Two members of the Supervisory Board
We are a partnership dedicated to providing appropriate education in primary and secondary schools in Zoetermeer. We collaborate with schools, school boards, the municipality, parents, and youth services to make more inclusive education possible. Our core values are trust, professionalism, inspiration, and connection. We operate as a network organization with short lines of communication. The partnership’s core mission is to work with schools and the social sector to establish a comprehensive network of services so that all students can complete their school careers without interruption. In our support plan, we have agreed to jointly chart the path toward inclusive education.
Inclusive education begins with high-quality education, which lays the foundation for an inclusive learning environment. Every child and young person is welcome at school. Students with and without special needs form a single group, without distinction but with diversity. Inclusive education requires a shift in thinking and a different perspective on outcomes and results, including among internal and external regulators. It is therefore important to maintain an ongoing dialogue, use resources and expertise efficiently, discuss progress, and make adjustments where necessary.
About us
The SWV Zoetermeer PO comprises 8 school boards and 49 schools. Within the SWV, there is one special education school for cluster 3 and one special education school for cluster 4. The SWV Zoetermeer VO comprises 7 school boards and 9 school locations where various types of schools are offered in different combinations; there is also one VSO school for cluster 3 and one VSO school for cluster 4 (VMBO). The boundaries of the SWV Zoetermeer coincide with the boundaries of the municipality of Zoetermeer. More information about both partnerships can be found on the websitewww.swvzoetermeer.nl.
Management and Governance
The Zoetermeer Special Education Partnership comprises two foundations: SWV PO 2817 and SWV VO 2807, which operate under a careful and well-thought-out governance structure in which various bodies contribute to good governance and oversight, each from their own distinct role. Day-to-day management rests with a single-member board. Internal oversight of both foundations is carried out by a single Supervisory Board (RvT), which consists of five members and acts as the employer of the director. The Supervisory Board has three committees: the Quality Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Remuneration Committee. The SWV Zoetermeer partnership endorses the principles of the Code of Good Governance in Primary Education and the Code of Good Governance in Secondary Education.
In addition, there is the Participants’ Council, which includes representatives from the affiliated school boards. This council has the right to approve the support plan, annual report, and budget. The Participants’ Council provides input based on practical experience and serves as a sounding board for the board. The Support Plan Council (OPR) and the Participation Council (MR) represent parents and staff, with specific participation rights regarding policy documents and organizational developments.
The Zoetermeer Partnership is one of the first partnerships to have adopted an independent oversight model over five years ago, opting for joint management and oversight of the primary and secondary education partnerships. Since then, there has been a growing effort to foster connections between primary and secondary education and their partners, with an increasing focus on collaboration. With the departure of the chair and a member of the board, there is room for two new members. One of the current members is stepping up to the position of chair. With the two new members, the board hopes to take the next step in its development toward fulfilling its oversight role with inspiration, professionalism, and trust in collaboration.
What do we expect from a member of our Supervisory Board?
As a member of our Supervisory Board, you will contribute to good governance, innovation, and social impact. In addition, you possess the following skills:
- Professional poise: You know when to contribute your ideas and when to step back and ask critical questions. You understand the balance between providing oversight and serving as a sounding board.
- Strategic insight: You can see beyond the boundaries of organizations and fields and place issues within a broader societal context.
- Collaborative and communicative: you can listen, ask follow-up questions, and share your opinion in an open and constructive manner.
- Committed to the community: You feel at home in an environment where education, healthcare, youth services, and municipal collaboration come together, and you are eager to contribute to these efforts.
- Reflective and committed to learning: you are open to new perspectives, willing to critically examine your own role, and actively contribute to collective learning within the Council.
You possess the academic skills and mindset required for this role, as well as a relevant professional network. We are seeking at least one candidate with supervisory experience. An interest in metropolitan issues and a diverse background are valued. We particularly welcome candidates who, based on their personal or professional experience, can contribute to greater diversity within the council.
To ensure independent oversight, members of the board have no business or personal interests in the foundation. Furthermore, they have not held any executive or supervisory position at any of the foundation’s affiliated organizations in the past four years.
Specific Characteristics: Educational Profile
Member of the Quality Committee
- Has demonstrable experience in the field of education, for example as an administrator, director, policy advisor, or supervisor.
- Understands the dynamics of education and school partnerships and is aware of current challenges, such as the teacher shortage, equity, and the shift toward inclusive education.
- Is able to assess the quality of education and discuss it, including based on data and research.
- Experience with urban issues, successful school careers, and/or collaboration between education, youth services, and parents is a plus.
Specific characteristics: Social and Administrative Profile
Member of the Compensation Committee
- Has experience in the public sector, such as in public administration, youth services, social services, healthcare, or government.
- Has experience in a leadership, advisory, or supervisory role within a large, dynamic organization.
- Understands administrative relationships and organizational development, and knows how public and social organizations operate within networks.
- Contributes ideas on strategic or change management issues and links societal developments to the work of the partnership.
Scope, expectations, and compensation
The Board of Trustees meets an average of five times a year and also convenes in its various committees. In addition, a thematic meeting with the student councils is held once a year, and consultations with the OPR-PO and OPR-VO take place twice a year.
The compensation for this position is in line with national guidelines and customary practices in collaborative arrangements. For a member of the Supervisory Board, this amounts to 7,500 euros per year.
