Creating opportunities through the Ability Programme

 

At Van Lanschot Kempen, we are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone can grow. That commitment comes to life in our Ability Programme, an initiative designed to connect talented professionals with a disability, chronic condition, or sensory challenge to meaningful roles within our organisation. 

The programme focuses on what each person needs to perform at their best. Sometimes this involves a practical adjustment or different way of working; often it’s simply about creating the right match between a person’s strengths and the opportunities within VLK. With this approach, we ensure that valuable talent is recognised, supported, and included from the very start. 

 

Working with partners to find talent

 

To reach diverse groups of candidates, Van Lanschot Kempen collaborates with several external organisations that specialise in connecting employers with talent. One of these partners is Ctalents, an organisation that supports people with sensory challenges such as hearing or visual impairments in findingmeaningful work that matches their strengths. 

Through this partnership, we were introduced to Nicolette Bok, who joined Van Lanschot Kempen as Manager of the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. Her story is a powerful example of what the Ability Programme aims to achieve: opening doors for people whose skills and perspectives enrich our organisation. 

 

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

Nicolette (58) has been hearing impaired since she was twenty and lives with tinnitus daily. But that doesn't stop her from living life to the fullest. "Besides work, I especially enjoy nature whether it's in the woods, on the beach, or on the golf course," she says. "During the coronavirus period, I worked on an online project for ING through Ctalents. After that, Ctalents gave me the opportunity to work at Van Lanschot Kempen as Manager for the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. A dream job where 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's the right person in the right place." 

It was late 2021 when Nicolette's profile landed Rolf's desk. The first interview took place via Teams. Rolf: "Her last work experience was partly IT-related, but when I looked further at her resume, it became more interesting: international experience, volunteer work, and working with volunteers... That's when I said: 'I don't really think you're a specific IT person at all.'" 

What Nicolette didn't know at the time was that there were plans to further grow the Van Lanschot Kempen Foundation. "For that, we needed a strong personality, someone to lead the Foundation. When I told her about the role, I saw the twinkle in her eyes. That's when I knew: she's 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 everywhere within the organization; colleagues joined in, 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 on 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 it's because of your disability." 

Nicolette looks back with gratitude for the support she received from Ctalents during her career transition. What she carries forward from that period is a mindset she lives every day: “Don’t see limits to what you can achieve, even if you have a sensory challenge. Be open, believe in yourself, and just do it! As Rolf always says: ‘Everyone has limitations. Don’t think so? Then it’s because of your disability!’ That attitude stays 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.”