Our mandate

The Internal Investigations Service (IIS) is responsible for conducting independent, objective and impartial administrative investigations into allegations of misconduct at CERN, in accordance with Operational Circular No. 12.

Misconduct means illegal, inappropriate or otherwise unacceptable behaviour, including violations of CERN’s Staff Rules and Regulations and applicable Circulars. Misconduct may occur in the workplace, in work-related settings, or in other circumstances where the behaviour adversely affects CERN or its working environment.

The IIS may investigate a wide range of matters, including:

• Fraud and financial misconduct;
• Corruption, bribery and conflicts of interest;
• Misuse of CERN resources or assets;
• Harassment, including sexual, moral and institutional harassment;
• Abuse of authority;
• Violations of CERN rules, regulations, policies or other standards of conduct;
• Other forms of misconduct that may be prejudicial to the interests of CERN.

All persons who have a suspicion of misconduct have a duty to report and shall contact either:

• their hierarchy
• the Head of the Human Resources Department or
• the Head of the Audit and Investigation Services group (for instance by contacting the Internal Investigations team)