[gnso-policyimpl-wg] On the Role of a WG Chair vs. Council Liaison

[Amr Elsadr <aelsadr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi J. Scott and all,

Looking over the GNSO Working Group Guidelines, specifically sections 2.1.4.2, 
2.2.1 and 2.2.4, it seems to me that the function described in section V(E) of 
the IRT Operating Principles is a lot more consistent with what a working group 
chair should be doing, and not what a council liaison’s role is.

Apart from a liaison’s duty to facilitate dialogue between a working group and 
the council, the liaison is expected to assist “the Chair as required with 
his/her knowledge of WG processes and practices; taking back to the CO 
(chartering organisation) any questions or queries the WG might have in 
relation to its charter and mission; and, assisting or intervening when the WG 
faces challenges or problems.” This duty is, however, done under the assumption 
that there is a working group chair present who is actually responsible for 
management of the process (not the council liaison), including presiding over 
discussions and holding consensus calls.

Like I said on the call, I am not adamantly against the IRT council liaison 
performing the tasks outlined in this IRT operating principle, but would 
certainly feel that a member of the IRT selected by the IRT members would be 
more suitable. It was not my intent to belabour this opinion, but since the 
GNSO working group guidelines are being used as a reference for this decision, 
then I think that would support the selection of an IRT member rather than a 
council liaison serving in this capacity.

Thanks.

Amr