A position involving confidentiality is a position in which someone could damage the national security. If a person abuses their access to information or specific locations, it could have serious consequences for the Netherlands.

A person who fulfils a position involving confidentiality can come into contact with:

  • confidential information or systems;
  • possible targets or means for an attack or espionage;
  • weapons, systems, or locations which are shielded by the Ministry of Defence. Think, for example, of operating or acquiring weapons systems, or a location such as barracks.

Examples of positions involving confidentiality are:

  • employee of a Dutch embassy;
  • luggage handler at Schiphol Airport;
  • political assistant of a minister;
  • employee of the Ministry of Defence.

Who decides which positions are positions involving confidentiality?

On the basis of the Guidelines designation position involving confidentiality Guidelines designation positions involving confidentiality the responsible expert ministers or the competent authorities decide whether a position is a position involving confidentiality. Some examples are:

  • The Prime Minister designates positions at the Royal House;
  • The Minister of Defence decides for the armed forces and for defence contractors;
  • The minister of Justice and Security decides this for the civil aviation sector;
  • The Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate makes this decision for gas and electricity suppliers.
  • The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management designates positions involving confidentiality for nuclear power plants.
  • The Speaker of the House of Representatives designates positions involving confidentiality for the House of Representatives of the States General.