Draft Terms of Reference for
SDNP Steering CommitteesThe SDNP Steering Committee (SC) is an integral part of the overall implementation of the project in any given country. The SC is the organizational entity that enables the different sectors of society (and stakeholders) direct involvement in basic aspects of the project. Each sector of society, including the national government (ministries), private businesses, NGOs, Universities and Research institutions, the media, etc., has at least one representative in the SC.
The role of the SDNP Steering Committee is to provide advice, direction and support to the SDNP Coordinator and the Coordination Unit staff on an ongoing basis. This will the done through:
- review of plans, activities and achievements with the SDNP Coordinator;
- involvement in long term planning;
- support the objective of cost recovery;
- addressing broader policy issues when necessary;
- sensitizing actual and potential user-groups;
- monitoring the effectiveness of training;
- providing advice on material inappropriate for distribution, ie., pornography;
- recommending what kinds of information are crucial to the country;
- recommending the level of fees to charge users of the SDNP;
- resolve specific conflicts between SDNP users/members; and,
- focusing on the end-users of the technology and information.
The Steering Committee will be responsible for representing stakeholder groups and networks with these stakeholders on issues related to sustainable development. The Steering Committee is the vehicle for reflecting stakeholder participation in the management and operation of the SDNP. In due course a key ask will be to review the business plan and forecast expenditures and revenues and slowly introduce a sliding scale for cost recovery based on ability to pay.
While the Steering Committee will play a major role in guiding and orienting the SDNP and insuring proper function of the activities undertaken by it, it does not have direct responsibility for financial management, although it should have knowledge of the financial status of the project.
The Committee will seek consensus on decisions. Where consensus is not possible, a majority vote will carry weight and dissenting rationale can be listed in the minutes if requested by a member.
The Committee will have a permanent chairperson for a definitive period of time (one year maximum), after which time a new chairperson will be selected. The secretary to the Committee will permanently reside in a specific location. Wherever possible, an external individual will be given the task of taking and compiling draft minutes to ensure maximum participation from all members. Meetings will take place at least quarterly, or more often as required. Meetings will be called for by the chairperson or secretary. Any member of the Committee can call for an extra-ordinary meeting if they feel it is necessary. Quorum for a meeting of the Committee is 50% of membership.
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