Report from the Supervisory Board
The past year was again one in which significant steps were taken on important matters. And in which we appointed Carina Hilders as new Chair of the Executive Board.
From our role as supervisor, employer and advisor of the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board continues to be closely involved in these steps. We take the time and listen attentively to developments in healthcare, education, research, and valorization. The Supervisory Board met in 2024 on a wide range of topics, besides the mandatory financial ones like financial statements, quarterly figures, investments, and budget.
The Healthcare of Tomorrow program continued to take shape in 2024, with UMC Utrecht’s transformation towards a future-proof organization as the central thread. A large organizational change of this order demands a meticulous approach. As the Supervisory Board, we spent much time and attention to this and conducted in-depth discussions with the Executive Board and the steering group regarding the choices that need to be made. These discussions gave us much confidence in the steps lying ahead. The master plan for Accommodation is another important key topic. The Supervisory Board was involved in setting up the new Building and Accommodation department, with improved plans and a solid basis for the next 10 to 15 years.
The progress of the sustainability policy within UMC Utrecht as a whole was impressive. In particular the way in which this theme has now been interwoven with education and the commitment of students and lecturers via the working group for Planetary Health.
We also looked at the revision of the Medical curriculum, Which is thorough and inclusive. It provides scope for a broader vision of the medical field, including mental healthcare and social aspects such as wellbeing and habitat. This is in line with our New Utrecht School. We are proud of our researchers and their groundbreaking work in 2024. It is important to give them recognition for their innovative research. When a research group obtains a major research grant, the Supervisory Board is keen to get an update on the study from them.
Themes like patient safety, social safety, and integrity also drew considerable attention in 2024. The work of the confidential counselor, a safe culture, and (sexually) unacceptable behavior came under discussion. Many measures have already been taken, such as the four-eyes principle and role-play in courses. In 2024, we once again also talked with colleagues about patient participation. These meetings were inspiring and showed how important it is to have patients take part in reflection, discussion, and decision-making processes. A fine example is the This is Us .program.
Also in the areas of diversity and inclusion a lot has been happening, but important steps are still needed, particularly in terms of retaining diverse talent. It remains a social issue. Even though UMC Utrecht attracts diverse talent, we still do not always manage to retain these people.
In 2024, we said goodbye to two valuable members of the Supervisory Board. Marianne de Visser – vice-chair and chair of our Quality and Safety committee – brought knowledge and experience as a physician (neurologist). She played a considerable role in the way in which the Supervisory Board ensured quality and safety at UMC Utrecht. We also said goodbye to Aloys Kregting - chair of our HR & Governance committee and an appreciated member of the Audit committee, who always posed incisive questions from a different angle, and who was highly experienced in ICT and HR. Both of them have meant a lot for the Supervisory Board. As a new member of the Supervisory Board we welcomed Geraline Leusink on October 1, 2024.
A change also took place at board level, where we said goodbye to Executive Board chair Margriet Schneider. She was a standard bearer for UMC Utrecht. Together with her colleagues on the Executive Board, she provided nine years of unfailingly determined and courageous, yet human and humble leadership at UMC Utrecht. She was always willing to take a critical view of her own actions as well as those of the Executive Board. Carina Hilders took over from her on Augustus 1, 2024. In her, UMC Utrecht gains an experienced director with a clear vision of (female) leadership, communication, and transformation.
Looking ahead at 2025
In 2025, we will be preparing for the organizational transformation of UMC Utrecht in 2026. The broad outlines are there, and the impact on employees and the organization is considerable, As is the need to create financial scope for essential investments such as renovation plans. These are necessary to meet IZA standards. Financial returns therefore remains an important point. At the same time, it offers opportunities to strengthen innovation, sustainability, and the quality of our environment and work. Lastly, in 2025, we will be collaborating with the Dutch Ministry of Defense on a preparedness plan, so that UMC Utrecht will be ready in the event of a military conflict.
As the Supervisory Board, we are proud of the people at UMC Utrecht. Our researchers with their impressive, trailblazing research. Our healthcare professionals who do their utmost and work with heart and soul to provide care. And our educational staff who with passion are training new generations of professionals who are not only competent, but also ready for the society of the future – the healthcare of tomorrow.
On behalf of the Supervisory Board,
Henk Broeders, Chair
Read more on how the Supervisory Board fulfilled its supervisory role in 2024
