Why is there an SSAC Review?
Section 4.4(a) of ICANN’s Bylaws require 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.
What is the scope of the SSAC Review?
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.
