Introducing the Marathon Runners of the Public Service

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a top civil servant? It's like running a marathon, where the majority of the race is run without an audience. Just like a marathon runner, top civil servants carefully build up their race, spending time in a group but ultimately knowing they have to go it alone, and that at some point, they will face challenges that test their endurance. These top civil servants are the vital link between the administrative service and the political system, often playing a pivotal role in the delicate balance of political-administrative relations.

Providing Insight into the Lives of 44 Top Civil Servants

Our book delves into the world of the "marathon runners of the public service," specifically focusing on the ministries surrounding the Binnenhof in The Hague. Through the years 1970-2010, we explore the lives and work of 44 top civil servants, including Secretaries-General and Directors-General. Who are these individuals? What is their background? How did they reach their positions? And most importantly, how did they fulfill their roles? We examine their relationships with ministers and colleagues, showcasing their power and influence, as well as the limitations they faced. Additionally, we shed light on the conflicts they encountered and how politicians attempted to influence their appointments and work.

Authored by Roel Bekker, an Expert in Public Sector Relations

Our book is written by Roel Bekker, a renowned expert in public sector relations. With a background in law from the University of Groningen, Bekker served in various roles within the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, and the Environment, including Deputy Secretary-General. Following his time in the public sector, he served as a consultant, partnering with TwijnstraGudde. In 1998, Bekker was appointed Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sport. From 2007-2010, he served as the Program Secretary-General for the Rijksdienst Renewal program, responsible for streamlining and improving the government. Bekker is also a distinguished professor of Labor Relations in the public sector at Leiden University (Albeda Chair),a position he has held since 2008.

Join us on this captivating journey as we explore the lives and work of the marathon runners of the public service, providing unique insights into the intricate world of top civil servants.