The endorsement process is independent of the development approval process.  Endorsement may be sought for a standard and related guidelines that is:

• The result of a proposal to develop a standard and related guidelines
• A publication by a third party e.g. Standards Australia
• A policy or standard that an agency is currently using

The purpose of submitting an existing standard and related guidelines for endorsement is:

• To promote a business, information or technical standard for whole-of-government use.
• Support for increased integration of service delivery, achieving efficiency and effectiveness gains through better use of data, information or technology.
• To improve the ability of government organisations to share information and integrate information and business processes.

Submission of standard and related Guidelines

• Agenices can actively contribute to the Interoperability Program by submitting existing standards and related guidelines for endorsement for whole of government use.
• Consultation with agencies to seek their input on the standard and related guidelines is be undertaken by the proponent prior to the submission. 
• Standards and related guidelines submitted to the Interoperability Program Steering Committee will be assessed for suitability for forwarding to the IASC for approval according to specified criteria.
• The specified criteria are outlined in the Template and Guide to be used when submitting standards and related guidelines for endorsement.

Lifecycle and key processes Diagram of the endorsement process for Standards and Related Guidelines.