Starting in 2025, Bits of Freedom will be run by not one, but two directors. We'd like to explain why we think this model will better facilitate our growth and aligns with our values.

25 years of employership

This year, Bits of Freedom celebrated its 25th anniversary. Our anniversary websiteVisit 25.bitsoffreedom.nl/en features many of our successes and favorite moments. This anniversary also marks 25 years of being an employer. Responsible employership has been an important focus ever since the relaunch of our organization in 2009. In fact, our current employment policies still build on crucial decisions made in 2009 by the director and board.

Of course, a lot has happened since. In 2020, we established a number of pillars on which our employership is based. These serve as a compass when taking decisions about HR policy. The pillars are livelihood, equal opportunities, control over your work, work-life balance and professional development. Since 2020, with these in mind, the professional development budget for employees was increased, leave is paid out in full (as opposed to for 70%) and we are doing more to support employees to save into a pension. Our compensation policy was evaluated, we introduced a sabbatical policy, reduced working hours to 36 hours per week, and introduced a confidential advisor and complaints procedure.

We are happy with where we're at, but are also planning future investments, for instance in the area of talent development.

Two directors for an organization twice as large

When I started as executive director in 2019, it was clear to me that the role of executive director would eventually have to change. In view of the growing organization (we just hired our fifteenth employee!), but also in view of our changing thinking about leadership and what makes a good leader. Our new multi-annual strategy, which runs until 2027, foresees further growth, to about 23 employees and two permanent internship positions. In conversation with the team and board, we decided this was the right time to introduce a shared leadership model. In practical terms, this means that in the future, Bits of Freedom will have an executive director responsible for the external strategy, and a managing director responsible for the internal strategy. A few factors in particular are relevant to why we think this model is the best fit for us at this moment in time.

Value-driven and pragmatic

First, we believe that a shared leadership model increases organizational resilience. The dependence on one person decreases, reducing the pressure unforeseen events and planned transitions can put on an organization.

We also believe shared leadership will boost the quality of decision-making and strategic thinking. In addition to the board, both directors will have a direct sounding board on the work floor with whom to deliberate and bounce ideas off of. We believe that the best ideas are born through collaboration and that centering (critical) partnership sets the right example for the rest of the organization.

In addition, we believe this model best allows us to reduce the risk of organizational blind spots. It also makes it easier to question, scrutinize and hold management accountable.

Further, we expect a shared leadership model to create two leadership positions that are each more attractive and accessible to a greater diversity of people. As of 2025, the roles of executive and managing director will each be 36-hour positions - in theory and in practice. That means the positions will be easier to combine with passions and commitments outside of Bits of Freedom. An added benefit for the people holding these positions? They'll be able to share both successes and burdens with each other.

Employership is a collaborative effort

My first day at Bits of Freedom was on December 16, 2014. That was also the day that we hosted Edward Snowden live at the Big Brother Awards in the Amsterdam city theatre. Ten years later, I still can't imagine a place I'd rather work, and it's an honor to have been given the opportunity to lead the organization for going on six years.

One of the many joys of working at Bits of Freedom is how dedicated our staff and volunteers are. The team and board greatly contribute to making sure the prerequisites for our work are in order. In addition to issues of employership, you can think, for example, about the criteria we set for (potential) funders. We are especially grateful to our board members Sophie, Marjolein, Peter, Rosien and Zusanna for their critical perspectives and trust.

What's next?

In 2025, our new multi-annual strategy will go into effect and we hope to be able to introduce our first managing director. More on that soon! Thanks to the support of thousands of donors, our corporate supporters and funders, and side by side with the many organizations and individuals with whom we collaborate, we are entering the new year confidently. Yes, the challenges ahead are significant, but so are our ambitions, and we have a bunch of fresh ideas.

Bits of Freedom believes that a strong democratic rule of law is necessary in order to live together in freedom and equality. The power of technology must be in the hands of the people who strive to achieve this. We are committed to working towards that in the coming years. Bits of Freedom: shifting the power of tech to people.