ENABLE Framework

ENABLE Framework and Guiding Questions

Equity

Effective and legitimate open government requires the participation of those most impacted by an issue, as well as by groups that have been under-heard, disenfranchised or denied democratic and human rights.

• What types of transparency and accountability are requested by groups that face historic or ongoing marginalization?
• Who is most impacted by current policy issues and how is government supporting equitable participation and voice¹?

Networked Approaches

A structured approach to relationships is critical to communicate what to expect from open governments, reach under-served groups, work towards shared goals and close the loop so people know their voices matter.

• How can government partner with civil society networks and institutions to shape and reinforce open government reforms?
• How can open government be an opportunity to cultivate relationships? How is this different from more transactional ways of exchanging information?

Appropriate Standards

Minimum standards can provide “cover” for open government champions to push for change. Reducing unnecessary rules and approvals can ensure community needs aren’t crowded out by the bureaucracy.

• What new rules and standards could help to address current gaps in transparency, accountability and participation?
• What existing rules and decision-making structures prevent government from reducing barriers and responding to community requests?

Buy-in from the Top

Decision-makers can actively sponsor open government by modelling openness and curiosity, by providing strategic clarity on the role of participation and by investing the time and resources necessary to succeed.

• What opportunities exist for decision-makers to clarify their objectives, constraints and what they would like to learn² before engaging the public?
• What investments in time and resources are necessary to make transparency, accountability and participation the norm across all branches of government?

Learning Culture

Organizational learning requires developing shared vision, celebrating open government strengths and champions, creating feedback loops to reinforce change, and protecting spaces for sharing and experimentation.

• What open government assets and champions already exist and how can these inspire and participate in further reforms?
• How can incentive systems, feedback loops and communities of practice help to reinforce positive change?

Evaluation

Using a codified set of principles to evaluate open government and public participation can support accountability and allow for mid-stream course corrections, while also providing flexibility to adapt KPIs based on context.

• Has your organization codified a set of principles to guide open government evaluation and decision-making³?
• Who is responsible for acting on the results of evaluation and how can this response support continuous improvement?