Working structures

The EU Civil Society Contact Group is managed by a steering group composed of two representatives from each member. Each member’s representation shall endeavour to respect the principle of gender parity. Each representative integrates the interests of her/his sector in the common project and consults the sector’s members according to the internal custom of that sector. Decisions are taken by consensus and if needed by majority, yet shall not be passed when significantly opposed by a sector. The steering group meets regularly and at least five times a year. Each sector chairs the EU Civil Society Contact Group for a period of 12 months in a system of rotation. Until June 2009 Fintan Farrell, director of the European Anti Poverty Network, chairs the EU Civil Society Contact Group for the Social Platform. In case of urgent decisions on common actions that cannot be fully circulated, the chair seeks agreement with as many members as possible, but at least one representative per sector. All political decisions are taken by the steering group if not explicitly agreed differently.

Working groups are set up on the basis of the annual work program. The steering group gives a mandate to the working group to develop an agreed activity and/or to make recommendations to the steering group. The working group meetings are facilitated by a representative to the steering group who reports to and from the steering group and ensures the respect of the mandate. Working groups for 2009 will be established in the steering group meeting in January.