Opinion Poll on the Impact of Enforcement on Self-Employed Individuals
How do self-employed professionals perceive the impact of enforcement measures on bogus self-employment, and what are their views on the proposed legislation regarding Basic Disability Insurance for the Self-Employed and the Self-Employed Persons Act? We asked 1,275 professionals affiliated with HeadFirst Group this question in March 2026. See the results below.
Freelance IT professionals are benefiting from the explosive demand for AI skills
Demand for AI skills is growing 2.5 times faster in IT consulting projects than in permanent positions, and rates are following suit
Hoofddorp – AI skills such as vibe coding and prompt engineering are increasingly becoming a requirement in the skill sets of IT professionals. Since 2024, demand for AI skills in temporary assignments has risen by 161 percent. By comparison, demand for these skills has also grown significantly in ICT job postings, but by 65 percent. This is according to the latest edition of theTalent Monitor, a joint publication by HR tech service provider HeadFirst Group and labor market data specialistIntelligence Group.
Highest salaries for IT architect and management roles
Freelancers benefit not only from a wider range of AI assignments but also from higher hourly rates. Roles requiring AI expertise are among the highest-paying IT assignments. For example, enterprise architects earn an average of €127 per hour, followed by security architects (€125) and information managers (€122). These high rates are not an isolated phenomenon: in 2025, the average hourly rate for IT professionals will exceed €100 per hour for the first time. That represents a 4.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Geert-Jan Waasdorp, CEO of Intelligence Group: “Demand for AI skills is currently growing much faster in the temporary workforce market than in permanent positions. Organizations are increasingly turning to external professionals to develop and implement AI applications more quickly on a project basis. This makes the temporary workforce a key driver of innovation. And for professionals, AI knowledge and expertise lead to higher rates.”
Microservices and OpenShift are growing in popularity
In addition to AI, demand for other specialized IT skills among external professionals is also growing. Development and application skills, in particular, are seeing a sharp increase. For example, demand for microservices rose by 158 percent, while relational databases and the OpenShift container platform both increased by 128 percent.
At the same time, the contract market is becoming more competitive. Between the end of 2024 and the end of 2025, the number of contracts for external professionals has decreased by nearly 20 percent. The number of self-employed professionals has fallen by 8 percent over the same period, and 68 percent of all employed IT professionals now have permanent contracts—2 percent more than at the end of 2024.
“AI is transforming both the work of IT professionals and the way organizations hire talent,” says Marion van Happen, CEO of HeadFirst Group. “Organizations are looking for professionals who can immediately apply new technology to existing systems and processes. This presents enormous opportunities for freelancers and professionals employed by vendors, provided they continue to develop their specialized skills and clearly position themselves in the market.”
Saskia Kapper appointed Director of Customer Success at HeadFirst Group
New leadership addition strengthens customer focus and industry impact
HR tech service provider HeadFirst Group is expanding its leadership team with Saskia Kapper as Director of Customer Success, effective March 2, 2026. In this role, she will be responsible for the Customer Success team, including sector-focused teams, MSP operations, solutions design & implementation, and SOW & services procurement. She will ensure that customers receive optimal service, customer value is increased, and tailor-made solutions are delivered, while strengthening commercial growth and customer satisfaction.
Investing in customer focus and technology
The appointment of Saskia Kapper fits within HeadFirst Group's broader strategy: investing in leadership, customer focus, and technology to create maximum impact. With an open and scalable platform and a European leadership structure, the organization aims to be a leader in workforce solutions and help organizations work faster, smarter, and more effectively. "With Kapper's arrival, we are once again strengthening our leadership in the Netherlands," says Allard van Dam, Country Manager Netherlands at HeadFirst Group. "Since I started at the beginning of this year, we have been working hard to build a team that is customer-focused, future-proof, and technologically advanced. Kapper's experience and vision fit in perfectly with this and will help us to further realize our ambition as a market leader in workforce solutions."
Kapper adds: "I look forward to leading the Customer Success team and supporting our customers in a strategic way. It's about delivering solutions that really make a difference, deepening customer relationships, and ensuring that every customer gets the most out of our products, services, and industry expertise. Together, we enable organizations and professionals to deploy their talent faster, smarter, and more effectively."
Extensive experience and proven leadership
Kapper brings more than 20 years of experience in HR, recruitment, and workforce solutions. She began her career at Randstad and then worked at StarJob and Tempo-Team, where she managed teams and strategic accounts. At Hero Business Solutions and later Hero Interim Professionals, she held several leadership roles, including Director and Chief Commercial Officer, where she was responsible for commercial growth, strategic partnerships, and innovation in HR processes. Since March 2024, Kapper has also been chair of the Bovib trade association, where she represents the interests of intermediaries and brokers and helps advance the sector.
With this experience and ambition in mind, Kapper is now making the move to HeadFirst Group. "I chose HeadFirst Group because it is the perfect place to apply my experience in HR, strategy, and customer-focused leadership on a large scale," says Kapper. "The ambition, technology, and focus on customer impact are fully in line with how I want to help organizations move forward."
Allard van Dam appointed Country Manager Netherlands at HeadFirst Group
HeadFirst Group strengthens leadership in the Netherlands and accelerates impact on the labor market
On January 19, 2026, Allard van Dam started as Country Manager Netherlands at HR tech service provider HeadFirst Group. In this role, he leads the Dutch operation and strengthens the organization to better connect talent, technology, and organizations.
European structure, maximum impact
Organizations are facing a new reality: data, technology, and collaboration determine how talent is deployed today and tomorrow. For HeadFirst Group, this is the moment to make an impact. With Allard at the helm of the Dutch operation, the organization is accelerating its ambition to better connect organizations and professionals as a market leader and be ready for further growth.
We are also seeing technology playing an increasingly important role in better serving the labor market within the sector. "As market leader, we feel a responsibility to continue to take the lead in this area and to work together to move the sector forward," says CEO Marion van Happen. "Our European leadership structure enables us to combine commercial clout, operational expertise, and talent management even more effectively. Allard will continue to expand the Dutch operation, while I, as CEO, will continue to lead the strategic course and international growth in Europe. In this way, we ensure that technology, sector knowledge, and collaboration have maximum impact for our clients and professionals."
Back to roots and proven experience
Van Dam returns to his roots in HR and recruitment, bringing with him extensive experience in leadership roles at organizations such as Randstad, Synergie, and Vermaat. This background allows him to combine strategic insight, operational leadership, and sector knowledge, making him ideally suited to further grow HeadFirst Group in the Netherlands and connect it with the European operation.
Allard's appointment fits in with HeadFirst Group's broader vision: investing in leadership, structure, and technology to increase impact and better serve the labor market. By combining commercial clout, operational expertise, and innovation, HeadFirst Group is building a future-proof model that helps organizations work faster, smarter, and more effectively. "The HR market is evolving towards more control, collaboration, and smart technology. HeadFirst Group is already playing a leading role in this," says Van Dam. "I look forward to working with colleagues, customers, and partners to build solutions that really make a difference."
HeadFirst Group and The Dutch Masters join forces
Proud to expand our partnership with The Dutch Masters. Last year we brought back the iconic horse swap during the HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions, this year we take a new step: co-headline sponsor of The Dutch Masters
Why does this fit so well? Because we share the same mindset: go for excellence, keep innovating and bring out the best in people.
𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞.
Iconic horse change format
Our collaboration with The Dutch Masters already got a spectacular follow-up last year with the first edition of HeadFirst Group - Best of Champions. Together with Olympic champion Jeroen Dubbeldam, we brought back the iconic horse exchange, with Willem Greve as the big winner of the evening. It was a resounding success: full grandstands, international attention and a unique sporting experience that perfectly combined guts, craftsmanship and cooperation. And this year we are returning: on Thursday, March 12, we are back in the arena with a new edition of Best of Champions.
Marion van Happen | CEO, HeadFirst Group
"Last year, together with The Dutch Masters, we brought back an iconic moment on the highest stage. The event demonstrates what we at HeadFirst Group do every day: discover talent, develop it and take it to the highest level. The will to excel and push boundaries connects us to this event."
Marcel Hunze | Director, The Dutch masters
"With HeadFirst Group as main sponsor, we strengthen our focus on innovation and experience. Their international experience and professionalism bring new dimensions to the event and give our visitors and riders an even richer experience."
Tickets
The Dutch Masters is an iconic equestrian event that began in 1966 and has played an important role in international equestrian sports ever since. Next year, The Dutch Masters will take place from March 13 to 16 at the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch. The Best of Champions will take place on Thursday evening, March 12. This prestigious event is part of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Annually attracting more than 65,000 visitors, The Dutch Masters offers an impressive mix of top-level show jumping and dressage competitions.
HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group is B Corp certified
This achievement demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and ethical entrepreneurship. HeadFirst Group joins a global network of companies committed to creating both economic and social value.
A new milestone in sustainable business
The B Corp Certification is awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental impact, transparency and responsible governance. It recognizes companies that set the bar high in their social and environmental impact. This certification aligns with HeadFirst Group's sustainability strategy, which focuses on creating a positive impact on people, society and the environment.
After achieving silver and gold EcoVadis ratings, the B Corp Certification marks another step in HeadFirst Group's commitment to responsible business practices. Marion Van Happen, CEO at HeadFirst Group, said, "This is not only a milestone for us, but also proof that corporate social responsibility is essential for growth and innovation in the HR tech sector. We are proud to be pioneers in the sector."
Sustainability as a core business value
Sustainability is a structural principle within HeadFirst Group's strategy. The company is committed to an inclusive labor market, promotes fair working relationships and actively works to reduce its carbon footprint. Over the past three years, HeadFirst Group has reduced its carbon emissions by 30 percent and the HR-tech service provider aims to achieve a further 50 percent reduction by 2025. In addition, the company has engaged 98 percent of its suppliers in sustainable procurement practices, demonstrating that sustainability is deeply rooted in its operations.
Van Happen adds, "We believe that sustainable growth is not only about economic profit, but also about improving the world around us. By reducing our carbon footprint and making our supply chain more sustainable, we are taking responsibility for the impact we have on our planet."
Excellent B Impact Score and a sustainable future
HeadFirst Group achieved a B Impact Score of 90.3 out of the maximum 200 points achievable in the B Impact Assessment. A minimum of 80 points is required for a company to become a B Corp. This score is achieved through performance in several areas, including governance, employees, environment, customers and community. With the certification, HeadFirst Group joins about 500 B Corps in the Benelux, such as Bugaboo, Rituals, Tony Chocolonely and Triodos Bank.
B Corp Certification is not an end point, but a continuous process of improvement. Certified companies must review their social and environmental impact every three years to remain B Corp. Van Happen concludes, "For the coming years, we have a clear ambition: to make our procurement policy more sustainable and to increase our social involvement. One way we do this is by actively supporting local communities, for example through volunteer work. We remain committed to a more sustainable future and take responsibility in this by working together with customers, partners and other stakeholders to accelerate sustainable change for society."
Do you have questions about this post? Feel free to contact us through one of our colleagues.
Natasja Spooren-Wassenaar
Manager Communications
natasja.spooren-wassenaar@headfirst.nl
Thomas ten Veldhuijs
Senior Legal Counsel
thomas.tenVeldhuijs@headfirst.nl
Gemma Keijzer
Head of Quality & Compliance
gemma.Keijzer@headfirst.nl
Skip Saegaert
SROI Coordinator
skip.Saegaert@headfirst.nl
HeadFirst Group once again recognized as a Great Place To Work
HeadFirst Group has been certified as a Great Place To Work for the third year in a row, and this year for the first time in both the Netherlands and Belgium. As many as 77 percent of employees consider the HR-tech service provider to be a Great Place to Work, demonstrating that trust, pride and job satisfaction are central to the organization. Moreover, HeadFirst Group is among the Top 10 Best Workplaces in the Mid-Large Companies and Woman categories. "This achievement is the result of the combined efforts of our employees. It shows that we are heading in the right direction and motivates us to continuously improve our working environment," says Joke de Graaf, Director People & Culture.
Rising employee satisfaction confirms strong culture
The independent Great Place To Work survey shows that the culture within HeadFirst Group has once again been strengthened. The number of employees who say they are encouraged to create a healthy work-life balance rose to 80 percent, six percent higher than in 2023. Also, a greater proportion of employees feel valued (+5 percent), an increasing number see the significance of their work within the organization (+3 percent) and employees perceive the working conditions as special and unique (+12 percent).
"At HeadFirst Group, it's not just about successes, but mainly about the colleagues who make them possible. Therefore, we actively listen to our people and translate their feedback into concrete improvements," explains De Graaf. "For example, we have revamped our fringe benefits so that employees can use flexible and uniform benefits as they choose. We encourage job satisfaction by celebrating successes and events such as MudMasters, the Dam to Dam run and the annual padel tournament. We also introduced a joint onboarding for all labels. Thanks to these efforts and the commitment of our employees, not only has our work environment improved, but we have also increased customer satisfaction to an NPS of +20."
Inclusive and equal workplace
The survey shows that HeadFirst Group scores high with 94 percent on a physically safe working environment. Employees experience being able to be themselves within the organization and being treated fairly - regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, health and/or religious beliefs. Previously, the organization was also recognized in the top 10 Best Workplaces - Mid-Large Companies and most recently as Best Workplaces - Woman, placing it among the top 10 percent of the market in terms of gender equality.
This indicates that HeadFirst Group meets key inclusion and diversity criteria, such as equal or higher representation of women compared to the national benchmark, as well as a balanced distribution in the management team. Currently, 50 percent of executives are women, well above the average of 33 percent. Moreover, female colleagues rate the organization with a Trust Index score above 70 percent. De Graaf explains, "We are - and are perceived to be - an inclusive work environment where everyone has equal opportunities. Diversity and equality are essential for a healthy and innovative organization."
Sports mindset as foundation of team culture
HeadFirst Group is also strongly committed to vitality. A concrete example is Team HeadFirst Group, an initiative in which sports and a top sports mentality are central. De Graaf: " We regularly organize events, celebrations, activities and knowledge sessions. In addition, the mentality helps employees become physically and mentally stronger, which therefore not only contributes to health but also to cooperation, perseverance and a positive mindset in the workplace. We also encourage well-being with a vitality budget, access to the OpenUp platform and flexible working hours, so that employees can maintain a healthy work-life balance. This strengthens the mutual bond between colleagues and contributes to a culture in which performance, well-being and job satisfaction go hand in hand."
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Marije Wildenborg - De Groot
Director Commercial Office
marije.wildenborg-degroot@headfirst.nl
Natasja Spooren-Wassenaar
Manager Communications
natasja.spooren-wassenaar@headfirst.nl
Willem Verhaagen appointed CFO at HeadFirst Group
HeadFirst Group accelerates growth ambitions with revamped board
As of February 1, 2025 Willem Verhaagen started as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group. He succeeds Marjolein Slappendel and brings with him extensive financial and strategic experience in the HR and recruitment sector. According to Marion van Happen, CEO of HeadFirst Group, Verhaagen is thus well positioned to support further growth and international expansion. "His international track record as CFO make him a valuable addition to our executive team. Together we will take the next step in our growth ambitions."
Verhaagen's return to the HR sector
With extensive experience in finance and the HR sector, Willem Verhaagen brings valuable expertise. He began his career at Randstad in 2007 as Manager of Finance & Control. Then, between 2012 and 2022, Verhaagen held various CFO positions at Randstad, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Since 2023, he was CFO of EyeCare Group. "With my start at HeadFirst Group, I return to the HR and recruitment sector, a sector that is constantly on the move. The dynamics and energy that this sector and HeadFirst Group bring with it, appeal to me a lot," Verhaagen said.
Strategic vision and renewed board
Verhaagen forms the management board of HeadFirst Group together with CEO Marion van Happen, CCO Renger Lammers and COO Arco Elsman. In this structure, the responsibilities for finance, commerce and operations are group-wide invested in the board. This facilitates cooperation and ensures that the entire organization is aligned with the common mission: a transparent and balanced labor market, without bias, in which organizations and talent are perfectly connected. For example, the operational teams of all labels, including the Belgian ProUnity, fall under COO Arco Elsman. This has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth, with a focus on further internationalization and strengthening HR-tech services.
Van Happen says, "We are proud to share important updates that mark the beginning of a new chapter for our organization. These are important in our journey to position HeadFirst Group as a market leader in HR tech. In recent months, we have simplified and streamlined our organizational model. This allows us to respond faster to market dynamics and collectively achieve our ambitious goals."
Appointment Edzard Overbeek Group CEO HeadFirst Global
In addition, HeadFirst Global, the combination of HeadFirst Group and Impellam Group, recently announced the appointment of Edzard Overbeek as Group CEO. With Overbeek at the helm, the organization underscores its ambition to deliver leading HR tech solutions globally, driven by innovative technology and data and the largest network of STEM talent and partners. Overbeek's leadership strengthens HeadFirst Global's position as a leading HR-tech ecosystem and sets the company on course for further growth and internationalization.
HeadFirst Global appoints Edzard Overbeek as Group CEO to drive next phase of growth and global expansion
- Renowned global technology leader Edzard Overbeek named as HeadFirst Global CEO
- After 25 years, staffing industry leader Julia Robertson has decided to step down from leading HeadFirst Global
LONDON, February6th, 2025 - HeadFirst Global, a world-leading STEM talent and Managed Service Provider powered by a cutting-edge HR technology platform, today announced the appointment of Edzard Overbeek as Group CEO. Overbeek succeeds Julia Robertson, who has decided to step down after 25 years of transformational leadership.
With bold plans to redefine the future of workforce solutions, HeadFirst Global acquired Impellam Group and HeadFirst Group in March 2024 creating a company primed for accelerated growth with enhanced service offerings and tailored solutions for customers and professionals globally. Overbeek's appointment underscores HeadFirst Global's ambition to deliver workforce solutions powered by the world's foremost intelligent HR technology ecosystem that harnesses industry expertise and the power of data together with the largest STEM talent, partner, and supplier community.
With decades of technology, sales, general management, and executive experience, Overbeek has held key leadership positions across Fujitsu, Siemens, and Cisco Systems where he led the Global Services organization, responsible for over $12 billion in revenues. In 2016, Overbeek took the reins of HERE Technologies and transformed the company into a global location data and technology platform serving diverse industries.
The HeadFirst Global Board commented, "In Edzard, we have appointed a dynamic and highly respected, global technology leader for the next strategic era. As we pursue ambitious growth and create a seamless, intelligent ecosystem that connects STEM talent and workforce solutions, Edzard at the helm will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities and ensuring global businesses secure the specialist talent they need to thrive. Edzard's proven track record in leading global teams, and driving innovation make him the ideal leader to build on our strategic momentum and to continue to redefine the workforce solutions landscape."
Edzard Overbeek commented that "HeadFirst Global is at the forefront of revolutionizing workforce solutions, and I am honored to lead the company into its next ambitious chapter. In today's rapidly evolving digital world, organizations need outstanding talent and true innovators to stay competitive. I look forward to driving HeadFirst Global's vision to lead with a world-class technology platform connecting businesses and STEM talent worldwide to power the future of work with confidence."
The HeadFirst Global Board commented, "We extend our deepest gratitude to Julia for her exceptional leadership, strategic and cultural vision, and unwavering commitment to leading HeadFirst Global to be well-positioned for an exciting new future. Julia is a hugely respected industry leader, and under her direction, the company has become a global STEM talent and workforce solutions powerhouse, poised for future growth and success."
Outgoing CEO Julia Robertson reflected on her tenure, saying, "HeadFirst Global is on the cusp of an exciting new era. I am incredibly proud of the bold ambitions we, the board, and the leadership team, have set in motion. With Edzard Overbeek as Group CEO, I am confident the company will continue to break new ground in the industry."
Robertson has led HeadFirst Global plc as Group CEO, having driven the strategy and growth of Impellam Group plc as Group CEO for more than 10 years previously after joining the Group in 2000. With a career in workforce and talent solutions spanning some four decades, Robertson founded her own recruitment business, and served as Chief Executive of the REC.
Robertson and Overbeek will work closely in the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.
About HeadFirst Global
HeadFirst Global is an ambitious world leading STEM talent and Managed Service Provider powered by a cutting-edge HR technology platform. HeadFirst Global provides a global, differentiated technology and talent proposition in the fast-evolving workforce solutions ecosystem whilst unlocking exciting new opportunities for mission-critical talent across a diverse global customer network. HeadFirst Global amplifies technology and talent, powering the next world of work.
About Julia Robertson
Robertson led HeadFirst Global plc as Group CEO, having driven the strategy and growth of Impellam Group plc as Group CEO for more than 10 years after joining the Group in 2000. With a career in workforce and talent solutions spanning some four decades, including founding her own recruitment business, and serving as Chief Executive of the REC, Robertson has always been driven by the burning belief that there has to be a "better way.
About Edzard Overbeek
Edzard Overbeek studied Business Administration at the University of Bradford in the UK. He is regarded as an expert in cloud solutions and has held key leadership positions at global giants such as Fujitsu, Siemens, and Cisco Systems where he led Cisco's Global Services organization, overseeing more than $12 billion in revenue. In 2016 he was appointed CEO of HERE Technologies. HERE, a €1BN technology company with more than 6,500 employees in 52 countries, is a pioneer in mapping and location technology and the platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry leading to the #1 location platform, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. Overbeek is credited with transforming HERE from a successful single-industry business into a dynamic, global location data and technology platform serving diverse industries. His strategic leadership positioned HERE at the forefront of innovation in location intelligence.
Press enquiries: Marije Wildenborg, marije.wildenborg-degroot@headfirst.nl or +316 - 45768693.
Staying worry-free self-employed after Jan. 1, 2025: discover our 10 best practices
In recent years, organizations have made good strides toward being compliant with laws and regulations when hiring self-employed workers. With the enforcement moratorium expiring on January 1, 2025, the tension in the market is increasing. As an organization, how do you ensure that business continuity and compliance with legislation and case law go hand in hand?
To help you, we've compiled an overview of 10 best practices for future-proofing self-employment. These will not only keep you compliant, but also ensure that talented independents continue to contribute effectively within your organization.
In our white paper, you'll learn, among other things:
- When switching to permanent staff is smart
- How to deploy a Statement of Work.
- Whether dual-sourcing or short-cycle flow is for your organization
The Tax Authority's enforcement framework is based on existing case law, such as the Deliveroo criteria. This means that as an organization you have to carefully assess how an employment relationship is shaped. Issues such as embedding, authority relationship and responsibility for results play an important role here. Want to know how to get your hiring policy ready for 2025? Download our white paper and discover the 10 best practices.
Take the right steps today to mitigate risk, stay compliant and stay in control of your hiring process. Have any questions? Our team is ready to assist you at info@headfirst.nl or 023 - 568 56 30.
