Government-wide Integrity Commission
Employees must be able to rely on a socially safe work environment and an effective, accessible reporting system. Within the central government sector, there is a system of resources for employees in the areas of social safety and integrity: confidential advisors, integrity coordinators, reporting centers, and committees. Some of these provisions apply across the entire government, but there are also differences between departments. The parties to the Central Government Collective Bargaining Agreement have decided to establish the Central Government Integrity Committee.Positioning of the Central Integrity Commission
The regulations governing the positioning of the Central Government Integrity Commission stipulate the following: The Commission is independent and impartial, is directly accessible, has autonomous responsibility, is located outside the premises and organizational structure of the central government, and is not directed or influenced by any ministry. The reporting mechanism is designed for employees who are unable, unwilling, afraid, or not permitted to report their concerns through existing channels.In urgent situations, it is important that this Integrity Committee also be able to implement an emergency procedure. This applies to integrity issues directly related to work, such as an acute social injustice, severe pressure, or serious inappropriate treatment and inappropriate behavior. It is up to the employee to demonstrate that an acute situation exists that cannot be delayed. The committee will investigate and address the reported issue, taking immediate action, if necessary, toward the organization’s highest-ranking manager to ensure the safety and well-being of the reporting employee.
The Commission handles reports of suspected misconduct and breaches of integrity. The Commission conducts its own fact-finding investigation or, with the consent of the reporter, engages expert investigators to conduct the fact-finding investigation. The Commission prepares an investigation report and, based on that report, provides findings and recommendations to the highest-ranking administrative official within the organization concerned. The Commission consists of a chairperson and four members. One of the members is also appointed as vice-chairperson. The chairperson and members are appointed by the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations following approval by the parties to the collective labor agreement.
The chairperson and members must be flexible enough to be available for meetings and sessions on scheduled days, as well as for discussions with whistleblowers and to respond to emergencies. Furthermore, they may not be civil servants or affiliated with a government department.
Qualification requirements for the (acting) chair:
- The ability to fulfill the role of chair of the Commission with authority and natural leadership.
- Possess the personality and background necessary to play a leading role in shaping policy and decision-making within the Commission.
- Have demonstrable knowledge and experience conducting investigations related to integrity issues and/or misconduct in a political and administrative setting.
- By having sufficient knowledge of the organization (and its culture) and the reporting landscape of the central government, based on their background or experience.
- To have a critical and inquisitive mindset.
- The ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
- To be environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
- Have strong empathy and the ability to put yourself in others' shoes, as well as good interpersonal skills.
- To be able to form an independent and objective judgment.
- To be honest and impartial.
Quality requirements for members:
- Have demonstrable knowledge and experience with research in the field of integrity issues and/or in the area of misconduct in a political and administrative context.
- Have expertise in at least one of the following areas: relevant laws and regulations, integrity, social safety, social and/or behavioral sciences, and the areas of work within the federal government.
- By having sufficient knowledge of the organization (and its culture) and the reporting landscape of the central government, based on their background or experience.
- To have a critical and inquisitive mindset.
- The ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team.
- To be environmentally conscious and socially responsible.
- Have strong empathy and the ability to put yourself in others' shoes, as well as good interpersonal skills.
- To be able to form an independent and objective judgment.
- To be honest and impartial.
The national government aims to ensure that the Commission has a diverse membership. Any other (part-time) work undertaken by the chair and members must not give rise to (even the appearance of) a potential conflict of interest with their membership on the National Integrity Commission.
Interested?
The government is being advised in this process by the recruitment and selection firm Colourful People. Mr. René F. Burgler, a partner at Colourful People, will be happy to answer any questions you may have. He can be reached at r.burgler@colourfulpeople.nl or mobile +316 2857 5436.Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter (both in PDF format) by March 9 at the latest upload via the application form on the Colourful People website. The interview dates have not yet been set, but we plan to complete the process in April.
