Exploring Experiences in Participating in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Program 2022: A Case Study of the Municipality of Cardona

Abstract

This study explores the experiences, challenges, and recommendations of the Municipality of Cardona in its participation in the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) program. The SGLG evaluation process was found to be meticulous and comprehensive, providing a thorough assessment of the municipality's governance practices. Through the SGLG assessment, the municipality successfully identified its strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted interventions and continuous improvement in governance. However, the municipality faced challenges during the SGLG participation. Limited financial resources and inadequate training and staffing hindered its ability to meet the SGLG requirements effectively. Additionally, the complex requirements and extensive documentation of the SGLG program demanded significant time and effort, often exceeding available timeframes and affecting the quality of submissions. Balancing regular duties with the additional workload of the SGLG assessment posed time constraints and challenges in managing priorities. To address these challenges, recommendations have been proposed. Enhancing financial resources, investing in capacity building programs, and improving data management systems are crucial to support the municipality's SGLG participation. Allocating dedicated resources and time specifically for the SGLG assessment process is essential to ensure thorough self-assessment, data gathering, and documentation. Furthermore, fostering stakeholder engagement and promoting a culture of continuous improvement will enhance the municipality's governance practices and overall SGLG performance. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen the Municipality of Cardona's participation in the SGLG program, leading to sustainable development and improved services for its constituents.