Sub-area 3.2: Involvement in policy-and decision-making processes | Standards

Sub-area 3.2: Involvement in policy-and decision-making processes

Principle: CSOs are effectively included in the policy and decision-making process

STANDARD 1

There are standards
enabling CSO involvement in
decision-making, which allow for
CSO input in a timely manner

INDICATORS

Legislation:
1. There are clearly defined standards on the involvement of CSOs in the
policy and decision making processes in line with best regulatory practices
prescribing minimum requirements which every policy-making process
needs to fulfill.
2. State policies provide for educational programs/training for civil servants on
CSO involvement in the work of public institutions.
3. Internal regulations require specified units or officers in government, line
ministries or other government agencies to coordinate, monitor and report
CSO involvement in their work.
Practice:
1. Public institutions routinely invite all interested CSOs to comment on policy/
legal initiatives at an early stage.
2. CSOs are provided with adequate information on the content of the draft
documents and details of the consultation with sufficient time to respond.
3. Written feedback on the results of consultations is made publicly available
by public institutions including reasons why some recommendations were
not included.
4. The majority of civil servants in charge of drafting public policies have
successfully completed the necessary educational programs/training.
5. Most of the units/officers coordinating and monitoring public consultations
are functional and have sufficient capacity.

STANDARD 2

All draft policies and laws are
easily accessible to the public in a
timely manner

INDICATORS

Legislation:
1. Existing legislation obliges public institutions to make all draft and adopted
laws and policies public, and exceptions are clearly defined and in line with
international norms and best practices.
2. Clear mechanisms and procedures for access to public information/
documents exist.
3. There are clearly prescribed sanctions for civil servants/units for breaching
the legal requirements on access to public information.
Practice:
1. Public institutions actively publish draft and adopted laws and policies,
unless they are subject to legally prescribed exceptions.
2. Public institutions answer the majority of requests for access to public
information within the deadline prescribed by law, in a clear format, provide
written explanations on the reasons for refusal, and highlight the right to
appeal and the procedure for appealing.
3. Cases of violations of the law are sanctioned.

STANDARD 3

CSO representatives
are equal partners in
discussions in cross-sector
bodies and are selected through
clearly defined criteria and processes

INDICATORS

Legislation:
1. Existing legislation requires public institutions to invite CSO representatives
on to different decision-making and/or advisory bodies created by public
institutions.
2. There are clear guidelines on how to ensure appropriate representation from
civil society, based on transparent and predetermined criteria.
Practice:
1. Decision-making and advisory bodies on issues and policies relevant for
civil society generally include CSO representatives.
2. CSO representatives in these bodies are enabled to freely present and defend
their positions, without being sanctioned.
3. CSO representatives are selected through selection processes which are
considered fair and transparent.
4. Participation in these bodies does not prevent CSOs from using alternative
ways of advocacy or promoting alternative stand-points which are not in line
with the position of the respective body.