Further development of report card

In 2009 it was acknowledged that report card would evolve. After two years, and with the introduction of Ecuador and, more recently, Guatemala and DRC, the programme is now ready to review and revise the scope and methodology so that can be applied more consistently and evolve into a stand-alone tool for wider application. Such revision is likely to include:

• A shorter core template of key yes/no indicators that demonstrate the overall level of transparency rather than a comprehensive measure of the availability of all possible documents.
• A corresponding simpler methodology whereby most indicators can be assessed through secondary data collection. Thus the field work component would be carefully focussed on community-level priorities and needs.
• A set of optional report card modules that build on the core template for particular purposes. These would take a number of forms:
  • Targeted at specific existing frameworks, for example in the way DAR and Grupo FARO are already using the freedom of information legal framework, or the Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs) in Cameroon and Liberia, which include a transparency annex.
  • Developing a transparency checklist alongside evolving environmental services or forest carbon schemes such reduced emissions from forest degradation and deforestation (REDD+).
  • A methodological focus, providing a more in-depth analysis of transparency and access to information at a local level or from the perspective of different interest groups.
• An independent evaluation of the value of yes/no objectivity versus more perceptions-based or scorecard assessments.