Strong participation is essential for our university community. As a special university, Radboud University can deviate from the Higher Education and Scientific Research Act (Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, WHW) within its governance. However, the current deviations can create ambiguity and lead to differences in interpretation and thus discussions on procedures rather than content. The aim of the future-proof participational project is to formulate a proposal that is as close as possible to the WHW , while keeping in mind our identity and the legal personality of our university, in order to create more clarity and uniformity.
To optimise this, we are starting, on behalf of the University Joint Assembly and the Executive Board, to formulate a proposal that offers a fully-fledged alternative to the current employee participation system and its regulations. The intended result is future-proof employee participation in which procedures are clear and people can discuss the content constructively.
A detailed account of the bachgroud for this project is attached as a download (in Dutch).
How do we proceed?
We will seek consensus on a new co-determination system, including the necessary regulations. This proposal will be submitted to the relevant bodies. The special nature, identity and legal personality of Radboud University require a careful process involving our entire academic community. The process therefore includes a broad discussion with all stakeholders to ensure that we include all perspectives.
Planning
The trajectory starts with a kick-off symposium, on 11 October 2024, followed by three pick-up sessions in November and January. In these sessions, we collect input from all participation bodies. Based on this, a writing group will work on a proposal, with a first version in early January. After rounds of feedback and testing for support and feasibility, the final proposal will be submitted to the university joint assembly at the end of March 2025.
Strong employee participation is something we do together: have your say!
All staff and students are part of our academic community and have an interest in strong co-determination. We therefore invite everyone to contribute to this process and work together towards a clear and widely supported system. Further opportunities to have a say will be shared on this page.
- First pick-up sessions: 6, 7 November
- Second pick-up sessions: 20, 21 November
- Third pick-up sessions: 15, 16 January
Symposium Future-proof Participation
On 11 October 2024, the kick-off of the WHW process took place with the symposium ‘Future-proof Participation’. Several guest speakers emphasised the importance of a strong and future-proof employee participation system. The symposium addressed both the objectives of employee participation and the current set-up of the system, which provided clarification and new insights for many participants.
Participants were given the opportunity to exchange thoughts, which contributed to an interactive atmosphere. There was also a panel discussion with several experts on concrete topics related to co-determination, such as the relationship between control and co-determination, and the legal framework. This showed that the relationships between the different actors within co-determination are crucial for mutual trust and cooperation. A positive culture and working atmosphere are essential to ensure these good relations.
The process counsellors also gave a brief explanation of the next steps. The symposium ended with drinks in the Culture Café, where the various bodies had the opportunity to meet and discuss the day's insights.