Chair and Board Member of the Dutch Breast Cancer Association

About the Dutch Breast Cancer Association

Every year, approximately 18,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer. BVN is committed to supporting everyone who is currently dealing with or has dealt with breast cancer, or who has a hereditary or familial predisposition, so that they receive the best possible treatment, care, and support. This means treatment that is tailored to their needs and suits them. We do this through advocacy, providing information, and connecting patients with peers. We focus on all aspects of care and aftercare, and collaborate with hospitals, researchers, health insurers, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of care and quality of life.

We consider the patient’s perspective in all stages of care and aftercare that patients experience. BVN brings key issues to the attention of hospitals, researchers, health insurers, and other key stakeholders. In addition, we respond to current developments and decisions made by the government and health insurers, and we collaborate with other (cancer) organizations.

BVN provides breast cancer patients and their loved ones with reliable, up-to-date information. This enables them to make informed decisions about their treatment and how they wish to manage their disease 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.

BVN is a patient organization with 5,400 members, 160 of whom serve as volunteers. In addition, BVN has a professional staff of 10 employees led by a director. We are currently developing a new multi-year strategy to further define our mission, expand our staff, and establish strategies to address challenges such as declining membership and changes in the healthcare system.

The Board

The BVN Board is responsible for managing the association and reports annually to the General Members’ Meeting (GMM). Day-to-day management is in the hands of the director, who draws up the multi-year strategy, the annual plan, and the budget, which are then adopted by the board. The board oversees the implementation of these by the director and the day-to-day management of the office and operations.

In addition to this supervisory role, the Board serves as an advisor, sparring partner, and employer to the Executive Director. The Board fulfills these roles in a professional and independent manner, in accordance with the law, the Healthcare Governance Code, the association’s articles of incorporation, the Board regulations, the Executive Director regulations, and the Board’s vision. The board represents the association at the administrative level within the BVN’s field of activity and seeks both solicited and unsolicited advice from the Members’ Advisory Council in the performance of its responsibilities.

The board meets seven times a year. Responsibilities are divided among the board members. There are agenda, audit, and compensation committees that advise the board on specific matters. A general meeting of members is held once a year, and the board conducts an annual self-evaluation.

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.

Profiles of New Board Members

The board is a passionate team with complementary areas of expertise. We are looking for candidates who:

· Have an affinity with BVN’s objectives and experience in administrative roles
· Be able to evaluate the association’s policies and operations
· Be able to strike the right balance between involvement and administrative detachment in relation to the director
·      Possess integrity, responsibility, and independence
· Be able to provide excellent oversight and advice as part of a team
· Have a relevant network and sufficient time

New board members must be or become members of BVN. According to the bylaws, the board must consist of a majority of current or former breast cancer patients. Given the current composition of the board, one of the two new members must 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.

Chairperson 

In addition to these general qualities, the new chairperson possesses:

· Excellent leadership skills and experience in playing a leading role in decision-making processes, team building, and boardroom dynamics
· Collaborative qualities and the ability to provide direction and communicate a vision
· A keen eye for governance and the Healthcare Governance Code
· Ample time and flexibility to fulfill the role intensively, both internally and, where necessary, externally

The chair serves on the Agenda and Compensation Committee, acts as the board’s primary point of contact for external relations, and serves as an important sounding board for the director. The chair presides over board meetings and the annual general meeting.

Board member 

For the position of board member, we are seeking a professional with knowledge and experience in one of the following areas: patient advocacy groups, advocacy, breast cancer care, fundraising, healthcare, or strategic communications. Professionals with a financial background or an interest in the position of secretary are also welcome to apply.

We look forward to meeting professionals from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

Procedure

We ask candidates who fit the above profile to send their cover letter and resume to Marjan van Beest, Financial, Administrative, and HR Assistant, by January 31, 2025: beest@borstkanker.nl

Interviews with selected candidates will be conducted in two rounds. The selection committee consists of board members. The director and a delegation from the Members’ Advisory Council serve in an advisory capacity.

The current board intends to nominate these two candidates for appointment at the General Members' Meeting on May 24, 2025. 

If you have any questions regarding the job descriptions, please contact the current chair, Jeannette de Vries, via Marjan van Beest, our finance, administrative, and HR staff member: beest@borstkanker.nl or 030-291 72 22. For questions about the application process, please contact Marjan van Beest. 

To join the board, you must be able to provide a valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG). A review regarding (potential) conflicts of interest will also be conducted.

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