Any stakeholder can raise a concern directly with us, through the Secretariat or the Stakeholder Committee. The Secretariat will then help interested stakeholders set up an Issue Group to develop ideas further.

What is an Issue Group?

An Issue Group is where a balanced group of stakeholders come together to discuss an issue that they are interested in. This could be to develop a new policy or make changes to improve an existing one.

How do I set up an Issue Group?

You can either fill in the web form and submit this to the Secretariat or contact a member of the Stakeholder Committee.

What happens next?

The Secretariat will contact you to discuss the issue. With your input they will draft a paper which outlines what the problem is. This will be posted on our web site so that other stakeholders have the opportunity to provide comments and input. It is possible that the discussion would be informed by some evidence based research and the Secretariat will be involved in commissioning this if necessary. The Secretariat will also arrange for the stakeholders relevant to the issue to come together for discussion.

Who will be on the Issue Group?

You as the issue champion will be expected to suggest stakeholders who you think should be involved in the discussion. It is also the responsibility of the Secretariat to ensure that the group has balanced representation. The Stakeholder Committee may also be able to help identify people who could be involved.

What happens in the Issue Group?

Stakeholders will come together in a way that is convenient for all to take part and discuss the issue. Members will nominate their own Issue Group Chair to chair the meeting. Members of the group will need to take into account any research that has been produced and also any input and comments that have been provided. The group has a responsibility to ensure that they have considered who the policy might affect and what the likely impact will be. They are also expected to work towards consensus.

Making a recommendation

Once a policy recommendation has been reached this will be put to the Nominet Board for consideration. The Board's decision in response to the advice of an Issue Group will be informed by the way the Issue Group carried out its work: whether it brought together all relevant interests and whether there was a good degree of consensus. In some instances it may be necessary for the policy proposal to go out to consultation for input from the wider community.