RvA takes important steps towards the future
Outcome of final report of evaluation by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate on effectiveness and efficiency of the Raad voor Accreditatie
Once every five years, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA). On behalf of the ministry, the AEF/SEO agencies conducted the evaluation. The RvA is using this evaluation to learn from and to strengthen its cooperation with stakeholders. The researchers concluded that the RvA has carried out its tasks efficiently and effectively over the past five years. In addition, the final report states: Within a dynamic internal and external context, the RvA has contributed to the social value of accreditation. On 14 February 2022, the Minister of Economic Affairs, Micky Adriaansens, informed parliament about the outcome of this final report. The Framework Act for independent administrative bodies, to which the RvA also belongs, prescribes this evaluation.
Annet Jonk, Director of Competition and Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate says: “I am pleased with the outcome of this evaluation. Accreditation is a useful policy instrument that can be used in a wide variety of ways. In regulation, the use of accreditation makes it possible to link up with the self-regulating capacity of the market. The RvA creates trust in the system of self-regulation. And thus in the quality of products and services.
Considerable professionalisation
During the 2016-2020 evaluation period, the RvA made significant professionalisation efforts. Important steps have been taken towards the future, the research agencies state in their report. In general, the RvA operates effectively and efficiently, supported by an effective internal and external governance structure. The RvA is also aware of social developments and responds to these where possible. The report underlines the importance of further strengthening and expanding the digitalisation and more externally oriented attitude of the current two-member board.
Recommendations
The report also provides the RvA with a number of recommendations:
- Continue to invest in digitisation and risk-based working, while keeping an eye on other aspects of change.
- Invest in communication towards clients and assessors.
- Continue to search, together with policy partners, for ways to increase the social value of accreditation.
- Explore (with clients) the possibilities of shortening processing times and reducing the administrative burden.
Roeland Nieuweboer, Chairman of the Board of the RvA, is pleased with the conclusions of the report. “I am proud of the achievements that we have made with all our colleagues. It’s gratifying that the researchers have noticed that. We appreciate the contribution of the many stakeholders and customers to the survey. The response of 61% to a survey of our customers underlines their great commitment. The recommendations made are valuable reflections for us and help us to do our work better. Taking our Strategy 2021-2025 as our starting point, we will, in the next few years, continue to strengthen our contribution to the trust in the quality and safety of products and services. The aforementioned focal points are in line with our strategic objectives. We are already achieving the first results.”
Download report here.