplements our portfolio of ethical infrastructure, which is one of our major priorities. Alongside the UHK Ethics Committee, an updated ethical code, and the adopted Gender Equality Plan, the university ombudsperson is another institution aimed at assisting towards a safer, more open, and welcoming environment at UHK,“ explains the establishment of the ombudsperson position by UHK Rector Kamil Kuča, noting that the main task of the new colleague will be primarily to set up prevention and awareness activities so that ideally, no actions contrary to university ethical principles occur.

Veronika Střítecká, a graduate in law and andragogy from Palacký University in Olomouc, who was selected through a robust multi-round selection process, is especially experienced in the field of mediations.

During my studies, I had the opportunity to work in a law firm and in recent years, also as a lecturer in primary prevention. At the same time, I am currently working at the Ministry of Justice of the Czech Republic, where I am involved in mediation agenda. Similarly, during my studies, I gained experience in teaching law, working with real clients in the Student Legal Advisory Service, and mediating real cases as part of a mediation clinic.

Mgr. Bc. Veronika Střítecká

Ombudswoman

The new ombudswoman Veronika Střítecká, who will be physically present at UHK on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. If anyone among the students or employees at UHK feels that there has been or is a violation of the university's ethical code or generally actions contrary to widely accepted social norms, they can hesitatelessly reach out to the ombudswoman personally, via email, or by phone. „If you feel that there has been action contrary to the ethical code and you do not want or cannot address the issue with the person who, in your opinion, violates the ethical code, or you do not want or cannot address it with someone at your faculty in whom you have trust and belief that the situation could be resolved, do not hesitate to turn directly to me. I am happy to listen to you and together we can devise a plan on how to proceed so that it is comfortable for you,“ continues ombudswoman Střítecká.

In connection with the commencement of the new university ombudsperson's activities, a webpage with contacts and an overview of her activities was created on the UHK website. The basic missions of the ombudsperson are:

• Addressing the concerns of students and individuals in employment relationships with UHK that demonstrate inappropriate behavior or violation of ethical principles at UHK.
• Providing facilitation, mediation, and fostering dialogue between the involved parties.
• Identifying solutions in accordance with the needs of the parties while also following university procedures.
• Overseeing activities to prevent negative phenomena related to potential violations of UHK's ethical principles.

You can read an interview with the new ombudsperson, Veronika Střítecká, here.