The Office is part of central government. Situated in a splendid mansion in the centre of The Hague, the Office has a team of 34 civil servants to assist and support the Queen. The lines of communication are short and the atmosphere is informal. As the organisation is small, many jobs involve several functions. Staff are therefore expected to look beyond their own duties and support one another. This makes the work varied and interesting. Each member of staff has to meet high standards of personal reliability and integrity. Owing to the nature of the work and the contacts, all staff are subject to rules of confidentiality, and they are therefore screened by the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) before appointment.