The Netherlands Court of Audit investigates whether the central government spends taxpayers money wisely, sensibly, and carefully. The topics for these investigations are determined by the Court itself. However, the researchers also want to connect with what is happening in the Netherlands. That’s why there is something new: the Reckoning Table. A table where everyone is welcome to join for a good conversation. “You are really listened to.”
Look, there stands the Reckoning Table! On the street, in the park, at a station, or maybe on a factory site. It looks like a small wooden kitchen table, with two chairs. One for the guest and one for the researcher from the Court of Audit. The Reckoning Table is attached to a blue backdrop that resembles a euro coin – a symbol of the work of the Court of Audit. The table and wall are foldable and therefore easy to transport. That’s exactly the point, explains project leader Ruiter Janssen (Netherlands Court of Audit). “With the Reckoning Table, we will travel to six locations across the Netherlands this summer. To have conversations with the people about whom the government policy that the Court of Audit investigates is concerned. We want to know what is happening, and to have more contact with the public. Not talking about people, but having conversations with people,” summarizes Ruiter Janssen.
Getting information instead of giving
Ruiter Janssen is a researcher and designer. Together with other colleagues at the Court of Audit, he seeks ways to involve citizens and businesses more in the investigations. One example is the new web app Deciphering Our Money, which explains in simple language what happens to our tax money. But there is a difference, Ruiter explains. “The web app presents difficult information in a visual and simple way. The Reckoning Table takes it a step further through personal contact. We come into contact with different people, gaining valuable knowledge and experiences.”
And this is appreciated, as shown by tests with the Reckoning Table that have been conducted in recent months. The Reckoning Table was always placed in a location that matched the conversation theme. For the theme elderly and independent living, the Reckoning Table was set up right next to a senior apartment building, where people were literally queuing for a conversation. In The Hagues Zuiderpark, education was one of the conversation themes. “A kindergarten teacher said after the conversation: ‘I don’t have time for something like an interest group, but I find such a spontaneous conversation interesting. Nice to share my experiences!’ That is very valuable to us.”
Important or not important
What is and does the Netherlands Court of Audit? Many people are interested in this. Therefore, passersby who want to join the Reckoning Table are first given a brief explanation. “They then easily engage in conversation with us. You are in a public space, but at a small table, which makes it familiar and safe.” The conversations are serious, cheerful, or both and revolve around how the participant experiences the policy. The guests at the table give an opinion ranging from ‘I find this very important’ to ‘I find this less important’. The outcomes are not representative of an entire group of people, but they do provide the researchers with new research ideas and insights that can help the investigations better align with what is happening in society. Janssen: “Because these are things you don’t think of behind your desk, but in conversation with the people concerned.” And what does the public get out of it? “We want to use the insights in existing and/or new investigations. We connect what people find important to the policy of the central government,” answers Janssen. “As auditors, we conduct independent research into the spending of taxpayers money and its results. We believe that the residents of the Netherlands should also have a say in this. The Reckoning Table is a tool that helps us do our job better. Through contact, we become more alert and more aware of the nuances that exist among different people.”
So many advantages, this new Reckoning Table. Not to eat well, but to talk well. And above all: to be heard. Keep following us, because who knows, the Reckoning Table might be in your neighborhood soon!