1Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February International Organization for Standardization

2Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home Defining the scope for an Action Plan DEVCO/COPOLCO Workshop Train the trainers Paris, France February February 2009 Acknowledgements to: Association française de normalisation (AFNOR), ISO/COPOLCO training team co-chairs, BSI and Consumers International

3Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Setting Priorities for maximum impact What is an Action Plan? What are the main elements? What can NSBs and Consumer organizations do? Actions for today; actions for the future Bringing solutions home – Outline

4Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Looking forward This Final Session is about Looking Forward It will encourage you to build on: The range of presentation material The discussions and feedback from the dialogue sessions Supporting Information available Together with: The knowledge you have of your local national situation

5Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Building blocks The Key Building Blocks provided include: Key characteristics of the standards process Benefits of standards for consumers Consumer representation Nationally, regionally & internationally Resources available to support consumer representation Networking nationally, regionally & internationally COPOLCO & CIs support and networking activities Developing capacity Relevant case studies (e.g. from the region)

6Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – a good Action Plan A good action plan - practical and realistic Activity and output based Contributes to a longer term vision States who does what Unambiguous Takes account of resources available Clear timetable with dates and targets Agreed by the parties involved

7Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Actions for an NSB Provide an annual plan of priorities and actions Consult with consumers in developing the plan Appoint a liaison person to communicate with Consumer organizations Join COPOLCO, ensure appropriate contact person

8Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Actions for an NSB (continued) Develop consumer involvement in NSB governance Encourage consumer participation in standards development Train consumers about standards and how to engage Network with other NSBs in the region

9Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Actions for a Consumer organization Evaluate where consumer priorities overlap with national standards activities (review NSB action plan) Evaluate issues of greatest consumer detriment where standards may help Liaise with other COs and NGOs Review where consumer participation in priority standards issues would be most effective/useful (vs. legislation/relates to testing agenda)

10Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Actions for a consumer organization (continued) Provide realistic and practical information to NSB regarding consumer participation to facilitate a joint action plan Investigate funding and resource opportunities for participation Evaluate CO potential resources to participate (financial & human) Appoint a liaison person to co-ordinate with NSB and other COs/NGOs

11Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Joint actions Joint actions standards bodies and consumer organizations might consider include: Activities to support World Standards Day Develop an ongoing dialogue (meetings, seminars) Involve each other in topics of mutual interest Promote good use of standards in consumer protection Develop mechanisms to enable consumer priorities for standards to be developed COPOLCO members meet with consumers to consider the papers, to brief delegates and/or submit comment.

12Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Actions for today What to consider today When should we meet (again)? / Whom should I contact? First draft of a vision for consumer participation A draft plan, inevitably with gaps Information needed to fill gaps/ progress a plan (Who will do this?) Actions for the NSB representative Actions for the consumer representative

13Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home – Actions for the future What to consider in 6 months Do we have a draft action plan? If not what needs to happen to make progress? It will take initiative and co-operation ultimately from both parties to achieve a mutually beneficial relationship

14Bringing solutions home: Defining the scope for an action plan February 2009 Bringing solutions home GOOD LUCK WITH DEVELOPING CONSUMER PARTICIPATION IN YOUR COUNTRY Making standards work for consumers