Bert Voorbraak has been the new Director General of Logius since 26 February 2024. His mission? To guide Logius into a new era where digitalisation not only brings efficiency but also strengthens public trust in the government. “My experience in both the private and public sectors has taught me how crucial digitalisation is for effective public service delivery,” says Voorbraak.
Career
Bert Voorbraak began his career at Philips, followed by a move to the public sector at the Tax and Customs Administration. During his time there, a significant digital transformation took place: the complete digitalisation of payroll tax data. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent roles at the Legal Aid Board and the Cadastre, where digitalisation was also a central focus.
Opportunities and challenges
Why Logius? “At the Cadastre, I was involved in a similar project to what Logius is undertaking; replacing the digital infrastructure. The lessons I learned there are now invaluable in my role at Logius,” says Voorbraak.
How does Voorbraak view the critical report (in Dutch) by the Advisory College on ICT assessment regarding the transition to new ICT infrastructure at Logius? Voorbraak recognises there have been significant challenges and that more will emerge. He also highlights the potential for improvement, the dedication of his colleagues, and the knowledge within the organisation. Bert Voorbraak is confident that Logius can face upcoming challenges, especially “when we tackle these challenges together and with trust in each other.”
Priorities
What are Voorbraak’s priorities? “The infrastructure migration. That project has taken far too long and has hindered the digital government in achieving its ambitions.” He is aware that this transition takes time but feels a strong determination within the organisation and himself to advance Logius.
Generic Digital Infrastructure
Strengthening the internal organisation
Besides operational goals, Voorbraak emphasises the importance of Logius as an employer. “Attracting and retaining staff is essential for the organisation’s continuity,” he states. “Investing in talent development and a positive working environment. In my eyes, it’s the key to strengthening Logius’s workforce.” He is proud to administer the oath and pledge to all new employees. “So, then I’m in one room with every new colleague. It’s fun. At the same time, focusing on retaining those talents is a serious commitment.”
Service delivery
Which Logius projects could use more attention? “Most people know Logius from MijnOverheid and DigiD. However, business transactions, where many companies and government organisations exchange data, are equally important. This is managed through Digipoort. For instance, the exchange of all payroll data with the Tax and Customs Administration. So, if it fails even for a day, it poses as big a problem such as when issues arise with DigiD.”
Security
And speaking of digital outages, how does Logius ensure that all data and systems remain secure? “Cybersecurity and privacy protection are paramount for a safe digital government,” Voorbraak stresses. “This is achieved through security and privacy by design. Trust is good, but a crisis-ready organisation that addresses disruptions is equally important.”
Participation
Voorbraak also shares his vision on user-centric service. He emphasises the importance of collaboration among government organisations to make Logius’s services accessible to all citizens. By listening to user feedback and working with other organisations, Logius aims to bridge the digital divide and promote an inclusive digital society.
Openness and transparency
Finally, Voorbraak calls on professionals within the digital government to collaborate and connect promptly. “Openness and transparency are crucial for strengthening trust in government,” he says. With his open approach and determination to improve the digital government, Bert Voorbraak promises to usher in a new era of innovation and collaboration at Logius.
