Griffier

Griffier is a Dutch term for a senior official who acts as clerk or secretary to a court, council, or parliament. The position is held by a civil servant responsible for administrative support, procedural documentation, record-keeping, and the management of meetings. In the Netherlands and Belgium, griffiers work within legislative bodies and judicial institutions, such as parliaments and courts. They prepare agendas, draft minutes, handle correspondence, manage archives, and ensure compliance with procedural rules. They may also advise members on rules of order and provide procedural guidance during debates and committee meetings. The head of the office is often referred to as the griffier (the Clerk), a senior official who coordinates staff and serves as the main liaison between elected representatives and administrative services.

Etymology and related terms: the word derives from the French greffier, meaning court registrar or registrar. The term is cognate with similar titles in other jurisdictions, such as the English “clerk” or “registrar.” In Dutch usage, “griffie” can denote the office or department itself within a parliamentary or judicial setting.

Context and scope: griffiers perform essential non-political, professional functions that preserve the integrity of procedures, maintain institutional memory, and ensure orderly proceedings. The role is central to the functioning of both legislative assemblies and judicial bodies, where accurate documentation and compliance with rules are critical.