Where can I find the list of all standards being drafted in JTC 21 ?
You can find the list here : https://standards.cencenelec.eu/ords/f?p=205:22:::::FSP_ORG_ID,FSP_LANG_ID:2916257,25&cs=114251C6C0B684FBBC069923513BF6348.
How can I join working groups (WGs)?
You need to contact your national standardization body, as each body defines its own registration process. List of national standardization bodies
I have late comments to submit. What should I do?
If you have missed the deadline by a few days, you can still contact the project leader and convenor with your comments. However, their consideration is not guaranteed.
When is the next WG or TC meeting?
Log in to the CEN portal (sd.iso.org/home/) and check the “Meetings” tab. If you are available, confirm your attendance via the portal and add the meeting details (date, time, and location) to your calendar.
Can I propose an agenda item for a WG meeting?
Yes, you can:
- Contact the secretariat, convenor, and/or project leader in advance via email to request the addition of an item.
- Propose a topic at the beginning of the meeting during the adoption of the agenda. It will be addressed under “any other business” at the end of the meeting.
Can I propose an agenda item for a JTC 21 meeting?
Individuals cannot propose agenda items directly. To add a topic to the JTC 21 plenary meeting agenda:
- Check the deadline for national contributions in the “Documents” tab of the plenary meeting.
- If within the deadline, work with your mirror committee to establish a national position (e.g., “Country A requests the addition of a discussion on NLP to the agenda because…”).
- Your mirror committee submits the contribution to the JTC 21 secretariat.
- The JTC 21 adds the item to the agenda.
Can I request corrections to the meeting minutes?
You can suggest corrections to the secretariat if you notice significant errors or omissions. The goal is to ensure accuracy without excessive minor feedback.
How is consensus defined?
Consensus is defined as: “The absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the interested parties, and a process that involves seeking to take into account the views of all parties concerned and to reconcile any conflicting arguments.”
How is consensus achieved when experts disagree?
Consensus is built through discussions in meetings, considering both written and oral contributions. In a WG, the convenor facilitates consensus. In JTC 21, the Chair and secretariat lead this process. When opinions diverge, the Chair and secretariat reformulate options, can verify technical arguments. They also look for alternative formulations or explanatory comments. Voting is not allowed during meetings or consultations : a decision (the most consensual form possible) is proposed, and national delegations then can formulate formal oppositions.
JTC 21 has published a practical guide on achieving consensus: Guide to consensus in JTC 21
How can I track the progress of standards projects between plenary meetings?
You can participate in WG meetings working on the specific project and contribute to its development. The progress is often recorded in the OSD of the project.
What happens to the comments I submit through my mirror committee?
Comments from mirror committees are compiled and sent to the project leader once the comment phase is over. The project leader reviews all comments and starts a comments resolution meeting (CRM) phase, where each comment receives a response: “Accepted”, “Rejected”, “Noted”, or “OBE” (overtaken by events). During these meetings, the project leader may:
- Discuss comments directly.
- Prepare a “Proposed disposition of comments” (PDoC) file, associating each comment with a proposed response. These responses can be debated by sending a reconsideration request to the project leader. It is strongly recommended to attend comment resolution meetings to defend your comments or explain your position to national experts present.
What does it mean to be part of a delegation?
Before European and/or international plenary meetings (at JTC, TC, and/or SC level), a meeting is organized within the mirror committee to prepare the delegation’s mandate. This mandate defines the national position on the agenda items. Participants in the plenary meeting are designated and mandated to defend the national position. They form the “national delegation”. Each delegation has a head of delegation (HoD) and delegates. During the plenary, only the HoD defends the delegation’s mandate.
How is my travel to face-to-face WG or JTC 21 meetings funded?
CEN/CENELEC does not cover travel expenses for experts attending meetings. However, all JTC 21 plenary meetings are held in hybrid mode to ensure inclusivity. You could also be eligible to StandICT funding : https://standict.eu/
How can I get training on standardization and the OSD tool?
OSD is the default tool for drafting European and international standards. It enables collaborative drafting and comment management directly on the text. CEN/CENELEC regularly organizes training workshops: OSD training sessions
Can I access standards for free as a JTC 21 member?
Generally, published standards are not free. However, WGs sometimes provide working versions of key standards for project work. To request access to a standard, send a justified request to the WG secretariat.
How much time do I need to participate in standardization?
Depending on your priorities and availability, you can participate in different ways. These are just examples, and you are free to choose how you want to be involved:
- Active monitoring member (topics are important to follow but do not directly impact your sector):
- Follow and respond to consultations on your NSB portal and attend national meetings.
- Contributing member (topics are important and may directly impact your sector):
- Follow and respond to consultations on your NSB portal and attend national meetings.
- Submit technical, editorial, and general comments during the standard development process at the national level.
- European/international contributing member (topics are important and directly impact your sector):
- Follow and respond to consultations on your NSB portal and attend national meetings.
- Submit technical, editorial, and general comments during the standard development process at the national level.
- Participate in European and international meetings to voice your opinions and submit comments directly to the project leader. You will be directly involved in the standard development process at all stages.
- Project leader:
- An expert in a working group responsible for the running of a standard project. They collect and process contributions at all stages of standard development. As such, you:
- Lead your standard project to completion.
- Provide technical support for the project.
- Actively participate in the work of the corresponding national body.
- Convenor:
- The person responsible for facilitating and ensuring the search for consensus within a working group. They organize meetings, lead discussions, and coordinate project leaders. This person is often assisted by a secretariat provided by a national standardization body.
These roles can be combined depending on the topics and your availability.