Policy Forum

Vision, Mission & Objectives

Policy Forum is a network of NGOs which was founded in 2003, incorporated as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the Non Governamental Organizations Act, 2002 made under Section 11 (1) and 17 (2) of Act No.24 of 2002. Our growing membership currently includes over 60 non-governmental organizations registered in Tanzania. We are drawn together by our specific interest in influencing policy processes to enhance poverty reduction, equity and democratization.

We are a member-led network and therefore our highest decision-making body is the General Assembly made up of all voting members of the network. Our activities are overseen by a Board of Directors, elected by Policy Forum members to serve for a 2-year term of office and mandated to lead on the implementation of our activities. The Board members manages a small Secretariat office set up to coordinate, facilitate, monitor and report on the activities of the network.

Policy Forum (PF) is a network of over 60 civil society organizations founded in 2003. Registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2002, the diverse membership is drawn together by a specific interest in influencing policy processes to enhance poverty reduction, equity and democratization focusing on public money accountability at both central and local levels.

The member-led network operates predominantly through two working groups namely the Budget Working Group (BWG) and the Local Governance Working Group (LGWG), each bringing together members to influence budget processes through dialogues and strategic engagements through different platforms at the national and local level respectively. The network also convenes the Tanzania Tax Justice Coalition (TTJC) working group and was instrumental in the creation of HakiRasilimali, formerly the Extractives Industry Working Group housed at PF.

Policy Forum is governed by Board of Directors who are elected from the PF membership through the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held annually during the first quarter. The new Constitution adopted at the extraordinary general meeting held on 16th August of 2019 allows members to serve the office for up to two (2) consecutive terms. The network is coordinated by a lean Secretariat with 11 employees who facilitate the substantive technical, administrative and financial aspects of the work to support the membership and its Board to meet the common outcomes of the platform.

Policy Forum vision statement projects on what the network wishes to see in the long run while the mission statement provides a road map on how to reach where it is expected to.

Vision

Improved quality of life for the Tanzanian people

Mission

‘To influence policy processes for enhanced accountability and equitable use of public resources through improved partnerships’

Core values

The sixth Strategic plan core values are adopted from the previous strategic period core values which served as cultural cornerstone for PF. These are the following;

a. Participation - Policy Forum believe in participatory democracy and will work to promote democratic space for citizen voice and action.

b. Accountability - Policy Forum work to promote transparency and accountability in our organizations, partnerships and in society.

c. Solidarity - Policy Forum build coalitions with like-minded individuals and organisations committed to its mission.

d. Independence - The network members are autonomous and non-partisan organisations, answerable to own mission, values and governing bodies rather than the instructions of any local, national or foreign government.

e. Equality - Because all people are equal, Policy Forum shall actively promote human rights, dignity, equity and inclusion of all.

f. Integrity - Committed to high standards of honesty and strong moral principles

g. Learning - The network strive for quality and excellence, and a culture of learning and reflection

Desired change

Improved quality of life through equitable use of public resources and inclusive governance.

Long-term organisational impact

Contribution to improved quality of life through equitable use of resources and inclusive governance by enhancing evidence-based advocacy and forging partnerships that open policy processes.

This desired organisational impact is what underpins PF’s vision and mission of improved quality of life for the Tanzanian people by influencing policy processes for enhanced accountability and equitable use of public resources through improved partnerships.