MODULE 9. ENSURING THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL PARTNERS AND OTHER MECHANISMS

Objective

This module intends to develop the functions of social partners regarding the design, implementation, and operations of the mechanism to deliver social services to the people. A second part of the module describes the role of other stakeholders, and notably civil society organisations (CSOs) in ensuring the voice of the people.

Key questions

1. What is the role of social partners in implementing the SPFs?
2. What role could social partners play in the SWS implementation project?
3. What are the mechanisms to ease the representation of the people of concerns?
4. What are the functions of civil society organisations (CSOs) regarding the SPFs?
 

Take away message

Social partners are having an important role in social protection. They significantly contribute to the funding of social transfer and to ensure the adequacy of the benefit package, as well as to the acceptance of social policies. For employers, social protection is an investment as well as a risk-pooling system, and for workers it ensures the income stability in case of contingencies and grants them with access to basic social services.

When it comes to mechanisms for the delivery of social protection, social partners should play a significant role in the mechanism itself. Their functions should not be limited to the evaluation and monitoring of the mechanism: workers’ and employers’ representatives have to be involved from the outset of the project.

In the holistic approach promoted by the SPF recommendation, the involvement of social partners may not be sufficient to ensure the representation of the beneficiaries, and other civil society representatives should be empowered to represent the interest of non-working population and especially vulnerable population such as women and children.

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