Organisations

Social insurance schemes must have administrative structures in place that enable them to organise benefits, assess entitlement and advise the insured. Depending on the scheme in question, its administration may be more centralised or more decentralised. Some administrations may be more based in the public sector, others more in the private sector.

The Swiss social security system relies on close coordination between public and private organisations. These include various funds – health insurance funds, pension funds and compensation funds (OASI offices) – which fulfil important roles within the Old-age and Survivors' Insurance (OASI), Invalidity Insurance (IV) and Loss of Earnings Compensation (EO) schemes.

Switzerland's social insurance schemes fall under the remit of several federal offices, which play an important role by drafting bills, enacting legislation and monitoring its implementation. As the welfare state has expanded, so too have the tasks and responsibilities which these offices must perform.

Conferences are a response to the need for cantonal coordination within Switzerland's federal social security system. They promote intercantonal dialogue and coordination, represent the cantons' interests vis-à-vis the federal government, and draw up standards and guidelines to assist in the design of social protection systems.

Switzerland's federal structure means that welfare state responsibilities tend to rest with the cantonal and communal authorities. This is particularly the case for social assistance, which is governed by the relevant cantonal laws and administered by local social services departments. A further feature of Switzerland's federally structured welfare state is the involvement of a wide range of private institutions, such as children's homes and boarding schools.

The wide range of private organisations operating within Switzerland's social security system reflects the commitment of civil society to social protection. These organisations defend the interests of particular sections of the population, champion certain social causes, and in some instances are run by the people they serve. The high number of charitable foundations exemplify the close ties that existed in the 20th century between the welfare state and private philanthropy.

Through their lobbying and advisory activities, professional and stakeholder organisations, such as trade unions and employers' associations, play an important role in the Swiss welfare state. As social partners, these organisations defend the interests of employees and employers and help shape social security in Switzerland.

Political parties shape social policy debates through their sometimes mutually opposing view on social security matters and the role of the state. They influence reforms and legislation by tabling parliamentary procedural requests, launching popular initiatives and organising referendums.