Awb basiscursus Add to favorites

The General Administrative Law Act (Awb) has formed the foundation of all administrative law in the Netherlands since 1994 and is therefore considered the most important basic law for government action. Every government employee comes into contact with this law to a greater or lesser extent.

It is therefore of essential importance that this employee possesses sufficient basic knowledge of the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). Failure to apply this law, or applying it incorrectly, can have far-reaching consequences for your organization. Consider, for example, extra staff effort and costs, objections, complaints, damage claims, the forfeiture of penalty payments, costly delays in the realization of plans and projects, but also the failure to achieve policy objectives and reputational damage.

Basic principles
Every government employee must possess sufficient basic knowledge of the General Administrative Law Act (Awb). During the course, the most important topics from this Act will be reviewed. This involves not only a good understanding of the content, but especially its significance for day-to-day government practice. The following principles apply:

• To make participants aware of the legal environment in which they work on a daily basis and the risks that may arise;
• Outlining the impact of the General Administrative Law Act on day-to-day practice, with practical application;
• Addressing practice-oriented issues, cases, examples, and jurisprudence;
• An interactive and personal methodology, meaning no lecture, but active thinking and participation.

Program
The following topics are covered in an interactive manner:

• Background, system, and structure of the General Administrative Law Act and the relationship with other laws
• The core concepts in the General Administrative Law Act: administrative body, interested party, and decision
• The meaning of these concepts
• How is a 'good decision' reached?
• What are the risks of poor, or legally speaking: unlawful decisions?
• The general principles of good administration. Including due care, balancing of interests, and justification.
• Making a decision on time and the consequences of exceeding deadlines
• The publication and notification of decisions
• Powers: attribution, delegation and mandate
• What are the consequences of a decision taken without authority?
• Legal protection regarding decisions (objection and appeal)
• Right to complain

Result
After this course, you will have insight into the most important applications of the General Administrative Law Act (Awb) within your own professional practice and be able to put the acquired insights and skills into practice: you will recognize potential risks in your own practice in a timely manner and know how to engage a specialist in relevant situations.

Target group
This course is intended for employees without legal training or background who perform duties involving legal aspects. Examples include policy officers, public space employees, secretarial support staff, etc.

The course fee includes:
Coffee, tea, lunch, and course materials. A certificate of participation is optional. The municipality can offset the VAT against its VAT Compensation Fund.