Why socially responsible debt collection is the new norm

Socially responsible collection is rapidly gaining ground. More and more public and private organizations are realizing that people-centered debt collection is not only social, but also effective. As a partner of dozens of municipalities, educational institutions and companies, NIKKI in the middle of this movement.

In this blog, you can read why socially responsible collection important is what the agreement framework includes, and how we at NIKKI put it into practice every day.

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Table of Contents

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• What is socially responsible collection?
• Why are more and more organizations opting for this?
• The impact of the social debt collection agreement framework
• Case studies: people and solutions
• How social debt collection works according to NIKKI
• FAQs
• The future of debt collection
• Conclusion: time for more human customization

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What is socially responsible collection?

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Socially responsible collection means that, as a creditor, you do not immediately opt for pressure or coercion, but look for cooperation and understanding. It's about customization, listening and helping where possible. Think about:

• Early identification of financial problems
• Customized communication
• Give space for a payment arrangement
• Deployment of debt assistance and guidance

At NIKKI, we have been using this approach for years. We believe that behind every debt there is a story, and that personal contact leads to sustainable solutions.

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Why are more and more organizations opting for this?

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During the action meeting on March 25, 2025 almost 30 organizations signed — The signed parties are ABN AMRO Bank N.V. - Achmea - a.s.r. insurances - Childcare Branch Organization- Social Childcare Industry Association - @Budget Energy from Budget Home - Elbuco B.V. - Eneco - Essent - Faircasso - Flanderijn - Municipality of Amsterdam - Municipality of Rotterdam - GGN - Green choice - ING Netherlands - National Netherlands - Dutch Banking Association - NIKKI - Obvion - Rabobank - Stadion - Syncasso - Univé - Vattenfall - Association of Insurers - VGZ Cooperative - de Volksbank

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Why?

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• Financial problems are rarely a choice.
• Life events (such as illness or divorce) put a lot of people in a bind.
• Traditional debt collection often leads to more problems, not solutions.
• A human approach leads to more loyalty and better results.

Cindy Kroon (Vattenfall) said it aptly: “The measures cost money, but pay off in trust and better payment behavior.”

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The agreement framework: a milestone for social debt collection

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The social debt collection agreement framework, drawn up by SchuldenlabNL, NCFG and involved companies, among others, describes seven key steps in the collection process. From first contact to processing — everything is focused on trust, clarity and assistance.

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The ambitions are clear:

• Fewer evictions
• Less debt stress
• More sustainable payment solutions

“It's love and sharpness,” says Eelco Dubbeling (NVB). “Love for people, focus on process and system.”

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The power of practical experience

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During the meeting, people who were dealing with debts themselves also spoke. They emphasized how big the difference is when listening.

One of them said:

“The simple question “Can I help you?” changed everything.”

Also professionals, such as neighborhood judges Mirjam van der Kaay, showed what social debt collection means in practice. In her district court, attendance at hearings is six times higher than normal.

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How we do it at NIKKI

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Bee NIKKI every day, we help students, parents and entrepreneurs with their payment arrears. But in a way that fits our beliefs: humanity over mechanics.

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What do we do differently?

• We are looking personal contact instead of automatic reminders
• We give insight and explanation instead of confusion
• We make payment arrangements possible without penalty
• We work with debt counselors and municipalities

Our mission is clear: we solve debts, but with people first.

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Frequently asked questions about social responsible debt collection

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Why does social debt collection work better than traditional ones?

Because it involves cooperation rather than confrontation. This leads to better payment results and less social damage.

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Isn't social debt collection more expensive?

In the short term maybe. But in the long run, it pays more: fewer files, fewer legal costs, and more bills paid.

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What is NIKKI's role?

As one of the signatories of the agreement framework Social Debt Collection, takes NIKKI an active role in making debt collection more humane, fair and effective. We believe that debts are only really resolved when people feel heard and understood. That's why we don't just focus on communication, but on connection.

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Personal contact as key

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At NIKKI, we work with a permanent personal call team that actively seeks contact with people who are dealing with payment arrears. No threatening letters or standard emails, just a friendly phone call asking: “How can we help you?”

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Outcome

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This approach ensures:

• Higher willingness to pay
• More sustainable solutions
• Trust between debtor, creditor and mediator

At NIKKI, we do what works and what is human. Because socially responsible collection is not an extra service, it is our standard.

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The future of debt collection is social

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What used to be about printing and payment is now increasingly about trust and cooperation. The meeting on March 25, 2025 marks a tipping point. Not only in policy, but also in mentality.

State Secretary Struyken said it aptly:

“A facilitative approach works better. For people and society.”

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Conclusion: humanity as standard

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Socially responsible collection is not a trend, it is a necessary change. And at NIKKI we are making that change every day. With attention, care, and results.

Do you have questions about how NIKKI puts this into practice? Get in touch with us.

Together, we solve debts. With an eye for people.