What is a Client Advisory Board?

A Client Advisory Board is a group of clients or their representatives within a mental healthcare institution who have a say in the policy and organization of care. The board represents the interests of all clients and aims to promote and safeguard the quality of care. In the Netherlands, having a Client Advisory Board is mandatory for healthcare institutions, as stipulated in the Participation of Clients in Healthcare Institutions Act (Wmcz 2018).

Why is a Client Advisory Board important?

The Client Advisory Board provides a platform for clients to have their voices heard and to actively participate in shaping the care they receive. Through regular consultations with the institution’s management, the board can influence important decisions affecting client care and wellbeing. This includes matters such as care accessibility, waiting times, staff interactions, and treatment quality.

Roles and responsibilities of the Client Advisory Board

The board has various roles and responsibilities, including:

1. Right to advise: The board advises on issues that affect daily care provision, such as new policies, changes in care, or reorganizations.
2. Right to consent: For certain decisions, the institution must obtain the board’s consent, for example when changing house rules or implementing new care policies.
3. Consultation with management: The board regularly meets with the institution’s management or board of directors to discuss possible improvements and provide feedback on policies.
4. Monitoring care quality: The board monitors care quality, for example by conducting client surveys or reviewing complaint reports.

Who can be a member of the Client Advisory Board?

The board consists of clients of the institution or their representatives, such as family members or informal caregivers. To represent the diversity and different perspectives within the institution well, the board aims for a broad composition. Members are usually appointed for a specific term and are often elected or nominated by the clients themselves.

Benefits of being a board member

Being a member offers several advantages:

• Influence: You have the opportunity to make a real difference in how care is organized and delivered.
• Collaboration and networking: You work with other clients and healthcare professionals, leading to valuable contacts and opportunities.
• Skill development: Participation helps develop skills like negotiation, advising, and policy thinking.

Vacancy: Members wanted for the Client Advisory Board!

Are you a client at rTMS International and want to contribute to improving care? We are looking for enthusiastic and committed clients to strengthen our Client Advisory Board team!

What we offer:

• A platform to have your voice heard and influence care policy.
• The opportunity to actively participate in meetings and advise on important decisions.
• Collaboration with a diverse team of clients and healthcare professionals.
• A chance to contribute to improving the quality of care within our institution.

Who are we looking for?

We seek clients or their representatives who are:

• Motivated to contribute to care improvement.
• Able to work well in a team.
• Able to think critically and provide constructive feedback.
• Willing to regularly attend meetings (about 4 to 6 times per year).

How to apply

Interested or want more information? Please send an email to secretariaat@rtms-international.com with a short motivation and your contact details. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Together, we improve care for everyone!