About Ber Oomen

Four decades across nursing and European health policy.

A deeply practical perspective on association management, rooted in active clinical practice and senior European leadership.

Ber Oomen is an independent advisor and the Director of the European Nursing Association Consultancy (ENAC). With a career spanning more than four decades in nursing, mental health specialisation and European health policy, he brings a deeply practical perspective to association management.

His work focuses on innovation, workforce development and collaborative leadership for sustainable, future-ready health systems across Europe. He advises nursing and health NGOs on how to run themselves properly — from statutes and governance to European positioning and alliances.

He holds himself to a high standard when it comes to good governance and democratic values within an association. For him, members must have a meaningful place within the organisation, be genuinely heard and have opportunities to contribute. Their involvement should not be seen merely as a formal requirement, but as an essential part of shaping the association’s direction and strengthening its goals, values and culture.

From 1981 to now

Director, ENAC

Independent consultancy advising nursing and health associations across Europe on governance, positioning and strategy.

Executive Director, ESNO

Leading the European Specialist Nurses Organisation on policy advocacy and specialist training standards across the EU.

Expert Member, EMA

Served on the Health Care Professional Working Party and the Biosimilar Medicine Working Party at the European Medicines Agency.

Co-founder, ESNO

Founding member and Executive Secretary from 2010–2017, instrumental in establishing the organisation’s initial framework.

Mental Health Specialisation

Qualified as a mental health specialist. Later founded Horatio, the European Psychiatric Nursing Association.

Qualified as a Nurse

Graduated from the School of Nursing, Saint Ignatius Hospital, Breda.

Professional details

Languages

English · Dutch

ORCID iD

Working parties & panels

If you don't understand where you are, it's hard to set out goals.

Ber Oomen

Let's talk

Let's discuss your association.

Whether you are establishing an association, reviewing its governance, looking for European positioning or planning a health-policy project, let’s discuss what you need.