Board Secretariat

What does the administrative secretariat of the municipality of Wassenaar do?

Brenda: Our work is very diverse. We support the entire College of Mayor and Aldermen. We are the eyes and ears of the organization and ensure good cooperation in the background. 

Monica: We really do all kinds of things, no day is the same and no day goes the way you thought it would. You have to be able to stand that, being flexible is really a must in this job. Of course we do agenda management for the mayor, aldermen and town clerk. That is very complex and it is often quite a puzzle to meet all the demands. But there is so much more to it. 

Brenda: Our team is in the support unit, immediate colleagues we work with a lot are those from cabinet affairs and facilities. And when they're up, we help pour coffee or welcome people, for example.

Hetty: We have a very nice team of four employees and work closely together. We replace each other when necessary and can always contact each other. It's very nice to have colleagues who know exactly what the work entails.

What is the best thing about working at the municipality of Wassenaar?

Brenda: The best part is that you know everyone in the organization. The municipality of Wassenaar is a relatively small organization and the lines of communication are very short. That also ensures that a lot is possible. If I have helped organize an entrepreneurs' breakfast, I really enjoy taking a look around there. That is of course not obligatory, but the possibility is there.

Monica: We have a permanent office in Raadhuis De Paauw, a beautiful workplace. During the break we often walk around the estate or go to the Langstraat for coffee and an errand. What I also find very special is that the municipality itself is so diverse. It is quite a small village, but we have beach, forest, a National Park, an AZC, about 40 ambassadors live in Wassenaar and we even have an amusement park. I don't think I need to explain that this also makes for a very diverse organization and activities.

What do you need as a board secretarial assistant?

Hetty: I think it's not even so much about your background, but more about your personality. You have to be strong, flexible, stress-resistant and have a positive attitude. Being able to keep an overview, think in solutions and keep a cool head is also important.

Monica, Brenda & Hetty: And most important of all: JOY!