Last updated: August 2025
FIS will carry out an inquiry in response to any complaint, disclosure or allegation.
All action taken by the school will be in compliance with German law and will be guided by the following procedures and the school’s standards of appropriate conduct for all members of the community.
The accused individual will be informed of the complaint against him/her, and at the latest when an inquiry is being initiated.
The accused individual has the right to secure personal and legal advice.
The school will make every effort to protect the confidentiality of all parties involved and both parties will be offered access to appropriate avenues of support during the process.
When appropriate and feasible, the school will utilize the services of an objective, outside consultant to conduct an inquiry. This consultant will report directly to the administrator responsible for the case.
If it is determined that an accusation is deliberately false or capricious, the accuser will be subject to disciplinary action within school, and this shall not limit the subject of such false accusations from seeking additional civil or criminal remedies in the courts.
The inquiry will be carried out through interviews with the accuser, relevant witnesses and with the accused. A written report will be provided with findings of fact. In complex cases, these findings of fact will be made on the balance of probability. The report may also provide recommendations.
The accused individual has the right to appeal any outcome of the inquiry in writing to the Head of School. The Head of School will take action on the letter of appeal if new evidence comes to light.
In the case of an employee, the accused individual will be informed of their right to Betriebsrat representation, and the Betriebsrat will also be notified prior to any action being taken.
In processing a suspicion or disclosure by a child against faculty or staff, the school will take action to protect the child from any experience which might suppress full disclosure and from any potential reprisals.
The school reserves the right to suspend or relocate the accused employee or student while an inquiry proceeds. In the case of an employee, the suspension will be with full pay and benefits.
If a decision to terminate a contract is taken, by law such notice must be delivered to the employee within 14 working days of the employee having been informed of the reason for termination. The Betriebsrat must be consulted on such a ‘termination without notice’ decision prior to that action and has 3 days to reply with their opinion.