Policy Brief: How to Enhance the Involvement of CSOs in Service Provision? Situation, Challenges and Opportunities

On 18th December, 2015, the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” (IDSCS) presented the policy brief “How to enhance the involvement of CSOs in services’ provision? Situation, Challenges and Opportunities”. The policy brief has been prepared within the framework of the IDSCS project “CSOs as Service Providers: Enhancing the practices and increasing opportunities”, supported by the Balkan Public Policy Fund – an activity under the project led by BCSDN, Balkan Civil Society Acquis – Strengthening the Advocacy and Monitoring Potential and Capacities of CSOs. The aim of the project was to identify the opportunities and challenges to CSOs in Macedonia in securing service provision in various fields in Macedonia. The research on which the policy brief is based showed that the state authorities’ activities are not always supported by proper research, as well as allocation of financial, expert and other capacities, leaving enough room for CSOs to complement their efforts. State authorities nonetheless, have still not established mechanisms for recognizing CSOs as relevant service providers. Considering the fact that this is the first document on this issue in Macedonia, IDSCS hopes to stimulate a review of the existing policies and to encourage debate among stakeholders to improve practice and opportunities for civic engagement in service provision.The full study is available in English and in Macedonian language.
Source: IDSCS