Certification and Accountability Sub-Committee Preliminary Recommendations

* Standard form of governance and accountability structure * Sufficient staff to manage program * Employment development and succession plans for key staff * Leaders will meet hiring/enrollment standards * Members and staff easily recognizable through uniforms and insignia

* Implementation of generally accepted accounting principals and financial controls * Management of and compliance with government contracts * Maintenance of determined acceptable level of liability and workers compensation insurance * Regular audits (A-133 where applicable)

* Written Policies and Procedures * Staff and member training * Maintain insurance coverage as required by federal, state and local law

* Maintain either dedicated HR staff or other staff with demonstrated HR experience and expertise * Written HR policies and procedures * Payroll and stipend management systems * Maintain accurate files and records * Hiring of staff and participants adheres to applicable laws and complies with funding/contractual agreements

* Mission and activities focused on conserving or developing natural and cultural resources and enhancing and maintaining environmentally important lands and water * Crew based or individual placements depending on project or request of partner/sponsor * Length of program is adequate and appropriate to meet mission and provide meaningful experience for the member

* Crews are supervised by experienced leaders and staff who have undergone training in basic outdoor education, crew management, discipline and safety (including appropriate level first aid and CPR) * Individual placements will be supervised by a staff member of the partner organization/agency and will be supported by the 21 st C CSC organization * Programs serving youth will adhere to appropriate legal requirements

* Specialized projects and trainings will be subject to an additional level of certification * Projects include but are not limited to * Chainsaw programs * Back country & spike programs * GIS programs

* Structure * NGO- the Government will outsource the management of 21C CSC to an NGO through competitive bid * Board-experts in the field provide oversight. Make final determination * Peer Review Team-manages site visits * Government Committee-advisory

* Components- * Application will consist of written self- assessment followed by an on-site peer review

* Fee structure * Portion of the cost paid by organization * Fee based on organization size/budget and or number of programs certified * Peer review expenses * Dedicated federal funding?

* Length of Certification * 3 Years * Annual short form report on ‘off years’

* Decertification/Appeals * Appeals regarding certification status are submitted to the Board for consideration * Certifying entity will be responsible for reviewing and managing all certified organizations for compliance * Opportunity for corrective action-probationary status

* Emerging Corps/Organizations * New or small existing organizations may apply for provisional certification * Managing entity will provide a compliance plan and technical assistance * Finite timeline for compliance and obtaining full certification

* Program collects information on its operations, services and participants * Programs establish measurable outcomes that reflect the outcomes of the 21 st C CSC * Programs comply with all federal and other grant and contract reporting requirements.