CERN — The European Laboratory for Particle Physics

CERN Ombuds

Vincent Vuillemin

Vincent Vuillemin

Vincent Vuillemin is CERN's Ombudsperson. You can contact him:

  • By email: Ombuds@cern.ch
  • By phone: x160267 / +41 (0)22 76 487 02 67
  • In person: Office 500-1-004

The CERN Director-General (DG) has decided upon the creation of a full-time position of Ombuds, starting in July 2010. His decision represents a strong commitment from the Organization to the well-being of those who contribute to the Organization.

Ideally, interpersonal issues between those working at, or on behalf of, CERN, should be resolved between the colleagues concerned. However, sometimes this dialogue is not successful or is not possible. In these cases, the services of an Ombuds may help to resolve disputes in a consensual and impartial manner, thus promoting the good functioning of the Organization.

The Ombuds’ mandate is to provide guidance with regard to the application and interpretation of the Code of Conduct and to offer confidential assistance for the informal resolution of interpersonal issues. Contact with the Ombuds is made on a voluntary basis. The Ombuds is there to listen, share and examine preoccupations or problems. Conflict resolution may only take place with the agreement of the parties involved.

The Ombuds is appointed by the DG. The nomination runs for a three-year term, which may be renewed by the DG for an additional two-year period. Both the nomination and renewal shall be made after consultation with the Staff Association (SA) and the Human Resources Department (HR).

Please remember that dealing with any misunderstanding or conflict early enough is the best guarantee of a favorable resolution. The Ombuds is here for you, so make use of this function!