Creating Opportunities with the Ability Programme

At Van Lanschot Kempen, we are building an inclusive organization where everyone can excel. One of the initiatives is the Ability Progamme. In this programme, we ensure that professionals with a disability can start a career within our organization. The main question we ask is what someone needs to perform optimally. Sometimes this involves a practical adjustment, and sometimes a different way of working. But the foundation is the right match between a person's qualities and the opportunities within Van Lanschot Kempen. In this way, we ensure that valuable talent is recognized, supported, and participates from the very beginning.

Collaborating with partners to find talent 

 To reach diverse groups of candidates, we collaborate with various external organizations specializing in connecting employers and talent. One of these partners is Ctalents, an organization dedicated to talent in people with a sensory challenge. Through Ctalents, we met Nicolette Bok, who joined our company in 2022 as manager of the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. Her story is a powerful example of what the Ability Program aims to achieve: opening doors for people whose skills and perspectives enrich our organization. Read the following interview with Nicolette and Rolf, who is responsible for the Ability Programme at Van Lanschot Kempen.  

"A dream job where I continue to grow every day" 

 Nicolette (58) has been hard of hearing sinceher early twenties and lives with tinnitus every day. But that does not stop her from living life to the fullest. “Besides my work, I especially enjoy nature – whether that is in the woods, on the beach, or on the golf course,” she says. “During the corona period, I worked on an online project for ING through Ctalents. After that, I got the opportunity to start working at Van Lanschot Kempen as manager of the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. A dream job in which I continue to grow every day.”  

Rolf knows better than anyone how important it is that people with disabilities are given a fair chance. "I have a physical disability myself and know how difficult it is to find your place in society, simply because not all doors are open. That's why at Van Lanschot Kempen, we open doors to talent in all its forms." 

"That's when I knew: she is the right person in the right place." 

 It was late 2021 when Nicolette's profile landed on Rolf's desk. The first interview took place via Teams. Rolf: “Her most recent work experience was partly IT-related, but when I looked further down her CV, it became more interesting: international experience, volunteering, and working with volunteers... That's when I said: ‘I actually don't think you are purely an IT person.’” 
 
What Nicolette didn't know at the time was that there were plans to further expand the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. "For that, we needed a strong personality, someone who could take charge of the Foundation. When I told her about the role, I saw the twinkle in her eyes. That's when I knew: she is the right person in the right place.” 

"When I see what she's accomplished so far, I can only be proud." 

In her new role, Nicolette quickly proved to be a natural talent. "Right from the start, she was on the ball," says Rolf. "She took charge and had a clear goal in mind. The Foundation popped up everywhere within the organization; colleagues got involved, and the growth in employee participation was enormous. All donations made by the Foundation are accompanied by the involvement of our own employees. Every employee is allowed to spend 8 hours per year during working hours on activities for the Foundation and thanks to Nicolette, that's becoming increasingly successful." 

Colleagues describe Nicolette as an enthusiastic, personal connector. "She's a real spider in the web," says Rolf. "I think she knows most people of all my colleagues, and her external network is also extensive. When I see how much work she does and what she's accomplished so far, I can only be proud." 

 
“Everyone has limitations. Don’t you think so? Then that's because of your limitation.”

Nicolette looks back with gratitude on the support she received during her career transition. What she takes away from that period is a mindset she lives by every day: “Don’t see limits to what you can achieve, not even if you have a sensory challenge. Be open, believe in yourself, and go for it! As Rolf always says: ‘Everyone has limitations. Don’t you think so? Then that is your limitation!’ I always carry that attitude with me.” 

Towards a future where inclusion is the norm 

Nicolette's wish for the future is simple: that companies like Van Lanschot Kempen continue to lead by example. “In a world that can feel increasingly polarised, I hope we keep investing in inclusion and in recognising the unique talents people bring. Different perspectives strengthen organisations. That’s what truly makes a difference.” 

Rolf shares the same ambition: “My hope is that one day programs like this won’t be needed anymore because equal opportunity will be the norm. Until then, we keep opening doors.”