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ACTORS AND STRUCTURE

Expert Groups

Expert Groups within the NDPHS

As stipulated in the Declaration concerning the establishment of a NDPHS (Oslo Declaration), “in order to carry out its tasks the Committee of Senior Representatives (CSR) may establish expert groups, consisting of experts from interested Partners and Participants and other international experts, as appropriate. Under the guidance of the CSR, such expert groups may have an advisory role and/or provide professional input to the preparation and implementation of joint activities carried out within the framework of the Partnership, including Work Programmes. The expert groups may facilitate professional exchanges, increase co-ordination among Partners and Participants and monitor joint activities within their area of expertise. As given by the CSR, within its mandate an expert group will organise its own work.”

The NDPHS expert-level structures include both Expert Groups and Task Groups (to see a graphical presentation of the organisational structure of the NDPHS, please view the organigram). Since mid-2010, there are four “core” Expert Groups operating within the framework of the NDPHS:
 

• Expert Group on HIV/AIDS and Associated Infections (HIV/AIDS&AI EG);
• Expert Group on Primary Health and Prison Health Systems (PPHS EG);
• Expert Group on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASA EG);
• Expert Group on Non-Communicable Diseases related to Lifestyles and Social and Work Environments (NCD EG).

These Expert Groups build on the formerly operating NDPHS Expert Groups (click here to access the documents and minutes of the former Expert Groups) and have been established following the adoption of the new NDPHS Strategy and the assumption by the NDPHS of the lead role for the implementation of the health priority sub-area in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. They are meant to be result-oriented structures, which, in accordance with their Terms of Reference adopted by the Committee of Senior Representatives, focus on the achievement of the agreed NDPHS Goals and Operational Targets.

Each Expert Group has a Lead Partner whose role is to initiate and lead the group’s activities as well as to provide financial support to prompt activities. Expert Groups are headed by Chairs, who are supported by vice-Chairs and assisted by International Technical Advisers (ITAs).

As provided for in the Oslo Declaration and their own Terms of Reference, the Expert Groups determine their methods of working (for more details visit the Expert Groups’ web pages). This includes, but is not limited to the preparation of activity plans, strategy papers, development and facilitation of projects, etc., and, finally, the organisation of Expert Group meetings (held two to three times per year on average).

Associated Expert Groups

As stipulated in the Oslo Declaration, Expert Groups and networks already existing within the Northern Dimension area may be invited by the CSR to also function as an Expert Group under the Partnership in a way that is consistent with their original mandates and the objectives of the Partnership. They may also apply for an Associated Expert Group status within the NDPHS. The procedure of association is regulated by the Rules of procedure for approval of new NDPHS Associated Expert Groups.

Currently, the Baltic Sea Network on Occupational Health and Safety (BSN) function as Associated Expert Groups within the NDPHS framework.

Documents

Every year the Expert Groups prepare progress reports on their activities. These reports are prepared within the framework of the NDPHS annual reporting mechanism and are to be submitted to every autumn CSR meeting and/or PAC event. The progress reports take stock of the achievements made, describe enabling factors, strengths, obstacles and constraints regarding each Group’s work, and also present various recommendations to the CSR and/or PAC. The progress reports of the former Expert Groups are available as annexes to the NDPHS annual Progress Reports.

Documents submitted to Expert Group meetings as well as meeting minutes can be found here. These documents can also be accessed through the “Meetings” button on the top menu bar.