Description
In The Netherlands the state has a double role regarding the social security system. At the same time the Dutch state redistributes welfare and regulates this redistribution. Braithwaite uses the term ‘new regulatory state’. This implies that instead of a command-and-control type of regulation there is more space for responsiveness. The ‘more steering than rowing’ principle also applies for The Netherlands. The state decentralized the authority for the implementation of social security. The Netherlands social security is mainly conducted by municipalities (social services), the Dutch Employment Insurance Agencies (UWV) and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). The state gives a framework within these agencies must act. The responsive regulation approach is embraced by these agencies. In order to explore to what extent agents adjust their enforcement style, as stated in the responsive regulation approach (Ayres & Braithwaite), several case studies will be conducted; at three municipal social services and at two Employment Insurance Agencies. The first case study at a social service has led to five findings. First of all I observed responsive regulation in the approach of agents. The second finding is that agents experience that they have a double role in which they have to switch between enforcement and service provision. I also observed that agents have their own (citizen) approach and that they are aware of their mutual differences. The agents seem to have the same objectives, which they try to reach in different manners. Another finding is that the social service I studied is a ‘customer friendly’ agency with a warm appearance and a positive atmosphere. The last impression is that the vision of the agency can be seen (of course with some exceptions) throughout the whole institution; from the front-desk employees to the client managers to the director.| Period | 7 Jul 2016 |
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| Event title | 6th Standing Group on Regulatory Governance Biennial Conference: Between Collaboration and Contestation Regulatory Governance in a Turbulent World |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | TilburgShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |