First season of VIPS, the new training programme for the ushers of the Protocolbureau

Photos: the inauguration yesterday. Photos below: the appraisals earlier this week.









Yesterday, the new ushers of the Protocolbureau were officially inaugurated at Van Prinse & Co in The Hague.
This event was the end of the first season of VIPS, the new training programme for the ushers of the Protocolbureau. The programme consisted of trainings, excursions, written exams and appraisals, all related to the work of the ushers for the Protocolbureau.

Ten years ago VIPS started as a master project of Wytze van der Gaast, at that time a student at the hotelschool The Hague. VIPS is the abbreviation for 'vaardigheden, interactie, protocol & stijl', translated as 'skills, interaction, protocol and style'.
In september of this year, the old training programme was replaced by VIPS.

For students, the VIPS programme of the Protocolbureau is a unique practical and theoretical experience in relationship management and protocol.
The trainings are given by the former Master of Ceremonies of H.M. the Queen Gilbert Monod de Froideville, etiquette expert Jan Jaap van Weering and the director of the Protocolbureau Jean Paul Wyers. The excursions went to the International Criminal Court in The Hague and the European Parliament in Brussels. For the appraisals, the assignors and directors of the Protocolbureau were being asked to assess the ushers on their working experience.
The ushers were also involved in the recruitment and selection process of new ushers. And during the appraisals the ushers had to show their theoretical knowledge by creating a case (written exam).

For the students there are 3 levels to be obtained, depending on the level of theoretical knowledge and working experience. New students start as 'host'. After gaining more experience the hosts are awarded the title of 'usher'. And only the very best grow further and obtain the honorable title of 'Senior Partner'.
Yesterday, the Protocolbureau welcomed 5 new hosts: Sam Doets, Simon Langeveld, Ruben Nederpel, Jurjen Peeters en Pepijn Plaisier. And we inaugurated 1 new usher (Jaap van Berkel) and 2 new Senior Partners (Wesley Toelen and Job van Welie).
Congratulations!