The CENELEC Workshop concept is to extend the classical possibilities of standardization work by a new, flexible form aligned to market needs. As a consequence of open meetings, the current topics can be discussed within a broad circle of participants made up of manufacturers, service providers, users and consumers and in working groups or project groups. Results such as the CWA (CENELEC Workshop Agreement) may be determined.

CENELEC has created the CENELEC Workshop Agreement (CWA) as a deliverable which aims to bridge the gap between the activities of consortia and the formal process of standardization represented by CENELEC and its national members. The CWA offers a fast and flexible way to develop a standard.  Consequently, it has also some limitations, for example “standstill” is not available. When needed, the CWA can be followed by a second phase conducting to an “EN” that provides the standstill feature.


The Workshop Concept

You will find here a presentation describing the concept of the CWA.

How to start a Workshop ?

1. Prepare the Business Plan.  To download the Business Plan's template, click here

Your Project must be set out in a clear business plan with:

•  Objectives in terms of overall goals (e.g. to identify requirements and prepare specifications in a particular field; to raise awareness and promote the use of particular specifications or practices; to identify and seek wider consensus on a set of best practices
•  Deliverables and timescales - including date of kick-off meeting, type of deliverable, (e.g. one or more CENELEC Workshop Agreements (CWAs), website, Memorandum of Understanding)
•  Resources required (e.g. the costs of running the Workshop Secretariat).  The plan should identify those willing to participate in the funding. CENELEC would normally provide the meeting support for the kick-off meeting and will provide the infrastructure necessary for electronic working - exploders etc

 2. Contact CENELEC Secretariat:  operations@cenelec.eu

Give us a call on +32 2 519 6871 or send us an e-mail and we will:

•  Ensure that the project and business plan fits in with our current programme of work
•  Help find a Workshop Secretariat
•  Invite participation in the kick-off meeting six weeks in advance and put the Business Plan on our web-site for public comment
•  Proactively search for Workshop participants
•  Host the kick-off meeting
   

 3. Hold the kick-off meeting

Workshops can do much of their consensus building electronically. The kick-off meeting may be the only "physical" meeting necessary. Approval of a deliverable is possible without the organization for that purpose of a physical meeting. Typically, workshops do however meet regularly i.e. every 3-4 months, with often many electronic exchanges between the participants in between. At the kick-off meeting, the Workshop will:

•  Approve the Business Plan
•  Appoint the Chairman and Secretariat
•  Start the work, if there is good enough initial input!