Board member

We believe it is important for patients and their loved ones to be able to make informed decisions about their treatment and how they wish to manage their condition or genetic/familial predisposition. People can come to us with questions, concerns, and for support, both individually and in group settings with others facing similar challenges.

The Dutch Breast Cancer Association focuses on all aspects of care and aftercare, and collaborates with hospitals, researchers, health insurers, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of care and quality of life. In addition, we respond to current developments and decisions made by the government and health insurers, and we collaborate with other (cancer patient) organizations.

The Dutch Breast Cancer Association is a patient organization with over 5,000 members, more than 130 of whom serve as volunteers. In addition, we have a professional staff of 10 employees under the day-to-day leadership of a director, who in turn reports to a board of directors. In 2025, a new multi-year strategy was developed, further defining our mission. The office team is being further developed, and strategies have been established to address challenges such as changes in healthcare. The organization is characterized by enthusiasm and passion. Drawing on their knowledge and experience, the team works on a highly relevant and interesting topic with and for a diverse group of experts, including those with personal experience.

The Board

The board, which will consist of five members starting in June 2026, is responsible for managing the association and reports annually to the General Members’ Meeting (GMM). The board oversees the implementation of the long-term strategy, the annual plan, and the budget. These are drafted by the director and approved by the board. The board is the director’s employer and supervises the director, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the office and its operations. In addition to this role of ultimate administrative responsibility, the Board serves as an advisor and sparring partner to the Director. The Board fulfills these roles in a professional and independent manner, in compliance with the law, the Healthcare Governance Code, the association’s articles of incorporation, the Board regulations, the Executive Regulations, and the Board’s vision.

The Board represents the association at the administrative level within the professional field and seeks both solicited and unsolicited advice from the Members’ Advisory Council in carrying out its responsibilities. The Board meets seven times a year, and a General Meeting of Members is held once a year. Responsibilities are divided among the Board members. There are agenda, finance, and compensation committees. The board evaluates its own performance annually. Board members are appointed for a three-year term and may be re-elected once for the same term. All positions on the board are unpaid.

Profile of a new board member

The board is a passionate team in which diverse areas of expertise complement one another. We are seeking a professional (from the for-profit or nonprofit sector) with knowledge and experience in healthcare, particularly in the field of breast cancer care. We are looking for a colleague who can keep the board focused on implementing and refining the long-term strategy and who, thanks to their knowledge and experience, can serve as a substantive discussion partner for the director and the staff.

Candidates:

• Have an affinity for the goals of the Dutch Breast Cancer Association and experience in leadership roles;
  
• Are able to evaluate the association’s policies and operations;
  
• Be able to strike the right balance between involvement and administrative distance in relation to the director;
  
• Demonstrate integrity, responsibility, and independence;
  
• Are able to work effectively as part of a team;
  
• Have a relevant network and sufficient time;
• Knowledge of employment law, in particular, is a plus.

A new board member must be or become a member of the Dutch Breast Cancer Association. According to the bylaws, the majority of the board must consist of people with lived experience. These may be current or former breast cancer patients or their partners. Given the current composition of the board, the new member to be recruited does not need to meet this criterion.

Board members are expected to continue to stay informed about developments in the field of breast cancer care, and the role of patient organizations in particular.

Procedure

We ask candidates who fit the above profile to send their cover letter and resume to Arien Rosenboom, Operations Officer, by January 11, 2026, at the latest: rosenboom@borstkanker.nl. Interviews with selected candidates will be conducted in two rounds. The selection committee for the first round consists of two board members and the chair of the LAR. In the second round, the committee consists of two board members and the director, who serves in an advisory capacity. Interviews will be held on Wednesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 28.

The current board intends to nominate this candidate for appointment at the General Meeting of Members on June 6, 2026.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact the chairperson, Trudy Prins, at trudyjj.prins@ziggo.nl or 06 54 627 477.

If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Arien Rosenboom.

To join the board, a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) must be submitted. A review of any potential conflicts of interest will also be conducted.

For more information, visit our website: www.borstkanker.nl