DG HAN prepares major reform of the 1987 law
The DG HAN of the Federal Public Service Social Security and Minister Beenders’ cabinet are preparing a major reform ofthe 1987 law relating to disability allowances. In this context, the administration sought to organise a large-scale participatory process to shape the reform in a transparent, inclusive and practice-oriented way.
Möbius was entrusted with designing, structuring and analysing the results of the entire process, combining online consultation with in-person workshops. This assignment represented a key strategic step in developing a modernised legislative framework focused on greater inclusion, administrative simplification and enhanced protection against poverty.
A strategic challenge: bringing together and aligning more than 110 organisations
The main challenge lay in collecting and integrating contributions from a highly diverse group of stakeholders (110 invited organisations), ranging from federal, regional and local authorities to health insurance funds, employment services and representative associations, while ensuring the neutrality of the analysis.
DG HAN and Minister Beenders’ cabinet aimed to gain a clear understanding of the sector’s key priorities, particularly regarding poverty reduction, simplification of rights, administrative modernisation and improved coordination between different levels of government.
In addition, it was essential to produce a consolidated report capable of supporting future legislative and organisational decisions by clarifying both areas of consensus and points of tension expressed by stakeholders.
A participatory methodology structured around three pillars
Möbius’ support was organised around three complementary components, drawing on the team’s expertise in participatory methodology, analysis and operational coordination.
Online consultation
The first component focused on an online consultation conducted via the Howspace platform. Möbius designed the questionnaire, coordinated its validation with expert bodies and supported DG HAN in mobilising a broad range of organisations through a structured communication plan, including invitations, reminders and wider dissemination.
The platform enabled the collection of rich and varied data, which was subsequently analysed neutrally and organised according to strategic themes. This phase resulted in an interim report designed to prepare the in-person discussions effectively.
In-person consultation events
The second component consisted of organising and facilitating two in-person consultation days bringing stakeholders together around the four main reform themes.
Möbius developed the programme, structured thematic half-day sessions and facilitated three to four parallel workshops in both national languages. A shared facilitation framework was developed to ensure broad participation around key questions.
Particular attention was also paid to accessibility for participants through adapted support measures, including accessible materials, interpretation services, mobility assistance and other tailored arrangements.
Consolidated results
The third component focused on the final consolidation of all relevant input into a comprehensive report. Möbius ensured triangulation between the online contributions and the feedback gathered during the workshops, systematically integrating differing viewpoints across the working groups.
The final report summarised the strategic objectives, expressed perspectives, identified areas of consensus, points requiring attention and concrete operational recommendations proposed by participants.
Results
At the end of the consultation process, the administration had a clear, structured and representative overview of the sector’s expectations.
The contributions confirmed the relevance of the proposed reform themes and highlighted recurring obstacles, including:
- administrative complexity,
- risks of losing entitlements,
- inconsistencies in definitions of disability,
- and the challenge of further strengthening coordination between levels of government.
The process also helped identify key priorities for action, particularly regarding:
- combining allowances with income,
- assessing work capacity,
- compensation for additional disability-related costs,
- and the modernisation of public services.
The consultation also highlighted four fundamental conditions for the reform’s success:
- moving away, as far as possible, from an “all-or-nothing” approach,
- stronger collaboration between federal, regional and local stakeholders,
- modernisation of administrative processes,
- and proactive, multichannel communication with citizens.
These conclusions provide a strong foundation for guiding the operational implementation of the reform and ensuring that it is perceived as fair, understandable and workable.
Finally, the participatory process received positive feedback from stakeholders who completed the evaluation survey. Participants particularly appreciated the professionalism of the process, the clear structure and the inclusive facilitation of discussions. They also valued the opportunity to express their expectations and highlighted the quality of the exchanges.
This feedback confirmed the relevance of the methodological approach deployed and reinforced the legitimacy of the final report as a reference document for the development of a revised legislative framework .
