Two new members of the Supervisory Board

Position

Do you recognize yourself in any of the following profiles? 

• Someone with a clear professional background. Thorough knowledge of developments in (the management of) childcare and education, as well as developments in pedagogy.  
• Someone with solid knowledge and experience in governance and collaboration issues 

We are seeking socially active and engaged candidates with an academic level of work and thinking, as well as extensive administrative knowledge and experience. Each member possesses the specific knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that the Supervisory Board is well-equipped to fulfill its collective mission.   

In addition to meeting the specified profile, candidates are also expected to have more than a general understanding of one or more operational aspects of the business, such as HR, IT, finance, and legal affairs. At least one member must have several years of experience as a member and/or chair of a Supervisory Board. It is an advantage if one of the two supervisors has a regional/political network within Spring’s area of operation. 

Spring’s Supervisory Board consists of five members. They are expected to contribute to Spring’s strategic policy, fulfill the role of employer with respect to the two-member Executive Board, and evaluate the implementation of the policy. They work closely together and share joint responsibility for this. They have insight into developments in their own fields of expertise, particularly regarding governance, child care, education, and pedagogy.    

General requirements 

General requirements for a member of the Board of Trustees: 

• An affinity for child care and, in particular, the organization’s mission.   
• General managerial skills and experience in a complex environment.   
• A sense of the right balance between involvement and administrative detachment.   
• The ability and willingness to support the directors by offering advice and serving as a sounding board, without assuming any management responsibilities.   
• The ability to evaluate the policies and performance of the directors.   
• The ability to provide guidance and oversight as part of a team.    
• Integrity, a sense of responsibility, and an independent mindset.   
• An understanding of the standards of quality, efficiency, and continuity required of Spring Childcare.   
• The ability to form a general opinion on management issues relevant to child care.   
• Sufficient availability to perform the job.   
• Identify with the Board of Trustees’ values: curious and responsible.    

Organization 

The Spring Childcare Foundation has been serving the East Brabant and North Limburg regions for 50 years, operating from approximately 140 different locations. More than 1,000 employees work every day to create a pleasant, familiar environment for both children and their parents—an environment that encourages discovery and growth. The letters of our name, SPRING, stand for our core values: Together, Passion, Results, Inspiring, Curious, and Welcoming. These core values reflect our approach to our work and what we consider important in our interactions with children, colleagues, parents, and partners. 

Appointment 

Members are appointed for a term of four years. They may be reappointed once for the same term. The Board of Trustees meets at least six times a year in formal sessions, or more frequently as necessary. The Audit Committee meets prior to each Board of Trustees meeting, the Quality and Innovation Committee meets three times a year, and the Remuneration Committee meets at least twice a year.    

The Board of Trustees generally meets at the start or end of the day, but is also flexible about meeting in the evenings. The Board of Trustees strives for diversity in its membership.   

Remuneration   

A stipend is provided for the work of the Board of Trustees, which is adjusted annually, supplemented by reimbursement for travel and other expenses. The organization has taken out liability insurance for the members of the Board of Trustees.   

Procedure   

Quality is the guiding principle for all members of the Board of Trustees. In addition to the selection committee, which consists of the members of the Board of Trustees and the executive director, the Management Team and representatives of the Works Council and the Parent Advisory Committee serve in an advisory capacity.   

You may express your interest in the position of Supervisory Board member until Sunday, October 22, 2023. Following a selection process, you will be notified of the next steps in the procedure. Because the composition of the team is also important to us, in the second phase of the procedure you will be asked to participate in an assessment focused on leadership roles and qualities that complement the team. The first interviews are scheduled for Monday, November 13, and Friday, November 17, 2023.   

Job Applications and Inquiries   

For further information, please contact Peter de Laat, Chairman of the Supervisory Board (M: 0653164610; E: peter@de-laat.eu). For procedural questions, please contact Annemartien Berkelaar, Executive Secretary (M: 0645030384; E: bestuurssecretariaat@spring-kinderopvang.nl).   

If you are interested in either of these positions, please submit a cover letter and resume via the "Careers" section of the Spring Childcare website https://www.werkenbijspring.nl/nl