Code of Good Practice for Civil Participation in the Decision-making Process
This code of good practice lays out the rationale, the framework and the means for enhanced civil participation. The code is based on actual experiences from NGOs across Europe sharing their good practices and valid methods for engaging with public authorities. It offers all actors in the democratic process guidelines stemming from concrete practical experience of dialogue and
co-operation between NGOs and public authorities.
Description
This text highlights the contribution of organised civil society
in the democratic process and is not focused on the related
question of civic (individual) participation. NGOs form a crucial
component of participation in an open, democratic society through
engaging large numbers of individuals, and can bring benefits of
knowledge and independent expertise to the process of decision
making. This has led governments at all levels, from local and
regional to national, as well as international institutions, to
draw on the relevant experience and competence of NGOs to assist in
policy development and implementation. NGOs enjoy a unique trust
from their members and society to voice concerns, to represent
their interests and to gain involvement in causes, thereby
providing crucial input into policy development.
There are six different steps in the political decision-making
process: agenda setting, drafting of policy, decision-making,
implementation of policy, monitoring and reformulation of policy.
Each step offers opportunities for NGOs and public authorities to
interact. This can be, among other options, by advocating an issue,
sharing information, lending expertise and advice or by providing
resources. These stages, and the respective actions civil society
and government can implement in order to collaborate are outlined
step-by-step, serving as a guide for any official or NGO wishing to
strengthen interaction. The final aim of this Code is to facilitate
this interaction and to enhance citizens’ empowerment and
participation in the democratic process at local, regional and
national levels.
Publication date
October 2009
Document type
Policy
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