Council Member

Who are we?

The RVS is an independent advisory body to the government and parliament. The RVS provides both solicited and unsolicited advice. As a strategic and independent advisory body, the Council contributes to high-quality policy and decision-making at the intersection of public health, healthcare, and society. We do this by bringing issues to the forefront, providing information on them, and guiding political and social debate.

As the government’s strategic advisory body, the RVS serves as an inspiring advisor to the Netherlands. To fulfill this role, we must stay connected to society, and we can only do so if we understand what is happening in society and maintain contact with various groups and organizations. That is why we are looking for candidates who are able and willing to help build these connections. The RVS values diversity and inclusion. In our selection process, we take into account diversity of background in the broadest sense.

The Council consists of ten independent members, with Jet Bussemaker serving as chair. In preparing its recommendations, the Council is supported by a staff of approximately 30 advisors and support staff. The staff is led by the director, who also serves as general secretary.

About our work agenda

The “&” in the Council for Public Health and Society is central to the three priorities of the 2024–2028 work agenda. Within each priority, a number of advisory topics will be addressed in the coming years.

Link: The RVS Work Agenda | About the RVS | Council for Public Health and Society

• Unlimited Care? Dealing with the Limits of Care and Making Improvements
• A healthier population? Broad investment in public health.
• Living well (together)? Strengthening social ties.

Profile

We are looking for two council members who fit the following general profile

• A broad social orientation
• Substantive knowledge of various tasks on the RVS’s agenda
• Independent and well-considered judgment and critical thinking
• Familiarity with administrative and policy-making processes
• Creative and innovative
• Thinking from the outside in
• Can establish connections with academia, government, politics, and the professional field
• Has an extensive network relevant to the RVS’s field of activity

We are looking for candidates with a broad skill set who can combine analytical thinking with creativity and a solution-oriented approach. Candidates with a distinctive profile: challenging and bold!

The ideal candidates are able to integrate academic, professional, and practical knowledge and to utilize and weigh these sources of knowledge in the Council’s advisory work. In short, candidates with a broad perspective on developments in society, the field on which the RVS advises, and the impact of these developments on our health.

For one of the candidates, we are looking for someone who has professional experience in the healthcare and/or social services sector and who can confidently build relationships with various professional groups.

Civil servants employed by a ministry or an agency under its authority whose work falls within the policy area of public health and healthcare are ineligible for appointment. The same applies to representatives of interest groups and professional organizations.

Employment Terms and Conditions and Application Process

• Serving on the council requires an average of four days per month. This is compensated by a fixed stipend, capped at pay grade 18 of the Dutch government.
• The council membership is preferably to begin on September 1, 2025
• If you have any questions, please contact Stannie Driessen, Director of RVS. Phone: 06-22810107 ors.driessen@raadrvs.nl.
• Please send your application by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025, tobedrijfsvoering@raadrvs.nl, with the subject line “RVS Council Member Position 2025.”
• The process consists of a resume screening and a round of interviews. The interviews will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in The Hague.
• Upon the recommendation of the minister, the members are appointed by royal decree.