---
title: "Rules for the TYPO3 Unit Cooperation Panel"
manual: "TYPO3 Community infrastructure"
version: "main"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel"
source: "Community/Units/RulesForTheUnitCooperationPanel.rst"
rendered: "2026-11-05T13:08:49+00:00"
---
# Rules for the TYPO3 Unit Cooperation Panel {#coop-panel}
**Table of Contents**
- [1 Definition and Purpose](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:1-definition-and-purpose)
- [2 Governing Authority](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:2-governing-authority)
- [3 Composition](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:3-composition)
- [4 Tasks and Responsibilities](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:4-tasks-and-responsibilities)
- [5 Meetings](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:5-meetings)
- [6 Reporting](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:6-reporting)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:frequently-asked-questions)
**Note on imperatives:** The keywords
[must](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1),
[must not](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-2),
[required](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1),
[shall](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1),
[shall not](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-2),
[should](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-3),
[should not](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-4),
[recommended](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-3),
[may](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-5), and
[optional](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-5) in this
document are to be interpreted as described in
[RFC 2119](https://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2119.html).
## 1 Definition and Purpose {#coop-panel-definition-purpose}
The Unit Cooperation Panel is a permanent body for cooperation between
all Units. It creates the
[TYPO3 Product Roadmap](https://typo3.com/typo3-cms/development-roadmap/roadmap)
in alignment with the [TYPO3 Association](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:t3a-strategy) and
[TYPO3 Product](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:product-strategy) strategies and ensures that the Units
work together in partnership, support each other, and jointly address cross-Unit
issues.
The Panel is the TYPO3 CMS Product Owner. It is represented by its Chairman.
## 2 Governing Authority {#coop-panel-governing-authority}
### a. Creation, Modification, and Termination {#coop-panel-governing-authority-a}
The [TYPO3 Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) is
created, modified, and terminated as defined in the
[TYPO3 Association Bylaws](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:bylaws).
### b. Amendment {#coop-panel-governing-authority-b}
Unless otherwise defined in the [TYPO3 Association Bylaws](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:bylaws), these
Rules [may](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-5) be amended
by the
[TYPO3 Association General Assembly](https://typo3.org/association/structure/general-assembly)
or through a joint decision by the
[TYPO3 Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) and the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board).
## 3 Composition {#coop-panel-composition}
### 3.1 Members {#coop-panel-members}
#### a. Composition {#coop-panel-members-a}
The [Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose)
[must](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1) consist of:
- One permanent representative from each [TYPO3 Unit](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules).
- One representative from and chosen by the [TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board).
#### b. Limit to Representation {#coop-panel-members-b}
Each person can only represent a single body in the
[Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose).
#### c. Choosing Unit Representatives {#coop-panel-members-c}
Unit Representatives are chosen, in order of preference:
1. The [Unit Coordinator](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-coordinator) represents the
[TYPO3 Unit](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules) by default if they are eligible for the role
and accept the responsibility.
1. Otherwise, the [Deputy Unit Coordinator](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-deputy-coordinator)
represents the [TYPO3 Unit](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules) if they are eligible for the
role and accept the responsibility.
1. If neither is eligible or accept the responsibility, the Unit Council elects
another [Unit Member](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-member) who is eligible for the role
and accepts the responsibility.
### 3.2 Leadership {#coop-panel-leadership}
#### a. Election and Eligibility {#coop-panel-leadership-a}
The [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) elects a Chairperson and Deputy
Chairperson from among its [members](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-members). The
representative from the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board) is
not eligible to be elected.
#### b. Acting Chairperson {#coop-panel-leadership-b}
If the Chairperson is indisposed or while the Chairperson position is
unfilled, the Deputy Chairperson serves as the acting Chairperson,
taking over all related tasks and responsibilities.
### 3.3 Compensation {#coop-panel-compensation}
#### a. Sanctioning {#coop-panel-compensation-a}
The [TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
[may](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-5) decide to
compensate members of the [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) through
the [TYPO3 Association](https://typo3.org/association)’s budget. The
compensation [may](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-5) be
split into tiers depending on the person’s role and assigned tasks.
#### b. Ineligibility {#coop-panel-compensation-b}
Individuals whose employment compensation includes remuneration for performing
duties as a [Coordinator](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-coordinator) or
[Panel Member](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-members) in connection with their employment are
not entitled to receive any additional compensation.
## 4 Tasks and Responsibilities {#coop-panel-tasks-responsibilities}
### 4.1 Responsibilities {#coop-panel-responsibilities}
The [TYPO3 Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) has
these responsibilities:
1. Creation and prioritization of the [TYPO3 Product Roadmap](https://typo3.com/typo3-cms/development-roadmap/roadmap).
1. Coordination of cooperation between the [Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules) on
cross-[Unit](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules) topics, tasks, initiatives, working groups,
and in general.
1. Coordination and harmonization of
[Contribution Rules and Acceptance Criteria](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-criteria) for
contributions in [Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules).
1. Discuss and opine on overarching technological and infrastructure-related
decisions.
1. Resolve matters of jurisdiction or conflicts of interest between
[Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules).
1. Appointment of two delegates from among the [Unit](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules)
representatives in the [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) to the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board),
as defined in the [TYPO3 Association Bylaws](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:bylaws).
1. Advising the [TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
on matters concerning the [Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules).
### 4.2 Task Scope {#coop-panel-task-scope}
The [Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose)
[may](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-5) choose to
address any issue or task as laid out in section 1 of these Rules. This includes
the right to petition the
[TYPO3 Association General Assembly](https://typo3.org/association/structure/general-assembly)
or [TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
on all matters concerning this Panel and the [Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules).
## 5 Meetings {#coop-panel-meetings}
### 5.1 Convening Meetings {#coop-panel-convening}
#### a. Frequency {#coop-panel-convening-a}
The [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose)
[should](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-3) meet
regularly, at least once each quarter. If possible, at least two meetings
annually [should](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-3) be
held in person.
#### b. Calling Meetings {#coop-panel-convening-b}
The [Unit Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) meets whenever the
[Chairperson](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-leadership) or at least 50% of all
[Panel members](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-members) desire it.
#### c. Advance Notice {#coop-panel-convening-c}
A meeting date and time
[must](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1) be announced at
least seven days in advance, unless 50% of all
[Panel members](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-members) agree to disregard this rule.
### 5.2 Quorum {#coop-panel-quorum}
The [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) reaches a quorum for decisions
when two thirds of all the
[Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) members are
present.
### 5.3 Majority {#coop-panel-majority}
All [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) decisions require at least two
thirds of the votes of all members of the
[Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose), excepting
abstentions, to be in favor.
## 6 Reporting {#coop-panel-reporting}
The [Chairperson](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-leadership) or their delegate
[must](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1) regularly
publish reports on the [Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose)’s meetings
and activities to the
[TYPO3 Association Members](https://typo3.org/association/membership/directory).
The report [must](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc2119.html#section-1) be
published on [news.typo3.com](http://news.typo3.com) every three months.
## Frequently Asked Questions {#coop-panel-faq}
- **[1.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-1) **Won’t the Chairperson easily be overloaded with the tasks involved in chairing, reporting, and possibly also serving as one of the two delegates to the TYPO3 Association Board?****
A good chairperson will delegate tasks, but some kind of compensation will
likely be necessary. It could be time donated individually, from an
employer, or as a budget decision by the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board).
At the same time, the Panel is supposed to coordinate. It is natural to
expect that most of the real work will take place in the
[Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules). Assembling the roadmap is a good example, as it
can build on detailed proposals submitted by the units.
- **[2.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-2) **Why can’t the TYPO3 Association Board member be elected Chairperson?****
Since the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
defines budgets for [Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules), this is an effective way to
avoid potential conflict of interest around budget decisions.
- **[3.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-3) **Is the Unit Cooperation Panel a mediator in interpersonal conflicts?****
No, it only deals with matters of jurisdiction or conflicts of interest
between [Units](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules). Interpersonal conflicts should be
resolved elsewhere using TYPO3’s conflict handling processes and policies.
The
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
can update the [Unit Charters](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-constitution-charter) to
make areas of responsibility clearer. In cases where
[Unit Coordinators](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-coordinator) are unable to cooperate,
the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
as the option of removing them from their role.
- **[4.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-4) **What is the role of the two delegates from the Unit Cooperation Panel in the TYPO3 Association Board?****
The delegates have a right to be present and speak in all TYPO3 Association
Board meetings, but do not have voting rights. This means they will take
part in all discussions and processes within the Board, but without the
final decision-making rights. This configuration avoids the conflict of
interest arising from the [Unit Coordinators](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-coordinator)’
role as budget owners.
- **[5.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-5) **Why is the quorum defined as two thirds of all Unit Cooperation Panel members? It can be hard to get people to participate, and decision making shouldn’t be blocked.****
It would be a sign of serious dysfunction if less than two thirds of the
[Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) can meet.
It would mean that two thirds of the units — and possibly the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
too — are unable to assign a person to attend the meeting. Such an issue
would have to be dealt with on a higher level.
- **[6.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-6) **Is the requirement for decisions to be at least two thirds of the votes cast a possibility for deadlock?****
In this setup a positive decision requires two thirds of the votes cast to
be “yes”. It does not count abstentions or missing votes from absent
members. Since this is the *cooperation* panel, it should be based on
healthy cooperation and consensus. An inability to come to a consensus would
be a sign of dysfunction, an issue that must be dealt with outside of the
Panel itself.
- **[7.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-7) **With only one representative per Unit, how will cross-cutting topics like accessibility get a reliable voice?****
Considering relevant compliance requirements (including accessibility)
should be part of every decision. It would be the *Stability & Compliance
Unit*’s responsibility to define and promote them. The
[Unit](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules) would need to make recommendations or ask the TYPO3
Association Board to establish formal policies. Many have given feedback
about the need to document a general decision-making process. Compliance
could be an explicit part of such a process, meaning that considering
compliance with accessibility requirements/best practices becomes mandatory
everywhere.
- **[8.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-8) **Will the Unit Cooperation Panel have fewer members if someone is Unit Coordinator for multiple units?****
One person can only represent a single body in the
[Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose), so a person
who is [Unit Coordinator](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:unit-rules-coordinator) for multiple units
will have to delegate another person to be the representative of one of
the units.
- **[9.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-9) **Which decision-making best practices apply to the Unit Cooperation Panel?****
The Governance Working Group has asked that the
[TYPO3 Association Board](https://typo3.org/association/structure/board)
implements a project-wide decision-making best practice.
- **[10.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-10) **Can changes to these Rules be made to require a decision by the General Assembly?****
It is not normally the General Assembly’ task to change rules and policies.
This is the Association Board’s domain. Normally, the Board would be able to
change the Panel rules alone, but
[section 2](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-governing-authority) requires both the TYPO3
Association Board and the
[Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose)
to vote in favor. This adds an additional level of control. The General
Assembly has supreme decision-making authority in the TYPO3 Association and
can always override or force a change to happen.
- **[11.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-11) **Is the Unit Cooperation Panel a Product Owner according to the SCRUM definition?****
The [Unit Cooperation Panel](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-definition-purpose) is not
tied to any specific product development philosophies or methodologies, like
SCRUM, Agile, or Kanban. The Panel has the role of product owner in the
sense that it defines, prioritizes, and guides product development to
deliver maximum business and user value.
- **[12.](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/guide-policy:coop-panel-faq-12) **Why four meetings a year? It makes the Unit Cooperation Panel slow.****
The Panel is not limited to four meetings a year. That is only the lower
limit. Section 5.1 defines it as "regularly, at least once each quarter."