The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.
The Interstedelijk Studenten Overleg (ISO) and the Landelijke Studentenvakbond (LSVb), two key organizations that represent the interests of students at universities and colleges, receive subsidies from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). This study assessed the effectiveness and efficiency of the subsidies to ISO and LSVb for the period 2022-2024.
The evaluation shows that ISO and LSVb are achieving their goals and that this would not, or only partially, be possible without the institutional subsidies. ISO and LSVb are viewed as professional organisations that are seen as full-fledged partners by external parties, effectively advocating for student interests to the outside world. The available resources are being used efficiently and there are no suitable alternative funding models identified. ISO and LSVb leverage the subsidies as a means for free labour through the contribution of volunteers and support from other organisations. This way, ISO and LSVb not only contribute to the implementation of their goals themselves but also strengthen the capacity and involvement of other student (organisations).
Some recommendations from the study regarding improving the efficiency of the subsidies to ISO and LSVb are:
- Increase professionalism in HRM and administrative areas.
- Address the high perceived work pressure and turnover among board members.
- Continue to consider the interests of all students, as well as other interest groups representing specific student populations.
A few recommendations for OCW are:
- Maintain the subsidy as it is effective and efficient, and consider raising it if OCW wants to mitigate the identified shortcomings in effectiveness and efficiency.
- Increase interest in the local departments and boards to ensure the long-term effectiveness of ISO and LSVb.
