Version 2 (July 2009)
Source: Resolution BT 6/2009
1. Introduction
2. Request or need for the organisation of sector activities
3. Possible sector activities
4. Supporting tools
1. Introduction 
Three layers in charge of operational activities ensure the efficiency of the CEN processes, namely:
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the Technical Board for policy setting, co-ordination, overall management and arbitration;
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the Technical Committees for the programming, planning and management of the consensus building process within the limits of its scope;
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the Technical Committee Working Group for the drafting of standards in accordance with the specifications set by the parent Technical Committee.
It has been recognised, however, that some sector activities, such as the dissemination or exchange of information and/or experience and finding solutions to sector related problems, are valuable in addressing and coordinating specific standardization issues.
This document provides guidance on how sector activities within CEN should operate.
2. Request or need for the organisation of sector activities
As economic sectors/markets evolve spontaneously and define themselves on a continuous basis, requests for support in answering the needs of a certain sector can be addressed to CEN. Such requests can be formulated by any of the CEN sector partners to the Technical Board, via the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre (CCMC), with full justification and planning for the organisation of sector activities.
3. Possible sector activities
CEN's approach to requests for support from the different sectors is flexible and oriented at solving the problems or responding to the particular needs expressed by the sector partners.
Depending on the needs expressed, some of the sector activities which CEN can offer are as follows:
3.1 Newsletter
The need for exchange and dissemination of information amongst the sector partners may be fulfilled by the circulation of a newsletter. Information may also be made available by means of the 'Sector News', produced monthly by the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre on the CEN Website. Specific information on the current situation in a particular sector can also be made available on the Sectors area of the CEN Website.
3.2 Meetings, seminars or workshops
Where a particular problem involving a limited number of participants is met, such as a European Federation finding incoherencies in European Standards produced by different technical committees, a meeting may be organised with the interested parties, with the purpose of resolving the particular issue. Such a meeting would include the participation of the technical committee chairs and secretaries.
For general exchange of information and experience involving a large number of partners and participants, an interactive event such as a conference or seminar can be envisaged.
For discussion on a certain subject of interest for standardization involving a bigger group of stakeholders or, for example, where assistance is required by the relevant technical committees in the interpretation of legislative environmental regulations (e.g. European Directives), a workshop (other than the CEN/CENELEC Workshop), with input from the experts capable of interpreting the requirements, may be organised.
Any such meetings, seminars or workshops could be convened by CCMC or sector partner concerned (or Sector Rapporteur where applicable).
3.3 Technical Board Working Group (BT/WG)
Where there is a need for programming of work and analysis of priorities within a particular sector, a BT/WG can be created, with the participation of the CEN Members, relevant sector partners possibly involving CENELEC and/or ETSI and CEN Technical Committees. This activity would in particular apply to cases for which the decision of the Technical Board is required.
3.4 Sector Structure (Forum, Strategic Advisory Board, Advisory Nucleus...)
To respond to the need for an integrated interface amongst a number of Technical Committees in the industrial sector and relevant CEN partners, a formal structure such as a Sector Forum, a Strategic Advisory Board or Advisory Nucleus, can be organised. Such a structure is valuable in the resolution of common problems and the monitoring of progress of a program until its accomplishment. It could also be responsible for presenting CEN with proposals for new fields of activities within the sector and across sectors as well as taking initiatives to resolve duplication of work.
BT members appoint participants to a sector structure, ensuring that CEN's partners, e.g. Associates, EC, EFTA and the industry, remain closely involved in the planning and running of its activities.
The secretariat is provided by a CEN Member which benefits from the support of CCMC. Administrative aspects are reduced to the essential and formal meetings kept to a minimum.
3.5 The Sector Rapporteur
A Sector structure (see 3.4) is chaired by a Sector Rapporteur who is appointed by the Technical Board for his/her competence, at the initiative of the sector partners, for a period of two years. The Sector Rapporteur is the spokesperson for the sector and formalises the link between the sector partners and CEN, particularly at Technical Board level. This role would include:
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Reporting on Sector events, incidents and needs;
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Requesting decisions based on sector recommendations;
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Executing specific missions given by the Technical Board;
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Representing the sector on behalf of CEN as needed;
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Coordinating consensus building and the resolution of issues within a sector on a case-by-case basis.
The Sector Rapporteur's mission is not to take up management responsibilities or make decisions on, for example, the programme of work in the sector or to commit CEN's resources, unless explicitly so requested by the Technical Board.
Should the sector interests not be adequately represented by the Sector Rapporteur, the sector partners may make a proposal to the Technical Board for a replacement.
4. Supporting tools
4.1. Reference documents