Section 4.4(a) of ICANN’sBylawsrequire that its structures, including the NomCom2, be reviewed on a five-year cycle. According to the Bylaws, the goal of the review is “to determine (i) whether that organization has a continuing purpose in the ICANN structure, and (ii) if so, whether any change in structure or operations is desirable to improve its effectiveness.”
This review is part of ICANN’s commitment to continuous improvement, accountability and transparency. It uses mechanisms and measures to maintain public confidence in the viability, reliability and accountability of ICANN.
The SSAC Review uses a new, improved approach to conducting reviews. It will inform the work on evolving ICANN’s Review Framework, as part of the broader accountability discussion.
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What is the scope of the SSAC Review?
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Based on direction from the Board, the current review comprises an examination of RSSAC organizational effectiveness in accordance with the ICANN-provided objectives and quantifiable criteria. The Organizational Effectiveness Committee of the Board (OEC) is responsible for the oversight of ICANN’s organizational reviews.
The review will focus on addressing areas such as purpose of the organization; its processes and means of conducting its work; and its outcomes. The operations of the SSAC Working Groups, the SSAC Council, the Regional SSAC Organizations and the SSAC Structures will also be evaluated. Review criteria include but are not limited to the following areas, to be applied to SSAC Community components (ALAC, RALOs and ALSes):
Fulfilment of mission, adherence to Policies and Procedures, and organizational support
Accountability and transparency to the public
Membership processes and participation
Communication
Governance and management, effectiveness of execution
Evaluation and measurement of outcomes
Effectiveness of implementation of prior review recommendations
The review and its requirements will be managed in a clear and scheduled process, empowering the SSAC and broader community to be a part of the solution and improvement efforts.
The current review also will include an assessment of the effectiveness of structural changes that resulted from the last review, as it relates to the organizational effectiveness of the SSAC.
Community surveys and interviews will provide the community with an opportunity to express their position on the SSAC structure.
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What role does the Organizational Effectiveness Committee of the Board play in the SSAC Review?
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The Organizational Effectiveness Committee(OEC) of the ICANN Board is responsible for the review and oversight of policies relating to ICANN’s ongoing organizational review process, as mandated by Section 4.4(a) of ICANN’s Bylaws (Periodic Review of ICANN Structure and Operations). For more information, see the Charter of the OEC. In addition to providing oversight, the OEC confirms the Independent Examiner, accepts the final report and implementation plan and prepares recommendations for Board action.
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What is the SSAC Review Working Party and what is its role?
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The Organizational Effectiveness Committee (OEC) of the Board has requested that an SSAC Review Working Party be assembled to act as a liaison between the SSAC, the Independent Examiner and the OEC. The Working Party will also provide input on review criteria and a community survey, coordinate interviews, and objectively supply clarification and responses to the draft findings and recommendations. Once the final report is issued and the Board takes action on it, the SSAC Review Working Party is expected to coordinate with the SSAC community to prepare an Implementation Plan and champion implementation of improvement activities.
The membership of the SSAC Review Working Party represents the diversity of the SSAC community. The activities of the SSAC Review Working Party are conducted in an open and fully transparent manner. Contact _______________ for more information. See activities of the SSAC Review Working Party on their wiki.
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Who will perform the Review?
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While an Independent Examiner will perform the review, the SSAC community also has an important role: performing a self-assessment, providing direct input to the community survey and participating in interviews, and implementing improvements.
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How will the Independent Examiner be selected?
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The selection of an Independent Examiner is done in accordance with the process originally outlined in Systematization of Organizational Reviews Processes and ICANN’s procurement policy. The process has been adjusted to include continuous process improvements and lessons learned. The selection involves Organizational Review and Procurement staff and the Organizational Effectiveness Committee of the Board (OEC). A competitive bidding process was launched on 11 July 2017 with an open Request for Proposal for the Independent Review of the SSAC Community. Submitted proposals were carefully evaluated and the results and scores were presented for consideration and action by the OEC.
In connection with the open competitive bidding process used to select the independent examiner, the proposals were reviewed and evaluated for all data responsive to the RFP, not just the low bid. Prices was one of many considerations. Once all bids were evaluated, the Independent Examiner was selected as the most qualified consultant relative to, but not limited to, the following high-level selection criteria:
Understanding of the assignment
Knowledge and expertise
Demonstrated experience in conducting broadly similar examinations
Not-for-profit experience
Basic knowledge of ICANN
Geographic and cultural diversity, multilingualism, gender balance
Suitability of proposed CVs
Proposed methodology
Work organization, project management approach, and timelines
Suitability of tools and methods or work
Clarity of deliverables
Flexibility, including but not limited to meeting the timeline
Reference checks
Financial value
Conflict of Interest
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Who has been selected as the Independent Examiner?
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ITEMS International was selected as the independent examiner on 13 May 2016. Further information on ITEMS International can be found here.
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What is the Review methodology?
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The methodology used for the SSAC Review will follow best practices and professional standards for independence, proficiency and due professional care. Information will be collected through a variety of means: an online community survey with quantitative and qualitative aspects, one-on-one interviews, desk review of documents, and in-person observations during ICANN meetings. Additionally, it is expected that the Independent Examiner will participate in a majority of the SSAC Review Working Party calls and public sessions to be held at ICANN56 and ICANN57 and will consider any feedback provided by the SSAC Review Working Party as well as by others through the formal public comment process and other feedback mechanisms.
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How can individuals and groups within the SSAC structure get involved?
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You can get involved in a variety of ways. For groups, each SSAC regional organization has designated a representative to join the SSAC Review Working Party. Other regional constituencies interested in joining the SSAC Review Working Party can appoint an observer.
Any interested individual is invited to provide direct input to the SSAC Review Working Party by contacting ____________________ and/or by participating in the community survey.
