Legislative Decree No. 33 of 14 March 2013, known as the Transparency Decree, was introduced to reorganise the regulations concerning the right of civic access and the obligations of publicity, transparency and dissemination of information by public administrations in Italy.

The decree aims to improve the transparency of the activities of public administrations, facilitate citizens’ access to information and promote integrity and accountability.

Objectives

1. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the public body complies with all the provisions of Legislative Decree No. 33 of 14 March 2013.
2. Transparency and Accessibility: Implement measures to improve the transparency and accessibility of public information.
3. Promotion of Accountability: Promoting a culture of accountability and integrity in public administrations.
4. Risk Reduction: Minimising the legal and reputational risks associated with non-compliance.
5. Operational Efficiency: Optimising the management processes of public information and data..

Modalities

1. Preliminary Assessment:
   • Assessment of Current Practices: Analysis of current information and transparency management practices to identify areas of non-compliance with the Transparency Decree.
   • Mapping of Regulatory Obligations: Identification of specific disclosure, transparency and dissemination of information obligations applicable to the body.
2. Development of Policies and Procedures:
   • Drafting of Transparency Policies: Development of internal policies to ensure compliance with the provisions of Legislative Decree 33/2013.
   • Operational Procedures: Implementation of operational procedures for the management and publication of the information required by the legislation.
3. Implementation of Transparency Management Systems:
   • Transparency Portal: Creation or updating of the public body’s web portal for the publication of mandatory information.
   • Management of Requests for Civic Access: Implementation of a system for the management of requests for simple and generalised civic access.
4. Training and Awareness Raising:
   • Training Programmes: Design and implementation of training programmes for staff on transparency obligations and best practices for public information management.
   • Awareness Raising Campaigns: Internal campaigns to raise staff awareness of the importance of transparency and regulatory compliance.
5. Monitoring and Review:
   • Periodic Audits: Conducting periodic audits to verify ongoing compliance with Legislative Decree 33/2013 and identify any areas for improvement.
   • Policy Update: Review and update policies and procedures according to regulatory changes and new best practices.

Benefits

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the public body complies with all the provisions of Legislative Decree 33/2013, reducing the risk of sanctions.
• Transparency and Accessibility: Improving the transparency and accessibility of public information, promoting citizens trust.
• Promotion of Accountability: Promoting a culture of accountability and integrity in public administrations.
• Risk Reduction: Minimising the legal and reputational risks associated with non-compliance.
• Operational Efficiency: Optimising the management processes of public information and data.

Tools used

• Transparency Management Software: Tools for monitoring and managing compliance with Legislative Decree 33/2013.
• Web Portals and Digital Platforms: Tools for creating and managing the public body’s transparency portal.
• Documentation: Procedures and records for the management of compliance activities.
• Training Platforms: Online tools and teaching materials for staff training and awareness-raising.
• Monitoring Dashboard: Tools for monitoring compliance activities and verifying the effectiveness of transparency policies.

Final considerations

365TRUST’s advice service on the application of Legislative Decree No 33 of 14 March 2013 – Reorganisation of the regulations on the right of civic access and the obligations of publicity, transparency and dissemination of information by public administrations, is essential for public administrations wishing to comply with Italian regulations on transparency and civic access. Through targeted advice and the implementation of effective policies, procedures and management systems, administrations can improve transparency, promote integrity and strengthen citizens’ trust in public institutions