The FC division (including Procurement) has been set a cost-saving target of 500,000 euros compared with 2024.
A deep-dive analysis of the Procurement function took place between December 2025 and June 2026. The RUDO and other bodies will discuss the resulting advisory report after the summer. A deep-dive process had already been carried out for the remainder of the FC division. This analysis identified five cost-saving initiatives with a potential saving of 800,000 euros. In order to implement four of these cost-saving initiatives, it is desirable to introduce a new operational model for the FC division.
This proposed operational model was developed in close collaboration with the Finance Managers and discussed in various forums, including the RUDO, the Radboud Services Management Team and the informal UGV committees on Reorganisation and Cost-Cutting. The comments and recommendations arising from the consultations with these various bodies have been incorporated. The model was subsequently explained to staff in the FC division during the division meetings in April and May 20206.
Click here for the presentation (for FC staff only)
Current status
Operational Model and Organisational Change Plan
At the end of June, round-table sessions were organised regarding the operational model, aimed at gathering input from staff in the FC division on four key themes. These themes were based on previous questions raised by staff. Subsequently, several design sessions were held in July and August with members of the Finance Core Team. The input gathered during the round-table sessions was also utilised in this process. A meeting will follow after the summer to share and discuss the results of these design sessions with staff in the FC division.
The FC division is now (September 2026) at the stage where the operational model is being developed into an organisational change plan. This is being carried out by the Coordination Team, in collaboration with the HR advisers. Once the organisational change plan is finalised, it will be discussed with the various bodies. The Executive Board is expected to take a provisional decision on 12 October, after which it will be submitted to the Works Council for advice on 7 December. In January 2027, the Executive Board will then take a final decision and the roll-out of the new structure can begin.
Cost-saving initiatives and FC projects
A project team has been set up for each cost-saving initiative. In addition, a new project has been defined to support a new programme to replace the ERP-Finance system. The project teams have been working on project plans. These project plans form the basis for an overarching implementation plan for the FC division. Once the implementation plan has been definitively approved, the projects can commence as soon as possible. This is expected to be after the summer.
The following projects have been defined:
- Standardisation and simplification of administrative and repetitive tasks relating to the first funding stream (project leader: Jorien van Soest – CFA-General Ledger team leader);
- Standardisation and simplification of processes for the second and third funding streams (project leader: Gerard Baars – Manager of Finance & Control, FNWI);
- Automation of administrative processes for the first funding stream (project leader: Susan Bekers, Group Controller, CAR);
- Self-service and tooling within the Control function (project leader: Frank van de Rijdt – Project Controller and BI Analyst, FNWI);
- Automation of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable (project leader: René Noijen, Head of CFA);
- Initial steps towards the renewal of the Finance & Control ERP system (project leader: René Noijen, Head of CFA).