Working Group Charter
In the build-up to launching a Policy Development Process (PDP), the Supporting Organization initiating the process will compose a charter for the working group. The charter defines the scope of the PDP, and typically identifies the legal authority for the working group to investigate and propose policy on the issues being addressed, and for the ICANN Board to enact policy based on the final report of the working group. It also contains an estimated timeline and may define work tracks, expertise required, and other logistical aspects for the working group to consider as it begins work.
Charter Development and Drafting
The charter is typically prepared in conjunction with or shortly after the PDP Issue Report, which represents the formal initiation of a PDP.[1][2] Although the Bylaws do not explicitly call out charter development for working groups, the GNSO and ccNSO have both adopted procedures that include the drafting of a charter for each PDP working group.[3][4]
GNSO
The GNSO has drafted a template charter document for use by the GNSO or other sponsoring organizations.[5]
ccNSO
The ccNSO PDP operates differently, and may as a result include two charters: one for an appointed Task Force, which is an information- and opinion-gathering team intended to frame the opinions and attitudes of stakeholders within each ICANN region; and a second charter for the Working Group itself.[2]
- ↑ ICANN Bylaws - Annex A: GNSO Policy Development Process
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 ICANN Bylaws - Annex B: ccNSO Policy Development Process
- ↑ GNSO - Working Group Guidelines, October 24, 2019 (PDF)
- ↑ ccNSO - Working Group Guidelines, March 30, 2016 (PDF)
- ↑ GNSO Charter Template, March 13, 2019 (PDF)