At UWV, our mission is to help people participate in society. We work with individuals to support them in finding suitable employment, or if that is not possible, to provide income through various benefit schemes. By offering financial support, we create a stable foundation that allows people to focus on finding new opportunities.
To provide the best possible service, UWV makes use of data. From the initial data collection to automated processing, we use data to improve efficiency and personalise our services. But our commitment goes beyond legal compliance. We believe it is important to handle data ethically and with integrity. Our Data Ethics Compass ensures that our practices are guided by respect for privacy and fairness.
Our Data Ethics Compass is built around 4 core values that guide everything we do: respect, openness, responsibility, and professionalism. Each value includes principles that ensure we use data in a way that benefits individuals, groups, and society as a whole.
Respect
We focus on individuals
Data helps us improve our services, but it does not tell the whole story. We ensure a personalised approach where needed, and we do not rely on data alone to make decisions. Data paints only part of the picture, it never gives a full or independent view of a person or organisation. We carefully assess the limitations of our data tools, considering the context of individuals, groups, or organisations. Our aim is to ensure fairness and inclusivity in everything we do, and we make space for individual approaches where necessary.
We act fairly and inclusively
We make sure that data is used in a fair way, ensuring that no one is excluded without reason. Differences between individuals, groups, or situations are based on justified grounds. If there is any doubt about these grounds, we hold internal discussions to find the most responsible outcome. We have diverse teams and we prevent unfair exclusion by regularly analysing the interests of everyone involved.
Human oversight is crucial
We believe that data applications work best in combination with human supervision. Data supports decision-making, but people always remain in control. Our employees are trained to use data applications critically and are given the flexibility to override automated decisions when necessary. We ensure that our employees are given the time, resources, and opportunity to make informed judgments where needed.
Openness
We are transparent
UWV is clear about how, why, and when we use data applications. We explain our choices and are open to feedback and scrutiny. We are transparent about which data is used, for what purpose, and who is affected. In the case of algorithms, we record additional content information. Where possible, we make this registration publicly available in understandable language. Where this is not possible, for example because it might harm the effectiveness of business operations, we are verifiable and auditable.
We provide explanations
We understand the outcomes of our data tools and ensure that we can explain them in simple terms. If a data tool cannot be explained clearly, we do not use it, even if it seems effective. Our explanations are accessible to individuals, groups, and organisations, and we welcome questions and concerns about how decisions are made.
We are accountable
Our use of data is well-documented and open to internal and external review. We carefully record the data used, the technical design, the assumptions made, and the decisions taken. If documentation is not enough, we provide additional information to ensure accountability.
Responsibility
We take ownership of data use
Each data application has a designated owner within UWV who is responsible for its use. This ensures accountability for all data-driven processes, even when external tools are used. The designated owner is always the first point of contact.
We are responsive
We are committed to answering questions and addressing concerns about our use of data in a timely and appropriate manner. We offer an easy-to-access point of contact for any concerns or doubts.
We are proactive
UWV continuously monitors data applications to prevent unintended outcomes. We assess the risks and take action when necessary. If we identify any undesired effects, we act quickly to correct them. In exceptional cases, we can immediately stop the use of a data tool and provide an alternative to ensure service continuity.
Professionalism
We are knowledgeable
Our employees are trained to use data applications responsibly. We only use these tools when we fully understand them and can explain their outcomes. Continuous learning and improvement are at the core of our work. We foster a culture of awareness and knowledge around data use, ensuring that we always have the necessary skills to manage these tools.
We encourage dialogue
We develop and use data applications through ongoing discussions with both our internal teams and external partners. By including diverse perspectives, we ensure that our decisions are well-rounded and reflect the interests of society. Diverse teams help us understand the broader impact and risks of data use. We also seek out societal developments and integrate them into our practices.
We integrate ethics into everything we do
Ethical considerations are embedded in all our processes. The Data Ethics Compass guides us in making ethical considerations in the use of data applications. An independent Data Ethics Committee ensures compliance with this document and updates it when new insights or developments arise. The committee also ensures that ethical considerations are enforced in work instructions and procedures.
- Decision Tree for reports of fraud – Handhaving
This tool helps us assess reports of possible misuse of UWV benefit schemes, such as automatically searching for a citizen service number (‘BSN’) and checking if there is an active benefit relationship. The final decision on whether to investigate rests with an employee. - Decision support – WERKbedrijf
This tool supports the UWV employment advisor by providing evidence-based advice on services suited to individual jobseekers, based on their personal circumstances like age, education level, and barriers to employment. The goal is to ensure faster job placements. - Website Personalisation – Klant & Service
Based on visitors’ previous behaviour on our website, we present relevant content to help users find the information they need more quickly.