Doing one's bit
Evaluation of the local boards
Directors and supervisors
'When I came from Egypt to the Netherlands, I became a
client at the Rabobank. This is more than forty years ago.
As a pharmacist, I was a business client. I have always felt
at home at the Rabobank and advised acquaintances to
bank there as well. In 1996, I was asked to join the super
visory board. The idea of influencing your own bank from
within appealed to me. The supervisors supervise the
board of directors and the management; we monitor the
affairs, the plans for the future, staff policy and whether
the bank acts in accordance with the co-operative idea. In
this way, I hope to contribute to maintaining the local
bank, which is really and truly there for its clients.'
Magdy Ramzy, member of the supervisory board,
Rabobank Oss
networks and tools was offered to local managers and supervisors.
This programme focuses in greater depth on the themes dealt with
in earlier large-scale conferences. In its preparation, the needs
voiced by managers and supervisors have been taken into account.
Their mutual co-operation and combined effectiveness are vital to
the success of the local banks.
Following the review of the central management model, the local
management model will be evaluated as well. In the final months of
the year under review, a start was made with the evaluation of the
local model introduced in 1998. In a survey, managers, supervisors
and directors of the local banks were able to state their views on
the functioning and future resilience of this model. No conclusions
have been drawn as yet from the opinions collected. However,
two-thirds of the respondents are in favour of continuing the present
model, although a majority deems refocusing of role definitions and
responsibilities a requirement for further improvement of the quali
ty of the management and supervision of local banks. One third of
the respondents is of the opinion that a different management
model is desirable in the short term.The Directors particularly are in
favour of a management structure that is more in line with that of
the umbrella co-operative Rabobank Nederland. In 2003, the Task
Force for Local Management will present proposals concerning the
future management structure of the local bank co-operatives.