Global Sustainability Standards Board
The Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) is responsible for setting globally accepted standards for sustainability reporting. The GSSB operates under a Terms of Reference to oversee the development of the GRI Standards according to a formally defined due process.
The GSSB members represent the best combination of technical expertise, diversity of experience, and multi-stakeholder perspective, and perform their work according to a formally defined due process, exclusively in the public interest.
With the exception of some administrative discussions, which can be held privately at the GSSB’s discretion, all GSSB meetings are open to the public and available online.
The GRI Standards are developed and approved by the GSSB, with the intention of being applied on a globally consistent basis, thus providing stakeholders with the ability to compare the impacts of reporting.
The GSSB also oversees GRI's Standards Division in the development of the Standards.
Criteria for GSSB members
The GSSB conducts its business in the public interest and has strong transparency requirements attached to its meetings and decision-making. Members should have practical knowledge and experience related to sustainability reporting as well as:
- Analytical and communication skills
- Judicious decision-making
- Awareness of the sustainability reporting environment
- Ability to work in a collegial atmosphere
- Integrity, objectivity and discipline
- Commitment to GRI's mission and the public interest
Time commitment: Approximately 160-180 hours per year to attend two-day in-person meetings (two or three times a year), and ten virtual meetings, which include the preparation phase and submitting comments. This, however, excludes time to travel to and from the in-person meeting locations. GSSB's membership is for a term of three years.
Questions about the GSSB
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the GSSB and its work
GSSB FAQ