The NPD is innovative because we are an independent and informal collaborative alliance of over 80 public service organisations. In addition, there are still new organisations who join us. This started in 2021. As a network, we are a credible partner for politics on behalf of various public service organisations, and collaborate on generic themes such as sharing of data, tight labour market, shortages of houses and digitalisation. Together as one network, we are a strong brand towards policy and politics. A discussion partner who stands for all the public service organisations with the aim of improving these services for citizens and entrepreneurs. These organisations provide public services in various domains, for example justice, economic affairs, education, health, etc. As a network we recognise the importance of continuing to improve these services by sharing experiences in order to learn from each other.

As an informal network of public service organisations, our aim is to align more organisations so we can present an even stronger voice towards politicians and policy makers.
Currently we have several partnerships with other governmental organisations to improve services to citizens and entrepreneurs. We are working towards strengthening relationships with government officials and other stakeholders.

These relationships have for example resulted in the following products/services:
-A letter to the informer of the new government about our views of improving public services;
- A joint note to advance the sharing of data between public services;
-Organisation of an annual conference for public services on various themes.

We are extending our relationships with politicians and other government officials, for example the State Committee, the Ombudsman (a mediator for government and citizens), the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG). Each of these institutions contribute to improve public services to society.

The NPD aims to improve public services for citizens and entrepreneurs. At the same time the public service organisations benefit from this network because of the advantages of working together. Government officials and civil servants benefit from this network, because they’ll know whether their policy is feasible. Also political parties, media, the Association of Dutch Municipalities, advice councils can benefit because of their possible contribution to public services.

• We organise 21 working groups on various topics
• Monthly meetings with the board members of the public services organisations and their advisers
• Building a strong network with stakeholders
• 45 organisations participate in our annual benchmark in which we compare data on business operations in order to improve the performances.
• The number of participating organisations has increased from 72 (2021) till 80 (2024) and still increases.
• Over 200.000 employees have access to the activities of the NPD
• We facilitate 26 (well visited) expert communities in which experts exchange good and bad practices and facilitate platforms to support mobility of staff within the public sector.
• An annual conference for all members of the NPD

• As an informal network of public service organisations we have invested in relationships with the Dutch government. In 2023 elections for parliament were held and now a new government is being formed. Because we have to start again building these relationships there is a risk that agreements and outcomes no longer apply.
• Because of the different nature of the network members agreement on generic files is not always achieved.
• It requires trust to share good as well as bad practices and failures. The increase of the network may jeopardise this trust. A safe environment has to be maintained.

The success of the NPD is the mutual trust to work together, to share experiences, to inspire, to support and to learn from each other. In addition, we are a recognisable brand for improving public services. To achieve this success the NPD has programme teams, well organised regularly meetings of representatives of the members, an annual benchmark etc. Besides this it’s important to continue to invest in support of the NPD members.

We believe in the informal and open structure with involved members, visible and engaged chair and professional support teams.

Our aim is setting an example for other national and European public service organisations to unite, stand strong and speak with one voice. A collaboration in Europe can contribute to the awareness that EU laws and regulations have impact on public services in all European memberstates. Together we stand strong! It would be a great achievement for us, if we could inspire more public service organisations in Europe.

• It takes time and commitment to build a network like NPD, to align more organizations and to establish a good governance.
• It is important to have visible ambassadors like an involved chair and enthusiastic supportive teams
• Members have to invest time and effort in building the network

The network is not formally arranged. This gives us independency in our work. The network is based on commitment and collaboration and is founded by the public service organisations themselves.
We have a straightforward governance which consists of the board and the members.
Overhead expenses of the Programme Teams of the NPD are low.