GSSB FAQ
1. What has changed to strengthen the process for developing and approving standards?
2. How are GRI Standards developed and approved?
3. How does the GSSB collaborate with other standard-setting organizations?
4. How are GRI’s standard-setting activities funded?
5. Who chairs the GSSB?
6. How are the members of the DPOC selected?
7. Will GRI separate into two separate legal entities?
1. What has changed to strengthen the process for developing and approving standards?
In 2015 the GRI Board of Directors approved changes to strengthen the independence of the governance and management of the standard-setting activities and to meet the requirements expected of a public standard setter.
There are six main features of the governance and management structure related to standard setting activities:
- An organizational firewall has been created between standard‐setting activities and all other GRI organizational activities.
- A separate governance structure for standard-setting has been implemented, including the creation of a new Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) and the Due Process Oversight Committee (DPOC)
- The global multi‐stakeholder principle will be safeguarded.
- A formal Due Process Protocol (DPP) for GRI Standards development has been created.
- GRI will provide unconditional funding to support the development of the GRI Standards.
- Transparency of standards development processes will be maintained. (Meeting agendas, papers and minutes related to the Standards development will be available on the GSSB page of the GRI website).
2. How are GRI Standards developed and approved?
GRI Standards are developed according to a formally defined Due Process Protocol, which is overseen by the Due Process Oversight Committee (DPOC). The GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards are built on a foundation of more than 15 years of robust global multi-stakeholder development. The Due Process Protocol ensures that the Standards are developed following a transparent and robust process, that they continue to promote the public interest, and are aligned with GRI’s vision and mission.
Members are appointed to the GSSB and DPOC through a nomination and selection process, which is the responsibility of the Nominations Committee of the Supervisory Board. This ensures independence in accordance with the public interest.
3. How does the GSSB collaborate with other standard-setting organizations?
The GSSB welcomes collaboration and recognizes that there are many different types of organizations working on issues relating to sustainable development. The GSSB is keen to identify common work areas to promote greater transparency about the sustainability impacts of organizations.
4. How are GRI’s standard-setting activities funded?
GRI provides unrestricted funding to support the development of the GRI Standards. The GSSB does not undertake specific fundraising for the development of the Standards.
5. Who chairs the GSSB?
Carol Adams was appointed Chair and Jeff Robertson was appointed Vice Chair of the GSSB for terms commencing 1 April 2023. Read more information about Carol, Jeff and the rest of the GSSB Members here.
6. How are the members of the DPOC selected?
Members of the DPOC are appointed by the Nominations Committee of the Supervisory Board.
7. Will GRI separate into two separate legal entities?
No. The GSSB is established as an independent operating entity under the auspices of the GRI Board of Directors. It has the sole responsibility for setting globally accepted sustainability reporting standards (GRI Standards), according to a formally defined due process, exclusively in the public interest. Under a revised Deed of Incorporation, the GRI Board of Directors delegates the authority to develop GRI Standards to the GSSB.