The second phase of ENCISS’ programming started on the 1st July 2008 with the project having a two year mandate to prepare ENCISS for full independence by July 2010. In the last three years, ENCISS has shown itself to have a valued and vital role in promoting good governance in Sierra Leone. Over the last six months, ENCISS has started laying the foundation of the organisation to move into independence.

 

Based on considerations of public perception and acceptability, set-up mechanisms, ease of linkage to civil society and government entities etc., a statutory corporation, created by Act of Parliament, is considered to be the best option. This type of Organisation best represents the ethos of ENCISS. A statutory body is “owned” by the nation, that is, by the people as well as the state. Through the set-up of its articles, it would be fully independence and can protect itself from political manipulation. It will have the right to work with, speak for, and influence state and citizens. It will also have the right to obtain and mobilise funds from a variety of different sources, including outside donors.

The steering committee requested for a second opinion on the legal option to be chosen by ENCISS and the draft report received suggested ENCISS being set up as an Act of Parliament.

However, a wider consultation will have to be done before a final decision is taken.

 

A Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Communication component was added to the programme structure in phase II. This was intended to add quality to programme implementation. It also supports the planning and review processes in ENCISS interventions. It provides a mechanism for achieving the benchmarks in the Log Frame, streamlining ENCISS reporting procedures, documents innovative solutions and lessons learning to problem solving. Overall, it assists ENCISS to fulfil its reporting obligations to DFID. The communication component enables ENCISS to launch a robust communication strategy for media leverage.

All the ENCISS office has Resource Centres which provides reading and research facility for the general public but more so for our Civil Society Organisation partners or groups. At the district level, community facilitators who serve as information mediators on issues related to the Poverty Reduction Strategy and Decentralisation Process in all the Chiefdoms also make use of these centres. The centres act as a meeting place for small groups and organisations that do not have offices. The centres also provide internet facilities to its user for research and organisational development purposes.