Beleidsterrefunctie

Beleidsterrefunctie is a concept in Dutch public administration that denotes the function within an organization responsible for policy steering and coordination across policy domains. The term combines beleid (policy) and functie (function). It describes roles and processes aimed at ensuring that policy ideas are developed coherently, implemented effectively, and evaluated for results.

The core tasks include setting policy priorities, aligning policy proposals with legal and budgetary constraints, coordinating between departments or sectors, and ensuring consistency with overarching strategic goals. It also covers monitoring policy implementation, collecting and interpreting performance data, and advising management on trade-offs and resource allocation. In practice, the beleidsterrefunctie often operates within ministries, agencies, or local authorities and interacts with policy-support roles such as policy analysis and evaluation.

The term is commonly used in discussions of the public sector’s policy cycle (formulation, implementation, evaluation) and governance. It is related to, but distinct from, policy advisory, policy support, and management control functions. The exact responsibilities of the beleidsterrefunctie can vary by organization and political-administrative context.

Critics point to risks of centralization or bureaucratic drift if the function dominates too much; success depends on clear mandate, accountability, and collaboration with line ministries and stakeholders. See also: policy cycle, governance, public administration.