Figure 4 – The preparatory phase • • • • • • • • • • Consultations within government Consultations with NGOs and other interested groups Government takes decision to proceed with the plan Government appoints focal agency Focal agency informs other government agencies and civil society groups of the intention to prepare a plan Focal agency draws up draft principles, in consultation with civil society, for the initial stages of development of the plan Government formally endorses the process Public announcement of the intention to develop a national action plan Organization of an initial national consultative meeting or meetings with stakeholders Establishment of the national coordinating committee 5.6 National coordinating committee The key development in the preparatory phase of work on the plan will be the establishment of the national coordinating committee. This body might alternatively be called a task force, a steering committee or something else, but for the purposes of this Handbook we shall refer to it as a “national coordinating committee”, “coordinating committee” or “national committee”. As part of its work in the preparatory phase, the focal agency could prepare a recommendation on the size, composition and methods of work of the coordinating committee, and on its necessary supporting structures and resources. This recommendation could be considered by civil society representatives and other participants at the initial national consultative meeting mentioned above. The government will normally take the final decisions on matters relating to the committee, though it is essential that these decisions enjoy the support of other stakeholders. Size The committee should be on a scale that permits satisfactory representation of government agencies, stakeholders and interest groups, while at the same time being manageable in terms of decision-making effectiveness and cost. A membership of around 10 to 20 may be the optimum size to achieve these goals. Composition In order to achieve the twin objectives of effective implementation and broad popular support, membership should include representatives of both important government agencies and civil society organizations. Gender balance and equitable representation of ethnic, religious, regional or other minorities should be an important consideration. Government agencies should include those that have particular responsibility for implementation of the plan, such as security authorities and departments responsible for social policy. Civil society organizations should include representatives of trade unions and those with responsibility for economic and social issues as well as 45