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About us

How do we work?

We attach great importance to how we interact with one another within our organisation, and to the manner and context in which we produce our scientific and policy-supporting outputs:

  • Dynamic interaction model
  • Scientific integrity
  • Gender equality
  • Sustainability

Dynamic interaction model

Since 2017, we at the INBO have been working within a flat structure comprising self-organising teams.

Gradually, a dynamic interaction model has developed in which we place a strong emphasis on dialogue, results and support.

We refer to self-organising teams rather than self-managing ones. There is no longer a middle management layer, but there is a management team that determines the what: what results they expect from the teams. The teams themselves determine how they tackle the tasks.

  • Interaction and dialogue form the main focus of our approach.
  • We work in a results-oriented way and monitor results using digital systems. It no longer matters much where or when people work, as long as they achieve their results.
  • We support staff based on their specific needs, for example through training on open feedback.
  • The organisation is constantly evolving. We no longer talk about ‘change’, because development is continuous: let’s do away with change fatigue!
  • Further information: Irina De Landtsheer, HR Manager, or Sandra Van Waeyenberge

Gender equality

  • During the recruitment process, we check that all questions and selection criteria are gender-neutral.
  • Where candidates achieve an equal score during the recruitment process, the female candidate is selected until a balanced distribution of both genders amongst INBO staff is achieved.
  • When forming steering groups, networks, advisory boards and similar bodies, we strive for a good gender balance.
  • We are increasing the proportion of women in management roles to 50%

You can download the INBO Gender Equality Plan here.

Sustainability

As INBO, we want to play an active role in combating biodiversity loss and climate change. Sustainability in our own operations is of crucial importance.

The sustainability working group discusses measures to reduce our ecological footprint. Within the Flemish government, we align ourselves with the sustainability initiatives of the Facilities Agency and with the Flemish Strategy for Sustainable Development.

The working group has drawn up an action plan which has been approved by management.

Some key points:

  • we carry out refurbishments and site management in an environmentally friendly manner
  • catering at internal and external events is entirely vegetarian, preferably using local and seasonal produce
  • we promote cycling and public transport
  • you can use a Cambio car-sharing service for work
  • for business trips abroad, the general guideline is to take the train if your journey from Brussels takes no longer than 8 hours
  • you can have your smartphone repaired or purchase a Fairphone
  • the working group raises awareness of sustainability through various communication campaigns

More information from Sandra Van Waeyenberge

Scientific integrity

As a Flemish scientific institution, the INBO attaches great importance to integrity in scientific research. This is reflected in - all documents in Dutch:

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