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Central government human resources policy

Central government employs some 150,000 people. It encourages its employees to develop their skills and work at more than one ministry. Central government seeks to be a socially inclusive employer and provide opportunities to people who have trouble finding a job, such as those with a work-limiting disability and the long-term unemployed.

Central government organisations

Central government comprises:

  • all government ministries;
  • executive agencies, such as the Tax Administration and Rijkswaterstaat;
  • inspectorates, such as the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate; and
  • autonomous administrative authorities, such as Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

Strategic human resources policy

Central government seeks to be an attractive employer, for both current and new employees. To this end, it works to:

The Strategic Central Government Human Resources Policy sets out all developments relevant to working for central government.
 

Senior managers within central government

All senior managers within central government work at various ministries in the course of their careers. This helps them get to know the different parts of the organisation.

Employee participation within central government

Central government employees are represented by around 220 works councils. These bodies deal with issues such as providing a pleasant, safe and supportive working environment. They also focus on the importance of a professional working environment that offers scope for development.

Group Works Council

The Group Works Council (GOR Rijk) is the highest employee participation body within central government. It deals with overarching topics that affect all civil servants and central government workplaces. It consults with central government’s senior leadership on these matters.
The following government ministries are represented in the Group Works Council:

  • Ministry of General Affairs
  • Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Ministry of Economic Affairs
  • Ministry of Finance
  • Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
  • Ministry of Justice and Security
  • Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature
  • Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
  • Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
  • Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport
  • Observer: Ministry of Defence