Research into the social role of notaries: how do you reach vulnerable target groups?

In October, the Royal Dutch Association of Civil-Law Notaries (KNB) conducted a survey among its members on the accessibility of notarial services for vulnerable groups. This resulted in over 640 responses. Three-quarters of respondents believe that notarial services should actively work to make notarial law more accessible to people with low literacy and other vulnerable groups.

In this regard, 45 percent of respondents see a role for themselves, while 54 percent believe it's more a matter for the Royal Dutch Association of Civil-Law Notaries (KNB). The most common response among those who said no was that active involvement isn't absolutely necessary, as every civil-law notary has a duty to ensure that the client understands the deed and what it stipulates.

Improve accessibility
When asked about their own options for improving accessibility, most respondents replied:

Provide a clear explanation of the deed; Provide all correspondence in simple language; Conduct a slow conversation and allow the person to explain as much as possible; Put the person at ease in the consultation room first.

Role of the KNB
Respondents were also asked what they expected from the KNB. The following answers emerged:

Providing good information about notarial services to advocates for these groups; Public information targeted at these groups; Developing a visual checklist (with images) for use in consultation rooms; Developing simple models; Providing training in working with these groups; Providing training on legal aspects of, among other things, providing services to people with limited legal capacity.

Government finances, notary organizes
The survey also examined the desirability of legal aid. Nearly 80 percent of respondents believe notaries should offer this. Nearly 70 percent believe this should be done through government-funded legal aid, and that notaries themselves are best placed to organize it. Twelve percent believe notaries should organize the financial aid themselves.