Introduction
GSA is committed to fostering an environment of transparency, openness, and inclusivity. We recognize that digital participation (eParticipation) is a vital tool for improving the quality of our services and ensuring that our policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the public.
Policy Objective
The purpose of this policy is to establish the rules and procedures for engaging with the public through digital channels. It aims to:
- Encourage public contribution to the decision-making process.
- Improve service delivery through direct user feedback.
- Enhance transparency and accountability within GSA.
Scope
This policy applies to all digital engagement platforms managed by GSA , including:
- Official Website: General Sports Authority
- Official Bahrain Sport Museum managed by GSA : الرياضي البحرين متحف
- Social Media Channels (Instagram : gsa.bh – X : gsa_bh .)
- National Platforms (Tawasul and e-Consultation portals.)
- e-GSA portal
- And any platform Managed by GSA .
Strategic Provisions for eParticipation
In accordance with the United Nations eParticipation Framework, GSA mandates the implementation of the following three participation model:
1) E-Information
GSA shall proactively utilize Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to ensure the public is well-informed and has equitable access to institutional data.
- Information shall be disseminated through integrated channels, including the
official website, mobile applications, and social media platforms. - All digital assets must employ assistive technologies to ensure seamless access for People with Disabilities.
- All critical public information, news, and service details must be available in both
Arabic and English. - Content must be authored in "Plain Language," avoiding technical jargon to ensure it is understandable by all segments of society.
- GSA shall maintain the technical capacity to share updates and consult on policies in real-time.
2) Consultation
GSA shall engage constituents in active deliberation to refine public services and policy frameworks.
- GSA shall leverage the National Portal and the Tawasul system as primary
mechanisms for public feedback and complaints. - To capture diverse public opinion, GSA shall deploy digital tools including, but not
limited to, online polls, surveys, discussion forums, and webcasting. - Official social media accounts (X, Instagram, etc.) shall be monitored and utilized as active listening posts to gather qualitative feedback for service improvement.
- GSA shall launch structured consultation windows to identify pain points in current Service delivery models.
3) E-Decision-Making
GSA shall explore advanced ICT applications to empower constituents as "codesigners" of government policy and "co-producers" of public services.
- Constituents should be involved at the inception phase of service or policy
development, ensuring sufficient time for public review. - GSA shall develop internal capabilities to moderate high-level digital conversations and foster constructive community interaction.
- Initiatives shall be launched to educate the public on how to provide coherent,
evidence-based responses to government initiatives. - Through online communication tools, GSA shall motivate and incentivize the public to take an active role in the democratic process of policy deliberation.
References
- eParticipationPolicy.pdf (www.nea.gov.bh)