The decision follows an internal investigation into its performance that was initiated after the Supervisory Board had received specific, worrisome reports.
The RvT concludes that an irreparable breach of trust has arisen. The investigation shows that Donker has repeatedly withheld or misrepresented information. It concerns information that the Supervisory Board needs for its supervisory task, including the well-being of employees and the organization. The council acknowledges that the director has achieved a lot for the museum and is also grateful to her for that. But these merits should never be at the expense of social safety and mental health of the employees, all of whom make an essential contribution to the success of the museum.
Crucially, a Supervisory Authority should never be deprived of the possibility of proper supervisorship. For the monitoring of, among other things, the security and culture within the organization, the RvT has objective mechanisms. If this is also influenced by a director in an inadequate manner, a relationship of trust can no longer be discussed.
The RvT hopes to close this chapter within the organization, to look forward to a new phase for the museum together with the whole team with enthusiasm. In this, the opening of a fantastic new museum building is celebrated in the autumn, in which the Dutch photographic heritage can be shared with the world.
The Supervisory Board will consider the permanent design of the museum’s management in the coming period. The museum, the team and the stakeholders deserve clarity as soon as possible about how the organization will be managed. The recruitment process will be carefully completed, as usual through a formal, open procedure in accordance with the Culture Governance Code.
Main Image: Birgit Donker
