The Council for Public Administration (Raad voor het Openbaar Bestuur, ROB) is an independent advisory body to the government and parliament, established by law. The council provides advice either at the request of the government or on its own initiative. When the ROB issues advice, the cabinet is required to inform the Dutch House of Representatives of its position within three months.
The ROB advises on the organisation and functioning of the government, with the goal of enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency. In doing so, the council pays particular attention to the core principles of the democratic rule of law.
Through its advisory reports, publications, and research, the ROB aims to contribute meaningfully to political, administrative, and societal debates. In preparing its advice, the council involves individuals and organisations with experience in governance or expertise which can be helpful for a specific issue.
Publications
Publications that are available in English:
| 2025 | In pursuit of a stronger democracy For, with and by citizens |
| 2023 | Transitions, learning on the job Published for the OECD conference on Regulating risks in the Energy Transition |
| 2022 | Regaining authority The public administration's worthiness of authority |
| 2022 | From crisis to challenge Concerning the lasting consequences of the covid-19 pandemic for the municipalities and public bodies of the Caribbean Netherlands |
| 2021 | Acquiring, assessing and weighing The use of knowledge in policy advice in times of crisis |
| 2020 | A stronger rule of law Uniting and protecting in a pluralistic society |
| 2019 | Advisory report: The quest for truth Truth-tracking in our Democracy in the digital era |
| 2017 | Advisory report First the Political Choices, Then the Technical Details Rules of play for future-proof financial relations |
| 2016 | Discussion paper To Have the Swiss, but No Money A search for a new balance between municipal tasks, control and revenues |
| 2015 | Public funding of Societal Initiative Balancing Between Payment and Allocation |
| 2009 | The municipality and its finances Introduction to the financial relations between central government and the municipalities in the Netherlands |
Contact
For more information, please contact the ROB.