Members VKBN together ready for quality

On November 16, 2023, the VKBN organized its first annual conference, the Day of Quality Assurance. Over one hundred quality assurance professionals, quality advisors and instrument providers gathered at InnStyle convention center in Maarssen to celebrate the fact that together we are ready for quality. Ken knowledge and skills about the Building Quality Assurance Act were enriched and networks with colleagues working in and on quality assurance were broadened. The overall trend was clear: bring on the introduction of the Wkb on January 1, 2024, because we are ready for it! In the words of outgoing Minister Hugo de Jonge, who addressed those present with a video message, "Bravely forward!" 

The theme of the day's program was "Ready for Quality Together. Chairman of the day Tamara Markus started with a poll of how many of those present were already 100% ready for the introduction of the Wkb on January 1, 2024. At least half raised their hands. A large proportion said they were ready for 90%, which means we can say with justified confidence that together we are Ready for Quality. A great outcome of an inspiring Quality Assurance Day that the VKBN certainly intends to repeat annually. 

Video message Hugo de Jonge

Outgoing Minister Hugo de Jonge was unable to attend live. Through a video he spoke the following message to those present: "This is a very nice moment to celebrate together that finally the Wkb is actually being implemented. You have done an incredible amount of work to help think about how this law could work. How this law can help improve quality and safety in construction and better protect consumers. It will improve construction quality and it will ultimately reduce failure costs. Bravely forward!" Ton Jans, president of the VKBN, was comfortable with the term "forward. After almost twenty years and some six postponements of the effective date of the law, he is pleased that all members can now really get started.

Panel discussion with industry representatives

During the Quality Assurance Day, a panel discussion took place between four industry representatives: Wico Ankersmit - director VBWTN, Ferdi Licher - director Building and Energy Ministry BZK, Jaco Uittenbogaard - director AFNL and Roy Aarts - Association of Insurers. When asked what contributes most to improving construction quality, Ferdi Licher indicated that it is the change in liability: "You can distinguish yourself with quality in this system." Roy Aarts considered risk-based assurance the most important: "Failure costs can be reduced by an external party, a quality assurance company. During the construction process, the wheat can be separated from the chaff." Wico Ankersmit also considered the actual issuing of the certificate important and added another option: "The enforcement role of Building and Housing Supervision will contribute to quality." When asked what promotes the proper functioning of the system, all parties emphasized that good communication and collaboration skills are important. Ferdi Licher therefore appealed to all trade associations and stakeholders to explain that January 1 is really going to happen. In any case, all VKBN members are ready to build with confidence.

More information and photos: www.dagvandekwaliteitsborging.nl.