FYI: On 8 December 2006 the ICANN Board approved the following schedule for independent review of ICANN entities: - Nominating Committee – estimated launch December 2006 - At-Large Advisory Committee – estimated launch February 2007 - Corporate Administration, including the ICANN Board – estimated launch July 2007 - Root Server System Advisory Committee – estimated launch October 2007 - Security and Stability Advisory Committee – January 2008 - ccNSO Supporting Organisation – July 2008 - Address Supporting Organisation – December 2008 In general, Board/staff steps for conducting independent reviews include: - Establishing terms of reference (TOR) (which includes a period for public comment) - Soliciting proposals for consultant/s to serve as independent reviewers - Selecting consultant/s - Managing and providing information for consultant's work - Public posting and information sharing on final report The Board's resolution also directs staff to post proposed Terms of Reference for the Nominating Committee review for public comment and further consideration. A copy of the resolution approved by the Board is included below. --- Schedule for Periodic Reviews of ICANN Structure and Operations Whereas Article IV, Section 4 of ICANN's Bylaws calls for the Board to cause periodic reviews of the performance and operation of each Supporting Organization, each Supporting Organization Council, each Advisory Committee (other than the Governmental Advisory Committee), and the Nominating Committee by an entity or entities independent of the organization under review. Whereas these reviews are intended to ensure an independent examination of the role and operation of key elements of ICANN, and are part of ICANN's ongoing commitment to its evolution and improvement. Whereas the Board Governance Committee has determined that, although not required by the Bylaws, a review of the Board would be appropriate and consistent with ICANN's commitment. Whereas these reviews will be conducted in an objective way by independent evaluators, under guidance from the Board on the review's terms of reference, and with opportunity for public review and comment on the terms of reference and on the results of the reviews. Whereas the Board Governance Committee considered the age, responsibilities, and activities of each entity to be reviewed, and considered the operational limitations for managing and implementing reviews, and approved a comprehensive review schedule. Whereas the Board Governance Committee approved a proposed plan for the review of the Nominating Committee as the next entity to be reviewed, and recommended that the Board post proposed Terms of Reference for this review for public comment. Nominating Committee – estimated launch December 2006 At-Large Advisory Committee – estimated launch February 2007 Corporate Administration, including the ICANN Board – estimated launch July 2007 Root Server System Advisory Committee – estimated launch October 2007 Security and Stability Advisory Committee – January 2008 ccNSO Supporting Organisation – July 2008 Address Supporting Organisation – December 2008 Whereas, after four cycles, the Nominating Committee, and its critical role in selecting individuals for ICANN leadership positions, is a priority candidate for independent review. Resolved (06.___), the Board asks the General Counsel to examine the Bylaws provisions relating to periodic review, and to recommend any appropriate changes to reflect the new schedule recommended by the Board Governance Committee. Resolved (06.___), the ICANN Board agrees with the comprehensive review schedule and the proposed plan for the review of the Nominating Committee approved by the Board Governance Committee, and directs staff to execute the reviews as scheduled and to post proposed Terms of Reference for the Nominating Committee review for public comment and further consideration. -- -- Regards, Nick Ashton-Hart PO Box 32160 London N4 2XY United Kingdom UK Tel: +44 (20) 8800-1011 USA Tel: +1 (202) 657-5460 Fax: +44 (20) 7681-3135 mobile: +44 (7774) 932798 Win IM: ashtonhart@hotmail.com / AIM/iSight: nashtonhart@mac.com / Skype: nashtonhart Online Bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashtonhart FESTIVE GREETINGS! As per usual, in lieu of cards for friends and colleagues, I have made a donation in your name to Medecins Sans Frontieres, to help them provide medical care to those much less fortunate than ourselves.