NCP Evaluations Methodology

Purpose of NCP Evaluations

The OECD Watch NCP Evaluations have a three-fold purpose:

To improve the effectiveness of individual NCPs and the NCP system as a whole in achieving the NCP’s core mandate: to ensure the implementation of the OECD Guidelines by companies operating in or from their jurisdiction.
To hold governments accountable to their binding commitment to set up an effective NCP
To improve the predictability of both individual NCPs and the NCP system as a whole by providing civil society and other stakeholders with objective information about NCPs’ organisational composition, complaint-handling procedures, and communications performance. Predictability of the NCP system as a whole requires functional equivalence within the NCP system. Standardising information collected and provided about the various NCPs, such as in these evaluations, facilitates identification of areas in which functional equivalence does or does not exist, and awareness amongst NCPs of what approaches peers are taking to meet the expectations of the Procedural Guidance and/or advance objectives of the OECD Guidelines.

Development of key performance indicators

During 2017 – 2020, OECD Watch developed 40 key performance indicators through consultation with OECD Watch network members, union partners, the OECD Secretariat, and NCPs. These indicators were used to assess individual NCPs in 2019 and 2021.

The indicators reflect civil society priorities in understanding how each NCP handles complaints, is organised, and communicates about its work. Each indicator is categorised as “expected”, “recommended”, or “permitted”, based on the OECD Guidelines’ Procedural Guidance. While many indicators assess whether an NCP meets the clear expectations and recommendations in the Procedural Guidance, those labelled as “permitted” go beyond these but are still permitted by the broad framing of the Guidelines. These indicators reflect the priorities of civil society based on analysis of complaints handling mechanisms and, in OECD Watch’s view, represent best practice among NCPs. For each indicator, we have referenced the text in the Guidelines that sets out the expectation, recommendation, or associated language that permits the indicator.

Changes to key performance indicators in 2024

In June 2023, the OECD Guidelines were updated, and new text was added to the Procedural Guidance. Consequently, in 2024, OECD Watch updated its key performance criteria to reflect new requirements and recommendations for NCPs, as well as update or remove indicators based on the priorities of civil society. Network members, union partners, the OECD Secretariat, and NCPs were consulted about the updated indicators and given opportunities to provide feedback. You can read more about some of the changes made in this blog.

The update resulted in the list of indicators being reduced to 38 in total. Thirteen indicators were either removed or incorporated into another indicator, either because they were no longer a priority for civil society or because there was limited reason to continue assessing them individually. Eleven indicators were updated to include additional information or criteria, while eleven remained unchanged. Fifteen new indicators were added to reflect updates to the Procedural Guidance and changing priorities of civil society.

Download this document to see the full list of indicators, including explanations on how NCPs can score, their importance to civil society, and a reference to the Procedural Guidance.

Evaluations of individual NCPs

In 2024, OECD Watch has evaluated individual NCPs against the updated set of key performance indicators. Data was drawn from individual NCP’s websites, peer reviews, annual reports, case-handling procedures, and the OECD’s and OECD Watch’s case databases. For each indicator, an NCP can score either “yes” or “no” based on publicly available information. For some indicators, a “partial” score can be given where an NCP satisfies some but not all of the indicator’s requirements.

Many of the indicators assess both the practical applications, i.e. when handling complaints, as well as formal commitments in case-handling procedures or other relevant policies. For assessments of practice, we have reviewed cases from the last five years. If the indicator is based on text included in the June 2023 Guidelines update, we have reviewed cases from June 2023 onwards. If the NCP has not handled any cases, we have assessed commitments made in case-handling procedures and other relevant policies.

As part of the evaluation process, OECD Watch engaged with its civil society members, the OECD, and individual NCPs. Each NCP had the opportunity to review and provide feedback on its evaluation scores, and over 90% of NCPs engaged with this process.

Updating evaluations and indicators

NCPs and other stakeholders are encouraged to inform OECD Watch when any changes are made within the NCP or its practice that may affect the evaluation. OECD Watch is committed to updating the web pages in a timely manner to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information possible.

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