On 6 May 2026, the regional forum “Development of ASCs in Cherkasy Oblast Hromadas: Next Steps” took place in Cherkasy Oblast. The event was organised by the Polaris Programme: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine in cooperation with the Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration.
The forum brought together heads of Administrative Service Centres (ASCs) from hromadas across Cherkasy Oblast, representatives of the regional authorities, territorial offices of central executive authorities, and Polaris experts. The event served as a platform to discuss the current state of the administrative services system in the oblast, shared challenges, and practical steps for the further development of the ASC network.
Opening the event, Oleksandr Turcheniak, Deputy Head of the Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration, stressed the importance of ensuring the accessibility and quality of administrative services in hromadas, particularly in the context of the full-scale war. He noted that effective solutions for the development of the administrative services system can only be achieved through coordination, partnership, and the exchange of experience.
Susanna Dellans, Polaris Team Leader, SALAR International Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of systematic support for hromadas in developing ASCs and introducing modern management and planning tools.
A key focus of the forum was the presentation of the results of the use of the “ASC Development Roadmap” e-service developed by the Polaris Programme. From 25 February to 10 March 2026, 66 ASCs in Cherkasy Oblast conducted a comprehensive self-assessment using the tool with the support of the Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration.
Roman Matviichuk, Polaris expert, presented the results of the assessment process. The digital tool made it possible to obtain detailed information on the current state of each ASC based on more than 160 criteria – ranging from service organisation and accessibility to staffing and technical capacity. Based on the assessment, a draft development roadmap was prepared for each centre, taking into account the needs and capacities of each hromada.
An important part of the forum was the interactive work in the “World Café” format. This approach enabled ASC managers, government representatives, and experts to discuss the most pressing issues in the operation of administrative service centres, exchange practical experience, and develop shared approaches to addressing challenges in the administrative services sector.
During the presentation of the group work results, participants developed a shared agenda for hromadas and the regional level regarding the further development of the administrative services system in Cherkasy Oblast. Key priorities included improving service accessibility, expanding electronic services, strengthening the institutional capacity of ASCs, and enhancing cooperation between local and state authorities.
Within the framework of cooperation between the Polaris Programme, the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, and hromadas of Cherkasy Oblast, support for the development of the ASC network also continues through the provision of necessary equipment. In particular, Talne hromada received a specialised vehicle for a mobile ASC, while Smila and Monastyryshche hromadas received mobile service kits for delivering administrative services.
The forum confirmed that the development of a modern administrative services system requires sustained dialogue between different levels of governance. The combination of analytical tools, practical experience, and joint planning creates the foundation for systemic changes aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of services for hromada residents.
