Board of directors
The boards of directors of all 12 Chambers of Commerce are organised in the same way:
Governing Board
The Governing Boards of the Chambers of Commerce are a reflection of the regional trade and industry. The members of the Governing Board are appointed by regional entrepreneurs’, employers’ and employees’ organisations. These organisations are in turn designated by the Social and Economic Council (SER).
Composition and tasks of the board
The size and composition of the Board matches up as well as possible with the number and type of registered companies in the region. In principle, any entrepreneur or employee can be nominated as a member of the Board. Through this Board, the entrepreneurs, employers and employees in the region determine to a great extent how the main tasks of the Chamber of Commerce are defined and carried out. The Governing Board determines budgets and defines policy. The members are appointed for four years.
Executive Board
An Executive Board is chosen from the Governing Board, mostly with the addition of an independent chair.
Committees
If extensive preparatory studies and/or intensive preliminary consultation are necessary for particular decisions, committees are often set up. These committees may include members of the Chamber of Commerce, but also external experts.
Consultation round
In the annual consultation round, every entrepreneur can make suggestions about the course to be followed in the coming year. The Governing Board then draws up the plan of activities, based in part on this input.
Objections
You can lodge objections against Chamber of Commerce decisions with the Chamber of Commerce itself. It is also possible to lodge appeals with the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (College van Beroep voor het Bedrijfsleven). Complaints about treatment by the Chamber of Commerce come under the jurisdiction of the Ombudsman.
Supervision
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation is the supervisor on behalf of the government and keeps a finger on the pulse, in consultation with the Chamber of Commerce.