Terms of Reference and application for accreditation for

WHO Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks

Terms of Reference and application for accreditation for membership in the Network of

European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V

(2009-2013)

September 2009

The WHO Regional Office for Europe The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations created in 1948 with the primary responsibility for international health matters and public health. The WHO Regional Office for Europe is one of six regional offices throughout the world, each with its own programme geared to the particular health conditions of the countries it serves. Member States Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Republic of Moldova Romania Russian Federation San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United Kingdom Uzbekistan

Original: ENGLISH

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe

Scherfigsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18. E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.euro.who.int

WHO NETWORK OF EUROPEAN NATIONAL HEALTHY CITIES NETWORKS

Terms of reference and application for accreditation for membership in the Network of

European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V (2009-2013)

September 2009

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This document has two parts. Part 1 outlines the terms of reference of the Network of European Healthy Cities Networks. Part 2 presents an accreditation process and requirements for membership.

Contents Part 1 .......................................................................................................................... 1

Purpose of the terms of reference ................................................................................ 1

Vision ......................................................................................................................... 1

Objectives ................................................................................................................... 1

Defining the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and establishing accreditation requirements......................................................................... 2

Outcomes and deliverables........................................................................................... 3

Strategies and action plans .......................................................................................... 4

Roles and responsibilities ............................................................................................. 4

Resources ................................................................................................................... 5

Interaction .................................................................................................................. 6

Part 2 .......................................................................................................................... 7

How to become an accredited member of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and application for membership................................................ 7

Application for membership.......................................................................................... 8

Annex 1 10

Requirements for accreditation for membership of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks ................................................................................ 10

Membership requirements for national network cities................................................... 11

Annex 2 ........................................................................................................................ 13

Terms of reference of the Advisory Committee of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks ................................................................................ 13

Guidelines for nomination and election of candidates to the Advisory Committee........... 14

Terms and reference and application for accreditation for membership in the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V (2009-2013) page 1

Part 1

Purpose of the terms of reference

The terms of reference describe the strategic, technical and operational scope of the work of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and the requirements for becoming accredited as a full member.

Vision

National networks represent the engine for inspiring, motivating and supporting cities in the European Region to join the healthy cities movement, to help them to exchange information and experience and to create more favourable political, social, economic and administrative conditions and capacity for developing and implementing healthy city strategies and plans. The vision of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V (2009–2013) is to support towns and cities across the WHO European Region in promoting health and health equity in all local policies and improving the health of the population living in towns and cities.

Objectives

The objectives of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks are: to promote commitment to the Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities: health and health

equity in all local policies, which outlines the principles, goals and themes of Phase V of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and to provide leadership and guidance for this purpose;

to enhance cooperation between national networks in the European Region;

to improve communication and cooperation between national networks and their members;

to improve the quality of healthy cities;

to improve the quality of individual national healthy cities networks to the standards of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and to encourage the development of new national networks;

to provide, develop and disseminate tools and knowledge for healthy city work;

to work in partnership with WHO to influence national policies and to enhance cooperation between national networks and national governments;

to form partnerships with other international organizations and bodies, including the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development as well as European and global networks of local authorities including ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, Energie-Cités, the Union of the Baltic Cities and MedCities; and

to develop and cultivate links with the global healthy cities movement.


Defining the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and establishing accreditation requirements

The Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks has three main functions: political, strategic and technical. These functions are supported through information exchange, monitoring and evaluation and training processes. Success in fulfilling these objectives requires that each national network actively strive to promote the overarching elements of healthy city action:

action to address the determinants of health, equity in health and the principles of health for all;

action to integrate and promote European and global public health priorities;

action to put health on the social and political agenda of cities; and

action to promote good governance and integrated planning for health.

WHO introduced the concept of accrediting national networks as a means of promoting consistency and high standards. Accreditation has four elements of action: political commitment; capacity to manage, coordinate and implement healthy city programmes; strategic planning with defined products and expected outcomes; and networking at the local, national and international levels. The accreditation of a national network concerns both the functions of the network at the national level and the commitments and standards of its member cities (Annex 1). Part 2 outlines the detailed accreditation requirements for membership of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. Minimum and ideal requirements are identified for both national networks and their member cities. National networks are eligible to become members by submitting an application (see Part 2) to WHO stating that they have fulfilled the minimum accreditation requirements. Minimum accreditation requirements for national network cities As a minimum, each national network city should:

make a commitment to the WHO HEALTH21 policy for Health for All and endorse the 2008 Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities: health and health equity in all local policies;

identify a coordinator or focal point and responsible political representative;

show visible evidence of healthy city activities; and

attend meetings of the national network.

Minimum accreditation requirements for national networks As a minimum, each national network city should:

make a commitment to the WHO HEALTH21 policy for Health for All and endorse the 2008 Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities: health and health equity in all local policies;

identify a national network coordinator with technical and administrative resources;


be formally organized under a clear set of by-laws, or a constitution, that has been

accepted by its members;

have a steering committee;

demonstrate that they are active, including:

regularly holding business meetings of the network

actively supporting their cities in achieving healthy city goals

having an overview of the commitment of network cities to the four elements of action and specific activities to implement on the Phase V themes and priorities

attending business meetings of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks;

agree to the responsibilities of their membership of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks as set out in the terms of reference; and

agree to make an annual financial contribution to WHO.

Outcomes and deliverables

Overall outcome Improvement in health and the determinants of health and reduced health gaps for people living in cities and towns across Europe Intermediate outcomes and targets

Overall target To increase the number of well-functioning networks that fulfil the requirements and standards of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks

Specific targets

To raise the quality and sustainability of healthy cities and national networks

Increased number of national healthy cities networks in the European Region

Increased number of committed healthy cities in the European Region

Increased number of committed national healthy cities networks in the European Region

To provide, develop and disseminate tools and knowledge for healthy city work and guidance documents for national healthy cities networks

Training courses and capacity-building activities for national healthy cities networks

Database of good practices for national healthy cities networks

Guidance documents for healthy cities

Training courses and capacity-building activities for healthy cities

Database of good practices for healthy cities

To improve communication between national networks and their members


A web site for each national healthy cities network

Active use of communication systems, such as WebBoard discussion groups

To enhance cooperation between national networks and cities

Increased number of partnerships between cities

Increased number of exchange projects between cities

Increased number of cities twinning

Improved cooperation between national networks

To enhance cooperation between national networks and national governments

National network coordinators and/or political chairs included in policy discussions

National network coordinators and/or political chairs included in country delegations to the sessions of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

To form partnerships with other international organizations and bodies

Existence of cooperation – formal if applicable, such as partnership within European Union projects

Cooperation with other international networks of local authorities in Europe

Cooperation with healthy cities networks in other WHO regions

Strategies and action plans

The strategic directions and action plans of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks are regularly updated to reflect progress, emerging priorities and new opportunities. WHO will develop the strategy and action plan for Phase V in consultation with the Advisory Committee of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. The Phase V action plan will be regularly updated and reflect decisions and recommendations at the annual joint technical and business meetings of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks.

Roles and responsibilities

WHO WHO has the roles of leader, enabler, facilitator, mediator and advocate of change and acts: to provide leadership and strategic support to the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks;

to work in partnership with the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks in accordance with WHO policies and business meeting decisions;

to provide advocacy at the country and international levels;

to provide technical assistance for change and innovation;

to promote international cooperation and forge relationships with other international organizations; and


to develop and coordinate resources.

WHO has a key role in forging partnerships with other international organizations and other networks of local authorities and has the major objective of placing health as part of overall sustainable development at the local level. WHO has an identified focal person for national networks. WHO reserves the right to decide on membership of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and to take steps to revoke membership for national networks that do not fulfil the basic requirements. National healthy cities networks As a member of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks, a national network is an important partner of WHO and a player in European and country-level endeavours for developing health. National networks with strong political and managerial capacity and with member cities that are explicitly committed to implementing the goals of Healthy Cities will gain legitimacy and credibility and will have increasing access to resources and mainstream partnerships for health. Members will additionally benefit from the established mechanisms within the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks for information exchange, sharing of experience, mutual support, the development of new strategies and the dissemination of products and ideas following the stated objectives and outcomes of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. Members are eligible to rise to speak and vote at the annual technical and business meeting, as outlined in Conduct of the joint annual business and technical conferences of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V (2009–2013)*. Only accredited members of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks have the legal right to use the WHO Healthy Cities logo. Members have the right to withdraw if they do not wish to continue. Advisory Committee Annex 2 presents the terms of reference for the Advisory Committee.

Resources

The resources of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks include: financial support from national healthy cities networks;

voluntary contributions from countries; and

skills and expertise of the national healthy cities networks.

* Conduct of the joint annual business and technical conferences of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V (2009–2013). Copenhagen, WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2009.


Interaction

Members have several networking options. Technical and business meetings represent the most important decision-making event and also function as learning and experience-sharing events. Technical and business meetings are held once a year. There are separate training and experience-sharing events for national network coordinators. Thematic networking is organized around various priority topics. National network coordinators and cities will participate in Phase V thematic subnetworks provided they have political support.


Part 2

How to become an accredited member of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and application for membership

1. Information for applicants National networks are eligible to become members of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks when they submit an application to WHO stating that:

at least 50% of their members have endorsed the minimum accreditation requirements (Annex 1);

they are committed to working with and contributing to the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks; and

they have fulfilled the minimum accreditation requirements of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks.

They must also commit to strive throughout the duration of Phase V (2009–2013): to actively support their members in meeting the minimum accreditation requirements

for national network cities (Annex 1); and

to actively work to increase the proportion of cities that meet the minimum requirements for national network cities.

Once the national network and its membership consider that they have reached the required standards, the coordinator of the network is invited to complete and sign the declaration on behalf of the network. The declaration comprises two components:

a one-page summary declaration; and

a questionnaire for the network to demonstrate how it meets the minimum accreditation requirements.

The network is invited to supplement its application with whatever background material it thinks is necessary. This is not essential if the completed questionnaire contains all the requested information. An existing accredited national network is only required to submit the one-page summary declaration. Applications can be sent to WHO at any stage throughout Phase V. National networks that are accredited in Phase V will receive a WHO certificate, which will be presented to them formally at the next technical and business meeting.


Application for membership

2. Declaration The [name of national network] hereby applies to join the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. This declaration confirms that the [name of national network] has met the minimum requirements for membership as established by the action framework. We hereby confirm that the [name of national network] endorses the principles, strategies and responsibilities of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks. The [name of national network]:

1. has membership requirements for its member that follow the four elements of healthy city action;

2. has identified a coordinator with technical and administrative resources; 3. is formally organized under a clear set of by-laws, or a constitution, that has been

accepted by its members; 4. has a steering committee; 5. can demonstrate that it is active, by:

• regularly holding business meetings • actively supporting its cities in achieving healthy city goals;

6. is committed to attending business and technical meetings of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks;

7. will actively strive to include health equity in all policies and the Phase V core themes in its member cities and on the national level; and

8. will actively strive to increase the number of cities that meet the minimum requirements of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks.

The [name of national network] promises to fulfil the responsibilities of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks by:

1. providing relevant information to WHO and the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks as required and regularly updating that information;

2. paying an annual contribution to WHO of US$ 1000 per year to finance the activities of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks;

3. disseminating resources (information and other products) from the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks and WHO to its member cities;

4. taking the initiative to promote healthy cities at the national level; and 5. acting as a link between the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks

and the member cities.

Names (political chairperson and national coordinator of the national network) Signature: Date:


3. Questionnaire for applicants for membership Please provide the following information electronically ([email protected]) to the WHO Centre for Urban Health.

1. List your national network’s membership requirements and describe how they meet the minimum requirements of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks.

2. Provide examples of the most important regular activities of your national network. 3. Provide contact details for the national network coordinator. Specify the technical and

administrative resources for the national network. 4. Name the members (with title or function) of your network’s steering committee. 5. Attach a translated copy (or summary) of your national network’s by-laws, or

constitution, which has been accepted by the members.


Annex 1

Requirements for accreditation for membership of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks

Healthy city element Minimum requirements Ideal requirements (includes minimum requirements)

1. Political commitment: endorsement of principles and strategies

Make a commitment to the WHO HEALTH21 policy for Health for All and endorse the 2008 Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities: health and health equity in all local policies

Demonstrate the formal support of a range of partners, which might include ministries, nongovernmental organizations and institutions

2. Infrastructure

Identify a coordinator or focal point with technical and administrative resources

Political representative

Formal organization of the network under by-laws or a constitution

Steering committee

Clear membership requirements for cities, including a political declaration

Full-time coordinator

A steering committee comprising city coordinators, politicians and national stakeholders

Clear membership requirements, which follows the four elements of healthy city action

Technical and administrative support, including an office with a budget for activities such as training and communication

3 .Products and outcomes Regular business meetings with member cities

Visible evidence that the national network actively supports its member cities, for example, by providing a list of activities or an annual report

Strategy and clear programme of work that addresses Phase V challenges

Systematic monitoring and evaluation

Dissemination of case studies to networks and cities and through publication in journals

Production of an annual report


Healthy city element Minimum requirements Ideal requirements (includes

minimum requirements) 4. Networking Attend annual WHO

Healthy Cities business and technical meetings

Web-site and e-mail address

Web site in English

Publishing a regular newsletter

Bring representatives of up to two national network cities to annual WHO business and technical meetings

Provide evidence of networking (beyond participation in WHO business and technical meetings)

5. Annual financial contribution

Contribute annual financial payment to WHO

Contribute annual financial payment to WHO

Membership requirements for national network cities

Healthy city element Minimum requirements Ideal requirements (includes minimum requirements)

1. Political commitment: endorsement of principles and strategies

Make a commitment to the WHO HEALTH21 policy for Health for All and endorse the 2008 Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities: health and health equity in all local policies

Political declaration by city mayor of participation in national network (and council resolution is desirable)

Council resolution

Local partnership agreements with sectors, departments, institutions and nongovernmental organizations

Full commitment to work on Phase V goals along with the cities participating in the WHO European Healthy Cities Network

2. Infrastructure Identify a coordinator or focal point

Identify a responsible politician

Intersectoral steering committee

Dedicated resources

Full-time coordinator and other support staff to work in healthy city office


Healthy city element Minimum requirements Ideal requirements (includes

minimum requirements) Administrative and

office support

3. Products and outcomes A range of healthy city activities such as action to address inequality in health, promoting healthy living, supporting vulnerable groups or healthy urban planning

Annual report to the national network

Programme to deliver Phase V deliverables reflecting the goals of the Zagreb Declaration for Healthy Cities

A city health profile

Programme of systematic monitoring and evaluation

Formal annual reporting mechanism

4. Networking Attend national network business meetings

At least one city from a national network attends meetings of or is a member of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network or is working towards joining in Phase V

Active participation in national network training and learning events

Web site

5. Annual financial contribution

To be determined by each national network

To be determined by each national network


Annex 2

Terms of reference of the Advisory Committee of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks

The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to advise and assist the WHO Centre for Urban Health in:

preparing for business meetings of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks;

developing and implementing strategies and action plans for the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks; and

using the financial contributions to carry out agreed activities.

The general conduct and election to membership of the Advisory Committee should be as follows.

Meetings of the Advisory Committee will take place at least once a year, jointly with the Advisory Committee of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network or at least at the same frequency as the annual WHO business and technical meetings.

The Committee will consist of four members who will be directly elected by the assembly of national network coordinators and designated political representatives at the annual WHO business and technical meetings.

In its first year of operation, two members will be elected for two years and two members for three years only.

Members of the Committee can stand for re-election if nominated.

Membership of the Committee should reflect the geographical spread of the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks.

Interested individuals should be nominated by at least one member of another national network delegation (coordinator or designated political representative).

The Committee will elect a chairperson every two years.

Elections should normally be held by secret ballot. However, if the number of candidates for elective offices does not exceed the number of offices to be filled, no ballot is required and such candidates will be declared elected.

Elections will be coordinated with elections to the Advisory Committee of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.

Additional members can be co-opted to the Advisory Committee based on the technical expertise of the co-opted individual or gaps in knowledge or skill of Committee members. Co-opted members will not be entitled to voting rights.

The cost of participating in Advisory Committee meetings will be met by participating national networks and, if necessary, from funds from the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks in exceptional circumstances and with priority for networks that have difficulty in covering costs.


Each individual member of the Advisory Committee will be the main contact person and will be proactive in communicating with national networks in the subregion as identified at the first Advisory Committee meeting.

Guidelines for nomination and election of candidates to the Advisory Committee

1. Only national network coordinators and designated political representatives from national networks that have made their annual financial contribution to WHO may make nominations and vote for the Advisory Committee (only one nomination form per country).

2. Only coordinators and political representatives are eligible for nomination and election.

3. All candidates for the Advisory Committee must be nominated by a representative from another national network.

4. All nominees must recognize that, once they are elected to the Advisory Committee, they do not represent the views of their individual country but the Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks as a whole.

5. Nominees for this election should be prepared to serve a two-year term. Each country will be able to vote for two candidates.

6. A procedure will be used to ensure geographical balance.

WHO Network of European National Healthy Cities Networks

Terms of Reference and application for accreditation for membership in the Network of

European National Healthy Cities Networks in Phase V

(2009-2013)

September 2009

The WHO Regional Office for Europe The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations created in 1948 with the primary responsibility for international health matters and public health. The WHO Regional Office for Europe is one of six regional offices throughout the world, each with its own programme geared to the particular health conditions of the countries it serves. Member States Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Montenegro Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Republic of Moldova Romania Russian Federation San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United Kingdom Uzbekistan

Original: ENGLISH

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe

Scherfigsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Tel.: +45 39 17 17 17. Fax: +45 39 17 18 18. E-mail: [email protected]

Web site: www.euro.who.int

Documents

Terms of Reference and application for accreditation for