According to Section 43 of the Basic Regulations of Witten/Herdecke University dated June 30, 2010 in the version dated April 25, 2023, liaison officers are elected by the faculty councils for the "swift and sustainable resolution of conflicts between members or affiliates of the university". The focus is on conflicts "that do not concern good academic practice or are regulated by other regulations". Confidants are available to those affected in a "neutral and confidential advisory capacity and should, if necessary, point out possible solutions to the conflict". The prerequisite for the conflict discussion is that the person of trust can be used as a contact person impartially and without bias. If these requirements cannot be met due to official or personal relationships, support can be provided by another person of trust at the university or such a person can be arranged.

The reasons for approaching the person of trust and asking for support and advice are usually interpersonal or social relationship problems in the university context. People of all status groups, i.e. both students and employees (administrative and academic staff), can contact the confidant in this regard.

At best, contact is made by email with a brief description of the issue. An initial consultation appointment is then arranged, which can take place in person, by telephone or via video chat. During this appointment, the issue is clarified in detail, a support or target perspective and a solution strategy are developed and an agreement is reached on how to proceed.

Prof. Dr. Heiko Kleve, holder of the WIFU Endowed Chair for the Organization and Development of Business Families and Academic Director at the Witten Institute for Family Business (WIFU), Faculty of Business and Society, is the Faculty's representative.

Heiko Kleve is a sociologist and social pedagogue with additional methodological qualifications as a systemic consultant, coach, supervisor and mediator, certified by the Systemic Society (SG), the German Society for Systemic Therapy, Counseling and Family Therapy (DGSF) and the German Society for Supervision and Coaching (DGSv), among others.