Why is there a GNSO Review?
ICANN’s Bylaws require that its structures, including the GNSO, 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 GNSO Review addresses the 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 GNSO Review?
Based on direction from the Board, the current review comprises of an examination of the GNSO’s organizational effectiveness in accordance with the ICANN-provided objective and quantifiable criteria. The Structural Improvements Committee of the Board (SIC) is responsible for the oversight of ICANN’s structural reviews.
Within the organizational effectiveness context 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 GNSO Working Groups, the GNSO Council and the GNSO Stakeholder Groups and Constituencies will be evaluated. Structural topics are likely to come up as part of this work.
The current review 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 GNSO. The 360 Assessment and interviews will provide the community with an opportunity to express their position on the GNSO structure.
Whether structural changes are needed and when such changes should be considered would be topics for discussion after the GNSO review is finalized, possibly during the implementation planning, depending on the nature of findings and recommendations.
Will the review propose changes to the GNSO Structure?
While we cannot speculate what the outcome of the Review will be, the mandate outlined in the Request for Proposal does NOT include proposing a new structure.
Based on the scope of the review of the organizational effectiveness of the GNSO, 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 GNSO Working Groups, the GNSO Council and the GNSO Stakeholder Groups and Constituencies will be evaluated. Structural topics are likely to come up as part of this work.
The review and its requirements will be managed in a clear and scheduled process, empowering the GNSO and broader community to be a part of the solution and improvement efforts.
Who will perform the Review?
While an Independent Examiner will perform the review, the GNSO community also has an important role: performing a self-assessment, providing direct input and implementing improvements.
