People do not realise how much effort is being made to make things run smoothly.
Together with two colleagues, Bastiaan is responsible for smooth project organisation within the IND. As an operational manager, he connects the right staff with the right projects. His expertise is ICT-related projects.
‘I’m a father of five children,’ Bastiaan begins when he tells why he transitioned from the commercial world to the IND. ‘And as I was growing older, I started to think about what I really considered important in life. And what I wanted to pass on to my children. For me, that was love. And you can spread love within your own circle, but I think it’s also a responsibility you have towards society. I took this step consciously because I want to leave something behind. I want to contribute and make society a little better.’
Bastiaan does not have any contact with the people who apply for residence in the Netherlands, but ensures that the staff – who do have contact with them – can do their job well. ‘Many projects within the IND have the purpose to improve activities so that we can perform our social task well,’ he explains. ‘I am responsible for the quality and correct deployment of project leaders, often people with technical knowledge, for projects which are essential for the work of the IND. Which colleague suits which task? What can I do to make the staff member, the commissioner and the IND benefit the most?’
An example is the Robotics ICT project, which must have the right level of quality to meet the targets. ‘Through Robotic process automation (RPA), the IND has made huge leaps in the automation of recurring tasks within the IND,’ Bastiaan tells. ‘For example automatic data processing or generation of standard reports. By doing so, we have shortened the processing time of certain procedures and staff have more time to focus on complex cases and the human dimension. This is also in applicants’ interest.’
Bastiaan was also closely involved in the project 1-Loket: Multi Disciplinair Intake Team, Dutch for one-desk multi-disciplinary intake team, or MDIT in short. ‘This is an important step for the IND,’ he thinks. ‘Together with colleagues, I set up this desk to improve the influx of projects. MDIT has the aim to improve the quality of the projects, the processing time and consistency of projects. And, of course, we strive for professionalisation and effective deployment of our scarce capacity.’
The organisation of projects also brings about certain challenges. Together with his team, Bastiaan must ensure that they align adequately with the exact need of the commissioner. Balancing different projects and keeping commissioners happy requires flexibility and insight. ‘And that sometimes means making difficult choices,’ Bastiaan says. ‘Of course there is sometimes misalignment between one party or another. That can happen. Then I engage in a dialogue with the parties to see how we can find a solution.’ He laughs and adds: ‘I think that’s a challenging game.’
‘The best thing about my work?’ Bastiaan takes a moment to think. ‘When I see that I have helped someone. That’s why I do this job; that’s why I’m a manager. Coaching and supporting my staff gives me energy. They are completely at the centre for me; with them, I achieve the results. And if an important or complex project turns out well, it gives me satisfaction to share the success. ‘Getting something done together; that gives me a warm feeling.’
‘And besides,’ Bastiaan continues, ‘I am grateful that my work contributes indirectly to improving the IND and the people who are confronted with it. To see the effect my work has on my team, I went to a reception centre and a hearing in court. Ony then was I able to feel the reality behind the numbers and systems I work with on a daily basis and see with my own eyes what’s facing our colleagues who have contact with the people who want to come to the Netherlands. Now, I can think at the end of each day: yes, maybe I’ve made a small difference.’
Although Bastiaan has only worked for the IND for a couple of months, he feels right at home. ‘There are stereotypes of civil servants with a nine-to-five mentality, but that’s not the case here,’ he laughs. ‘Each day, I meet kind, nice people who are dedicated and do their utmost. The work of the IND is essential for the Netherlands and I think that many people do not realise how much effort is being made to make things run smoothly, something I respect a lot.’
The IND is always looking for people who feel passionate about their profession and society. Do you have an IT background like Bastiaan? Then have a look at the challenging ICT vacancies.
‘I want to be able to explain my decision so that people can understand it, even if I have to do it three times’ As a child, Salome fled from Georgia with her parents. She stayed in reception centres for six…
‘I assess whether we acted with due care’ Marjon works for the IND as a legal representative. In fact, she is a kind of lawyer employed by…
‘Everyone I meet here wants the best for society’ Working at operations, isn’t that boring? On the contrary, Marisa thinks. According to her,…