Become a confidential counsellor in one day!

Employment Law

2 November 2023

Become a confidential counsellor in one day!

Stelt u zich eens voor: u werkt al jaren met dezelfde zelfstandige. Hij stuurt facturen, factureert btw en heeft een eigen kvk-nummer. Toch krijgt u in 2026 ineens vragen van de Belastingdienst over de aard van uw samenwerking. Hoe heeft het zo ver kunnen komen?

Are you interested in creating a safe working environment? Do you want to become the confidential counsellor your organisation needs? Then we have good news! Our Masterclass “Become a Confidential Counsellor in 1 Day” is exactly what you need.

The confidential counsellor and the Working Conditions Act

On 1 October 1993, the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) was amended, and employers were required to have a policy against sexual harassment, aggression and violence in the workplace. This amendment was an important step towards a safer working environment.

Now, 30 years later, a further legislative amendment is about to be introduced to tackle undesirable conduct in the workplace. On the initiative of Senna Maatoug, businesses would be required to appoint a confidential counsellor. After all, almost 50% of businesses currently still do not have a confidential counsellor, meaning 3 million employees in the Netherlands have no access to this important figure.

The amendment to the Working Conditions Act also provides that the confidential counsellor can advise and assist employees in engaging experts or mediators, and can advise management and the works council. In addition, providing information to management and staff is also part of the confidential counsellor’s tasks. So there is also a preventive side to a confidential counsellor’s remit.

This bill was approved by the House of Representatives in May of this year and applies to businesses with more than 10 employees. The approval still needed from the Senate is, however, expected to be a tense process, since some parties support the mandatory appointment of a confidential counsellor, while others believe businesses cannot be required to do so. The outcome will affect the ability to give employees access to confidential counsellors and to improve the prevention and handling of undesirable conduct.

Considering becoming a confidential counsellor?

In today’s world, a confidential counsellor is invaluable to any organisation. The confidential counsellor plays a crucial role in creating a working environment where employees feel heard and respected. By taking part in our Masterclass, you will not only learn the essential skills and knowledge needed to fulfil this role, but you will also be prepared for the latest developments in legislation on this subject.

Who is this masterclass for?

People who have been appointed as confidential counsellor, but are looking to deepen their knowledge;
People who want to become a confidential counsellor;
HR professionals and lawyers who want to know more about undesirable conduct and integrity.

What can you expect?

During this training, Hella Vercammen (certified confidential counsellor no. 2473) will teach you to distinguish between undesirable conduct, integrity violations and workplace conflicts. You will learn to recognise undesirable conduct, how it can be prevented, and how to limit the consequences as much as possible. Naturally, you will also learn how to fulfil your role as confidential counsellor.

To help you properly absorb all the information during this interactive day, a lovely walk along the beautiful Poel in Amstelveen, enjoyed with luxury sandwiches, will be part of the day.

Practical information

Date: Thursday 9 November 2023
Instructor: Hella Vercammen (lawyer and certified confidential counsellor no. 2473)
Time: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Location: Laan Nieuwer-Amstel 4B, 1182 JT Amstelveen
Cost per participant: €495, excluding VAT
Sign up: Click here!

Become the confidential counsellor your organisation is looking for, and contribute to a safer and more respectful working environment. Our masterclass “Become a Confidential Counsellor in One Day” gives you the knowledge and tools you need to excel in this crucial role.

De afgelopen jaren stonden in het teken van de Wet VBAR, het wetsvoorstel dat een einde moest maken aan onduidelijkheid over de zzp’er. Het kabinet heeft delen van dat voorstel inmiddels geschrapt. Op het eerste gezicht is dat goed nieuws: minder regels, minder administratieve last. Maar in de praktijk blijven dezelfde toetsen overeind.

“De inhoud van de samenwerking is leidend, niet wat er op papier staat.”

De Belastingdienst handhaaft sinds 1 januari 2025 weer actief op schijnzelfstandigheid. En recente uitspraken van de Hoge Raad bevestigen dat rechters strikt toetsen of er sprake is van ondergeschiktheid en gezagsverhouding.

Voor uw praktijk betekent dit drie dingen. Een: leg de samenwerking duidelijk vast, met aandacht voor de inhoud. Twee: voorkom dat een zzp’er feitelijk werkt als werknemer. Drie: wees voorbereid op een controle, en weet hoe u de relatie kunt herzien als dat moet.

Heeft u vragen over uw concrete situatie? Wij sparren dagelijks met opdrachtgevers over hun zzp-relaties. Vraag een offerte op of bekijk onze Legal Safe abonnementen.