Waalwijk Municipality marks the 100th entry in the Algorithm Register. With this step, the municipality makes the move towards openness and transparency in their processes.
Top tip
Martijn Pot, ICT Team Manager of Waalwijk Municipality, found joining the register and publishing straightforward. His top tip is to use the provided templates: “By using templates and a generic description provided by the software supplier, we were able to adopt the algorithm description from the supplier in one go.” Waalwijk now has three algorithms in the Register and more will follow. The municipality’s website also includes a reference to the Algorithm Register, with a focus on clear communication with residents. Pot says: “It shows to everyone that we are really committed to helping make the government more transparent!’
Ongoing development
The first version of the Algorithm Register was launched in December 2022. It laid the groundwork for further development. Submitting information about algorithms is not yet mandatory for government organisations, but that requirement is anticipated. In the meantime, an increasing number of government organisations are voluntarily publishing algorithms. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) is working on the Algorithm Framework. This clarifies for governments what requirements apply to algorithms and how they can ensure their algorithms comply.
Engaging with algorithms
Does your organisation also want to get started with publishing algorithms, further improve already published algorithms, or be better prepared for future developments or legislation? Check the Pleio community site for all current information (in Dutch). There, you can find many resources for organisations wanting to get started with publishing algorithms. Think of guidelines, a publication standard, a writing guide, a video animation, and practical stories from other organisations. You can also schedule an appointment for an introduction or joining session via email: algoritmes@minbzk.nl.
