CIVICUS Legitimacy, Transparency and Accountability project

A Guide to Developing Self-Regulation Frameworks

By Sifiso Dube

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Purpose of the Guide

• To Guide network/umbrella bodies on issues consider, discuss and agree upon during the process of coming up with a homemade self-regulation framework and who have decided or are considering developing some kind of self-regulation framework for themselves. .

• To provide examples and case studies from existing self-regulation frameworks in an effort to analyse what works and what doesn’t.

• To highlight lessons learned and experiences from CSOs that have developed Self-regulation frameworks.

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Principles of the Guide• Establishing the self-regulation initiative must be a civil society-led process• Motivation and commitment from members is crucial • All stakeholders must be involvement in the process from the beginning• A flexible self-regulation initiative will attract a diverse group of organisations, including size,

focus and type• Diversified resources are a prerequisite for sustainability of self-regulation initiative • Using ICTs can increase participation of stakeholders• Working in networks facilitates and encourages the implementation of self-regulation

mechanisms and mutual learning and problem solving.• Members must seek to provide high quality and accurate information during reporting to

benefit from learning and recommendations • A compliance system is needed for the monitoring and enforcement of self-regulation

initiative• A peer review mechanism can provide credible information about the implementation of

framework

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Some common concepts• CSO accountability refers to the obligation to justify words and deeds to society in general and to a

specific set of internal and external stakeholders. It embraces the actors, mechanisms and institutions by which civil society organisations are held responsible for their actions

• CSO legitimacy usually implies that an organization is authentic and has justification for its actions. Legitimacy may be derived from many sources including membership or constituency, legal recognition, experience, relevant knowledge of the issues which civil society advocates for, etc. The critical issue for civil society is the challenge that CSOs face around their justifications to voice their opinions and to speak on behalf of others, especially vulnerable and marginalized communities.

• CSO transparency refers more to processes, procedures and values which ensure accountability. They are prevalent in civil society’s method of work and the existence of appropriate systems and how these relate to the functioning of civil society organisations. They can be fairly and accurately judged by stakeholders.

• Self-regulation mechanisms refers to a set of standards or norms that the group of organisations agrees to try to meet for various reasons, of which some could be alternative to proposed strict NGO legislation that are seen to limit the space for civic engagement ; wish to lift the general reputation and legitimacy of CSOs , motivation comes from the fact that the Government meets CSOs that are certified according to a specific set of standards , or simply to uplift each participating member by stating good practice and go into a learning process with peer-organisations.

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Some considerations highlighted in the guide

• Choosing the right type of instrument or framework (capacity & understanding the purpose)

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Process of defining the most appropriate type of instrument:

Purpose

Consideration of:Geographical areaAvailable means of communication Resources availableCommitment, trust

Analysis, based on understand- ding of existing types

Choice of type of instrument

Some considerations highlighted in the guide

• Choosing the level and type of content (level of detail , standards types, dimensions)

• Level of members buy-in and participation (political will)

• Sustainability of the framework (resources, flexibility, affirmation)

• Relevance to environment and organisation strategy

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Sections of the Guide

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Defining Self-regulation and its importance (no one size fits all)

Impact of a Self-Regulation Initiative (Long-term M & E, increased trust & funding, political space protection)

Reporting on Self-Regulation Initiative (effective reporting systems, theory of

change, compliance)

Implementation of a Self-Regulation Initiative (management, resources)

Formulation of a Self-Regulation Initiative (lessons learned from

existing frameworks)

Conclusion based on principles and case studies

Next steps…

• Webinars on Guide application (LTA partners, AGNA members, CSO Accountability experts)

• Regional workshops on Guide application (LTA partners, AGNA members, CSO Accountability experts)

• Piloting the Guide in 3 regions (Latin America, SS Africa, South East Asia)

• Monitoring & evaluation of developed frameworks based on the Guide

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Thank you! Merci! Muchas Gracias, Obrigado

Any Questions?

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