ISSA - International Social Security Association
ISSA - International Social Security Association
02/09/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 02/08/2023 18:15
Expanding the ISSA Recognition programme
9 February 2023
The ISSA Recognition programme provides member institutions with the opportunity to receive certification for applying internationally recognized professional standards in key areas of social security administration. There is increasing interest in this programme, which will be further expanded in the 2023-2025 triennium.
By participating in the Recognition programme, member institutions of the International Social Security Association (ISSA) are evaluated on their application of approaches presented in the ISSA Guidelines on Social Security Administration. The ISSA Recognition programme encourages constant administrative improvements and supports the efforts of social security institutions in strengthening their legitimacy vis-à-vis their internal and external stakeholders.
Increasing interest
Launched in 2016, 20 institutions have already participated in the ISSA Recognition programme and obtained 51 certificates. During the 2020-2022 triennium, 15 institutions achieved 30 certificates. A number of these were celebrated at the World Social Security Forum in Marrakech, Morocco, in October 2022.
Not only are more and more members participating in the programme, but several of them are also undertaking the recognition process in multiple areas. CDG Prévoyance of Morocco became the first member to achieve the Certificate of Excellence in six areas of social security administration. The National Social Security Administering Body for Employment (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan), Indonesia, has also achieved recognition in six areas and has expressed its interest in gradually applying all of the ISSA Guidelines.
Strengthening the programme
As we enter a new triennium, the ISSA plans to strengthen the Recognition programme. Not only will efforts be made to promote the programme, increase awareness among ISSA members (along with other activities supporting the application of the ISSA Guidelines), there will be improvements, adaptions and expansions of the Recognition programme in line with the updated and new ISSA Guidelines. The ISSA is already updating existing workbooks and is in the process of adding the new ISSA Guidelines in the areas of human resource management, as well as continuity and resilience in social security services and systems. In addition, a feasibility study will be undertaken regarding recognition in the areas of investment in social security funds, and actuarial work.
BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, Indonesia received five Certificates of Excellence at the World Social Security Forum 2022
Participate in the Recognition programme
For the upcoming triennium 2023-2025, ISSA invites all of its members to undertake this rewarding journey offered by the ISSA Recognition programme.
What is the Recognition programme?
The Recognition programme involves a desk-based evaluation of an institution's compliance with a set of ISSA Guidelines performed by an independent accredited expert hired by the ISSA. The institutions that is able to demonstrate the implementation of the Guidelines will receive the Certificate of Excellence. The programme rewards the the entire organization. Going through the programme requires commitment from different institutional departments and information needs to be provided by different sections. Taking part in the assessment also means that the institution must be open to the feedback of independent experts on their results, performances and improvement opportunities.
What are the benefits?
The institutions that participated in the programme stress how important it is for them to know that their approaches and processes are aligned with international standards. In addition, mapping the policies and processes demonstrating the application of the guidelines, together with the feedback from the expert, gives them valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. This encourages the adoption of continuous administrative improvement models. The institutions commend the dedication and the work of their staff involved in the process, it reinforces the institutional capacity, and underlines that this is a joint effort that engages and strengthens their organization. The process brings to life the values of their organization and contributes to the motivation of the staff and their performance. (See video testimonials)