Changes

===2014-15 Standardization Efforts===

===2014-15 Standardization Efforts===

===="Audit" Approach and First Steps====

===="Audit" Approach and First Steps====

At the beginning of 2014, the [[Operational Effectiveness Committee|Structural Improvements Committee (SIC)]] (as it was named at the time) investigated the possibility of unifying the process for Article 4 reviews, so that each review, regardless of organization, followed a predictable path. The proposal from the chair included the adoption of an "audit" approach to reviews:

At the beginning of 2014, the [[Organizational Effectiveness Committee|Structural Improvements Committee (SIC)]] (as it was named at the time) investigated the possibility of unifying the process for Article 4 reviews, so that each review, regardless of organization, followed a predictable path. The proposal from the chair included the adoption of an "audit" approach to reviews:

<blockquote>The Chair discussed elements of different types of audits (outcome, structural and process element audits), and how they may be used to assist the overall effectiveness of the organization. The SIC considered potential elements of an audit or review mechanism, including the methods and tools, and qualitative and quantitative metrics. The Chair noted that the outputs could be fed into the work of other Board committees, such as the Audit Committee or the Risk Committee. The members of the SIC discussed whether the proposed approach would overlap with the overall organizational assessment that is part of the ATRT review. The SIC also discussed the implications of using the term "audit" to identify the structural review, and discussed the importance of ensuring that any review (or "audit") meets the requirements in the Bylaws.<ref name="febsic">[https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/minutes-bsic-2014-02-06-en Meeting Minutes, Structural Improvements Committee], February 6, 2014</ref> </blockquote>

<blockquote>The Chair discussed elements of different types of audits (outcome, structural and process element audits), and how they may be used to assist the overall effectiveness of the organization. The SIC considered potential elements of an audit or review mechanism, including the methods and tools, and qualitative and quantitative metrics. The Chair noted that the outputs could be fed into the work of other Board committees, such as the Audit Committee or the Risk Committee. The members of the SIC discussed whether the proposed approach would overlap with the overall organizational assessment that is part of the ATRT review. The SIC also discussed the implications of using the term "audit" to identify the structural review, and discussed the importance of ensuring that any review (or "audit") meets the requirements in the Bylaws.<ref name="febsic">[https://www.icann.org/resources/board-material/minutes-bsic-2014-02-06-en Meeting Minutes, Structural Improvements Committee], February 6, 2014</ref> </blockquote>

Committee members expressed some concern about the term "audit," which in both definition and practice is distinct from a "review,"<ref>''See e.g.'' the Government Accountability Office's "[https://www.gao.gov/products/113596 Audit and Evaluation: Is there a difference?]" - October 6, 1980</ref> and noted that any review/audit process must comply with the ICANN Bylaws. Committee members also noted community concerns about the number of reviews underway.<ref name="febsic" />

Committee members expressed some concern about the term "audit," which in both definition and practice is distinct from a "review,"<ref>''See e.g.'' the Government Accountability Office's "[https://www.gao.gov/products/113596 Audit and Evaluation: Is there a difference?]" - October 6, 1980</ref> and noted that any review/audit process must comply with the ICANN Bylaws. Committee members also noted community concerns about the number of reviews underway.<ref name="febsic" />