Global Sustainability Standards Board
Due Process Protocol
October 2018

The Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) is authorized by its Terms of Reference to develop andissue authoritative pronouncements. The term ‘authoritative pronouncements’ includes GRI Sustainability
Reporting Standards (GRI Standards) and their related Interpretations. Authoritative pronouncements areto be developed and issued in the public interest and according to due process as defined in this protocol.
All references to ‘due process’ in this document refer exclusively to the requirements specified in thisprotocol.
Matters of due process are identified in Fundamental Principles I and II and in paragraphs 1–36 of thisdocument. In developing its authoritative pronouncements, the GSSB follows the due process
requirements set out in Fundamental Principles I and II and in paragraphs 1-36.
Final Standards may be issued by the GSSB only after the Due Process Oversight Committee (DPOC) issatisfied that due process has been followed in their development in the public interest.
The assessment of whether due process has been followed is based on matters of due process as
identified in Fundamental Principles I and II and in paragraphs 1-36 of the GSSB Due Process Protocol.
In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the DPOC is bound to provide independent and timely advice.
Working procedures, shown in a separate section of this document, are steps applied by the GSSB tofacilitate the operation of its due process; they do not themselves form part of due process. Working
procedures may be modified in practice to suit circumstances.
The development process of GRI Standards is divided into the following steps:• Project identification and prioritization• Project commencement• Appointment of Technical Committees and Project Working Groups, as appropriate• Development of proposed Standard• Public exposure• Consideration of respondents’ comments on an exposure draft• Approval of Standard and Consideration of the need for re-exposure• Release of final Standard• Interaction with the GRI Board of Directors and the GRI Stakeholder Council
The development process of Standard Interpretations is divided into the following steps:• Project identification and prioritization• Project commencement• Development of proposed Standard Interpretation• Approval of Standard Interpretation• Release of final Standard Interpretation

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The development of Guidance and FAQs are not subject to due process.
The steps outlined above are explained in more detail below. Additionally, the Due Process Protocol
includes clarifying remarks on:• General procedures of due process (Ref: Paras. 1-5)
• Withdrawal of a Standard (Ref: Para. 32)• Matters of due process (Ref: Paras. 33-34)

DUE PROCESS
Fundamental principles
The work of the GSSB is to be undertaken solely for a purpose and in a manner that:
I.

Complements the GRI’s Vision and Mission as approved by the GRI Board of Directors (GRI
Board).

II.

Promotes the public interest, defined here as follows:In general, as:• those overarching interests of humanity, held in common, that include but exceed the partial
interests of individuals or groups.
In the context of sustainability reporting, as:• making well-informed decisions – and therefore having easy and timely access to relevant andreliable information on which such decisions might be based;• promoting positive (and discouraging negative) impacts on social, ecological, environmental,
and economic systems;• promoting transparency, fairness, and integrity of processes that affect the public domain; and• ensuring that no person or community is overlooked or marginalized – especially if relatively
weak in comparison to others.

In forming a view about specific GSSB authoritative pronouncements, the GSSB and DPOC shall haveregard to:a. authoritative intergovernmental instruments and their authoritative interpretations; and/or
b. documented, widely-held expectations of behavior relating to social, ecological, environmental,
and economic responsibilities.
General procedures
1. GSSB meetings are open to the public – via electronic means, as determined by the GSSB.
Observers do not have a seat at the GSSB table and may not participate in the business of the
GSSB. Matters of a general administrative nature or with privacy implications may be dealt with inclosed sessions of the GSSB. (Ref: Para.A1)
2.

If a decision concerning a Standards-related activity cannot be taken during the public GSSB
meeting, the GSSB can at its discretion vote on decisions through electronic process. The
discussion leading to this decision shall however be documented publicly and results of theelectronic decision affirmed in the public meeting records.

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3.

Meeting agenda papers are to be published in English on the GSSB website in advance of each GSSB
meeting. These shall include issues, papers and draft Standards prepared for the GSSB's review andminutes of the immediately preceding meeting of the GSSB and any decisions taken by electronicmeans in the interim. (Ref: Para.A2-A5)

4.

Meetings are to be conducted in English, which is the official working language of the GRI.

5.

The work of the GSSB will be undertaken principally with the support of the Standards Division.
The Standards Division will report to and work under the direction of the GSSB and in accordancewith due process. The Head of the Standards Division shall attend the meetings of, but is not to bea member of, the GSSB.

Project identification and prioritization
6. The GSSB identifies potential new projects based on:a. consideration of national and international developments;b. comments and suggestions received from the GRI Board; and the GRI Stakeholder
Council (GRI SC)
c. comments and suggestions received from those who have an interest in the developmentof standards issued by the GSSB.
7.

To facilitate this process, the GSSB periodically develops and approves a strategy and work program.
In developing its strategy and work program, the GSSB shall have regard to paragraph 14 of thisprotocol. (Ref: Para.A6-A7).

Project commencement
8. A proposal to start a new project is to be prepared by the Standards Division based on researchand on appropriate consultation within the GSSB – and then presented to the GSSB for approval,
amendment, or rejection. The draft project proposal for the development of a GRI Standard is tobe circulated to the GRI Board and the GRI SC to identify matters of possible relevance to theproject. The GSSB shall receive and consider the comments of the GRI Board and the GRI SC;
however, it is the sole responsibility of the GSSB to determine and prioritize the project proposal,
having regard to the overriding importance of serving the public interest. The GSSB is to approve,
amend, or reject the Standards Division’s project proposal in a meeting open to the public. (Ref:Para.A8-A9)
Formation of Technical Committees and Project Working Groups
9. The GSSB may appoint, at its convenience, one or more Technical Committees – to be established
on a temporary basis in order to provide technical advice of relevance to the task of standard setting,including but not limited to the development of a Standard. Where a Technical Committee isestablished, a balance of multi-stakeholder constituencies as outlined in paragraph 11 should also be
preferred but is not required. Members of the Technical Committee are to be instructed by the GSSB
that they shall act in an individual capacity, exclusively in the public interest, and according to due
process as defined in this protocol. (Ref: Para.A22-A26)
10. A Technical Committee may provide technical advice on any matter referred to it by the GSSB,
including but not limited to:• significant issues relating to the development of a Standard; and• significant issues raised in comment letters on exposure drafts and the GSSB's related activities.
11. The GSSB may appoint a multi-stakeholder Project Working Group (PWG) to develop a project.

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Members of a PWG are to be instructed by the GSSB that they shall act in an individual capacity,
exclusively in the public interest, and according to due process as defined in this protocol. (Ref:Para.A10-A15)
12. Where a PWG is established, its membership should reflect a balance of multi-stakeholder
constituencies. As a minimum, each PWG shall have at least one person drawn from each of theconstituencies on which the membership of the GSSB is based – as defined in the GSSB Terms ofReference. The work of a PWG will not be invalidated if, for some appropriate reason, the GSSB isunable to achieve the desired multi-stakeholder composition.
13. A Technical Committee or PWG should report to the GSSB and seek guidance whenever it requires
further advice in order to advance the project or where its members cannot reach consensus. Whena Technical Committee or PWG is satisfied that it has a proposed draft Standard that is ready for
exposure, it shall present the draft to the GSSB. The GSSB shall review the draft and, if considerednecessary, may ask the Technical Committee or PWG to conduct further research and/or further
develop the draft prior to it being voted on by the GSSB, for exposure.
Development of proposed Standards
14. The GSSB shall determine whether to hold a public forum or roundtable, or issue a consultation
paper, in order to solicit views on a project under consideration. The GSSB shall also consider theappropriateness of conducting a field test of the application of its proposals for a new or revisedStandard, either prior to or after a draft Standard is issued for public exposure. The rationale for
the GSSB's decision in relation to these steps shall be discussed at a GSSB meeting and the decision
shall be minuted and published. Comments received through a public forum or roundtable, or in
response to the issuance of a consultation paper, are to be considered in the same manner ascomments received on an exposure draft. (Ref: Para.A18-A19)
15. The GSSB shall vote on the approval of an exposure draft of the proposed Standard in accordancewith the GSSB Terms of Reference. When a member of the GSSB votes in favor of the release of an
exposure draft, the member is confirming that he or she is satisfied that the draft would form an
acceptable Standard in the event that no comments on the exposure draft were to be received of anature that would require the GSSB to amend the proposals. (Ref: Para.A21)
Interaction with the GRI Board and the GRI Stakeholder Council
16. The GSSB shall seek the views of the GRI Board and the GRI SC on the identification andprioritization of projects to be undertaken by the GSSB. The process for seeking these views shallbe as agreed upon by the GSSB, GRI Board, the GRI SC. The GRI Board and the GRI SC are invited
to comment on the GSSB's strategy and work program, including project priorities and any changes
therein, to help establish their appropriateness. Where the GRI Board and/or the GRI SC haverecommended a project for consideration by the GSSB, the Chair of the GSSB shall inform the
DPOC and the Chairman of the GRI Board and the Chair of the GRI SC of the GSSB’s decisions
concerning the GRI Board’s or GRI SC’s recommendation.
17. The GSSB shall seek comment from the GRI Board and the GRI SC, in relation to proposals to start
new Standards projects, as well as during the development and finalization of a Standard.
18. The views of the GRI Board and the GRI SC are to be sought and considered but are notbinding on the GSSB.

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19. The Chair of the GSSB is responsible for bringing to the GSSB's attention significant

comments received from the GRI Board and the GRI SC. The GSSB shall consider (but is
not bound by) comments received from the GRI Board and the GRI SC. As in all othermatters, the GSSB shall decide each matter independently, in the public interest, according
to due process and will provide written response to the GRI Board and the GRI SC withregards to their specific comments.
Public exposure
20. Approved draft Standards are to be exposed for public comment. Exposure drafts are to be
published on the GSSB website where they can be accessed free of charge by the general public.
Each exposure draft is to be accompanied by an explanatory memorandum that highlights theobjective(s) of and the significant proposals contained within the draft Standard, as well as the GSSB'sview on the main issues addressed in the development thereof. (Ref: Para.A28-A29)
21. The exposure period will ordinarily be no shorter than 60 days – and for as long as deemed
appropriate by the GSSB. (Ref: Para.A30-A31)
22. Comments made by respondents to an exposure draft are a matter of public record and are to be
published on the GSSB website after the end of the exposure period. (Ref: Para.A32-A34)
Consideration of respondents’ comments on an exposure draft
23. As part of the GSSB's public agenda papers, an analysis of comments received on an exposure draftthat summarizes the significant issues raised by respondents, outlines their proposed disposition and,as appropriate, explains the reason(s) why significant changes recommended by a respondent(s) are,or are not, to be accepted, is to be made available. (Ref: Para.A35-A36)
24. Members of the GSSB are to familiarize themselves with the issues raised in comment letters on
exposure drafts such that they are able to make well-informed decisions during the approval of aStandard and consideration of the need for its re-exposure. The GSSB is to deliberate on significant
matters raised in the comment letters received that they consider should be discussed by the GSSB,
in addition to those issues summarized by the Technical Committee or PWG where applicable, withsignificant decisions recorded in the minutes of the meeting of the GSSB. This does not preclude a
member of the GSSB from raising a matter for discussion at a later time. (Ref: Para.A37-A38)
Approval of Standard and consideration of the need for re-exposure
25. Where a Technical Committee or PWG exists, the Technical Committee or PWG is to present therevised content of the exposed Standard to the GSSB for approval. The GSSB shall review the draft
and, if considered necessary, may amend it, or may ask the PWG to further develop the draft prior
to it being approved by the GSSB.
26. The Head of the Standards Division is responsible for advising the GSSB on whether due process
has been followed with proper regard for the public interest, before a final Standard may beapproved for issue. (Ref: Para.A39-A40)
27. The GSSB is to vote on the approval of the final revised content of an exposed Standard inaccordance with its Terms of Reference. The votes of individual members is to be recorded in theminutes of the GSSB meeting. Approval of the final revised content of an exposed Standard is anapproval for its issue as a final Standard, unless the GSSB subsequently votes in favor of re-exposure
as described below. (Ref: Para.A41-A42)

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28. After approving the final revised content of an exposed Standard, the GSSB shall vote on whether
there has been substantial change to the exposed document that was not anticipated in the
explanatory memorandum, such that a re-exposure is necessary. An affirmative vote for reexposure, in accordance with the GSSB Terms of Reference, is necessary if a document is to be reexposed. The basis of the GSSB's decision with respect to re-exposure, including the votes ofindividual members, is to be recorded in the minutes of the GSSB meeting at which the related
project is discussed. (Ref: Para.A43-A45)
29. When an exposed document is re-exposed, the explanatory memorandum accompanying the reexposure draft shall include the reason(s) for re-exposure and sufficient information to allow anunderstanding of the changes made as a result of the earlier exposure.
30. Where applicable, the GSSB shall set an effective date for the application of the final Standard. (Ref:Para.A46)
31. For each final Standard, the Standards Division shall issue a separate document explaining the GSSB’s
basis for conclusions, including its consideration of and response to significant issues raised on an
exposure draft. (Ref: Para.A47)
Withdrawal of a Standard
32. The GSSB shall vote on the withdrawal of a Standard, whether that withdrawal is due to the issue
of a new or revised Standard that incorporates or replaces the subject matter of an existing Standard
or for any other reason, in accordance with the GSSB Terms of Reference.
Release of final Standard
33. The Chair of the GSSB shall be responsible for reporting to the DPOC that due process has been
followed in the development of the final Standard. (Ref: Para.A48)
34. Before release of a final Standard, the Chair of the GSSB shall obtain the conclusion of the DPOC
as to whether due process as defined herein has been followed. This process may involve the GSSB
taking further appropriate steps should the DPOC express a concern or a negative conclusion about
whether due process has been followed. (Ref: Para.A49)
Matters of due process
35. If a concern over adherence to due process is raised formally with the GSSB, the GSSB shall assess
the concern and seek an appropriate resolution. The GSSB's decision on the matter is to becommunicated to the party raising the concern. If the GSSB is unable to achieve a mutuallysatisfactory resolution of the concern, then the complainant may request that the concern beassessed by the DPOC directly. In any case, alleged breaches of due process and the resolution
thereof are to be communicated by the GSSB to the DPOC. The results of investigations of alleged
breaches of due process are to be reported by the Chair at a meeting of the GSSB that is open to
the public. (Ref: Para.A50-A52)
36. The steps relating to contact between the GSSB and DPOC as specified in this protocol are theminimum required in order to ensure adherence to due process. The GSSB and DPOC may agree
on additional steps, allowing for more regular reviews of due process in the development of any
Standard or more generally to improve communication and coordination during the process. The
details of any additional steps agreed upon by the GSSB and DPOC shall be published on the GSSB
website prior to their being instituted.

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WORKING PROCEDURES
General procedures of the due process
GSSB meetings (Ref: Para.1)
A1. The GSSB meetings are to be minuted, recorded, and archived on the GSSB website.
Meeting agenda papers (Ref: Para.2-3)
A2. Meeting agenda papers are to be published on the GSSB website ordinarily no later than two
weeks in advance of each GSSB meeting. Draft meeting minutes, as reviewed by the Chair of the
GSSB, are to be published on the GSSB website ordinarily within three weeks after each GSSB
meeting.
A3.

The Appendix of this document lists the unique titles for common GSSB documents at various
stages of due process.

A4.

Agenda papers are to be retained on the GSSB website for at least three years from the date of
the meeting. Final minutes are to be retained on the GSSB website indefinitely.

A5.

Updated project summaries and meeting highlights are to be published on the GSSB website after
each meeting.

Project identification and prioritization (Ref: Para.7)
A6. The GSSB's strategy review shall involve a formal survey of those whom it deems to be key
stakeholders in order to obtain views about issues that they believe should be addressed by the
GSSB in the immediate future.
A7.

The development of the GSSB's strategy and work program shall include the issue of a consultation
paper for public comment, posted on the GSSB website where it can be accessed free of charge
by the general public, for ordinarily no less than 60 days. The GSSB shall consider the results ofthe public consultation in formulating, as necessary, a revised strategy and work program.

Project commencement
Project proposals (Ref: Para.8)A8. A project proposal shall identify, where applicable, who has first proposed a project fordevelopment by the Standards Division and for submission to the GSSB for its consideration.
A9.

Project proposals shall identify the objectives of the proposed project and explain how
achievement of those objectives would serve the public interest. GSSB members, the GRI Board,
the GRI SC, and others interested in the development of the proposed pronouncement are
thereby provided with a benchmark against which the project can be measured.

Formation of Project Working Groups
Multi-stakeholder Project Working Group (Ref: Para.11)
A10. A project proposal shall include details of any proposed assignment of responsibility for the project
to a PWG. The proposal shall identify, where appropriate, specific areas of expertise or
geographical representation that may be needed on the PWG. A PWG can only be establishedwith the approval of the GSSB.
A11. The principal criterion for selecting PWG members shall be identification of the best persons forthe job. In making a selection of participants, criteria will include: relevant knowledge, relevant
experience, and availability to perform the role.

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A12. The Head of the Standards Division shall make recommendations about the composition of the
PWG to the GSSB. The GSSB may make recommendations regarding the composition of the
PWG to the Head of the Standards Division. The GSSB shall determine the final composition of
the PWG, which shall normally include one or more members of the GSSB.
PWGs may contain participants, such as external experts, who are not members of the GSSB but
who have experience relevant to the subject matter. Subject to the availability of competent
individuals, a PWG shall contain at least one representative from each of the GRI constituencies
and may include members of the GRI SC. A GRI SC member may only serve on a PWG in theirindividual capacity and not as a representative of the SC. The GSSB shall be the sole judge of what
constitutes ‘competence’ for appointment to a PWG.
A13. Members of a PWG are to be identified in the project summaries included on the GSSB website
and in the relevant project agenda papers for a GSSB meeting.
A14. PWG meetings are not open to the public.
A15. A PWG is to identify issues and propose recommendations relevant to the development of the
proposed Standard, on which GSSB input is appropriate. These papers, which are ordinarily
accompanied by a draft version of the proposed pronouncement, are to be developed based on
research and consultation, which may include: conducting research; consulting with the GSSB, the
GRI Board, the GRI SC, practitioners, regulators, national standard setters, and other interested
parties.
Public forum or roundtable, or consultation paper (Ref: Para.14)
A18. In deciding upon the need to hold a public forum or roundtable, or to issue a consultation paper,
the GSSB shall consider whether the subject of the Standard, the level of interest among
stakeholders, the likely or actual existence of a significant and controversial divergence of views,
the need for additional information in order to further the GSSB's deliberative process, or someother reason indicates that wider or further consultation would be appropriate.
A19. The outcome(s) of a public forum or roundtable, or the issue of a consultation paper, is to besummarized and reported to the GSSB, as part of the GSSB's public agenda papers, for purposesof the GSSB's deliberation on the subject under consideration.
Proposed draft Standard (Ref: Para.12)
A20. The GSSB has a responsibility to be sensitive to any issues that might have an adverse impact on
the GRI as a whole. In order to assist the GSSB to discharge this responsibility, a PWG is to raise
proactively with the GSSB any issue that may have implications for the GRI as a whole. The GSSB
shall seek comment on such matters from the GRI Board and the GRI SC.
Approval of draft Standard (Ref: Para.15)
A21. Where applicable, the GSSB is to set a proposed effective date for the application of the
pronouncement as part of the exposure draft.
Technical Committees (Ref: Para.9)
A22. The GSSB may refer a matter of interest to a specially established Technical Committee.
A23. The principal criterion for selecting Technical Committee members shall be identification of thebest persons for the job. In making a selection of participants, relevant criteria will include: relevant

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A24. The Head of the Standards Division, in consultation with the Chair of the GSSB, is to determine
the composition of a Technical Committee in a manner that brings the right balance of technicalexpertise to the topic discussion. Technical Committees may include participants, such as external
experts, who are not members of the GSSB but who have experience relevant to the subject
matter. Membership may include representatives of organizations whose standards are referenced
in GRI Standards and other authoritative pronouncements.
A25. Members of a Technical Committee are to be identified in the project summaries published on
the GRI website and included in the relevant project agenda papers for a GSSB meeting.
A26. Technical Committee meetings are not open to the public.
Public exposure
Exposure drafts (Ref: Para.20)
A28. Notice of the issuance of exposure drafts will be published on the GSSB website and additionally
distributed to: regulatory bodies deemed by the GSSB to have a relevant interest; organizations
that have registered for or are likely to have an interest in the pronouncements issued by the
GSSB; the GRI Board, the GRI SC, GRI and GOLD community members; and relevant sections of
the media. The GSSB is to consider and decide whether there are any additional broad stakeholder
groups to whose attention a proposed pronouncement should be drawn.
A29. An explanatory memorandum may also direct respondents, including those representing specificconstituencies such as developing nations, small and medium-sized reporters, or the public sector,
to aspects of the draft Standard on which specific comments are sought.
Exposure period (Ref: Para.21)
A30. Although the exposure period for a draft Standard will ordinarily be no shorter than 60 days, ashorter or longer exposure period may be set when considered appropriate. A longer exposure
period may be set, for example, where complex or pervasive changes might affect translation or
in order to make wider consultation possible. A shorter exposure period may be set, for example,
where in the public interest there is a need to conclude deliberation on a matter more quickly,
where the exposure draft is relatively simple or short, or where the GSSB decides to re-expose
all or only part of a draft Standard.
A31. Exposure drafts are to indicate that the GSSB cannot undertake to consider comments andsuggestions received after the close of the exposure period.
Comments received (Ref: Para.22)
A32. An acknowledgement of receipt is to be sent to every respondent to an exposure draft.
A33. GSSB members, Technical Committee members and PWG members who are not members of the
GSSB, are to be notified when comment letters have been made available on the GSSB website.
A34. The exposure draft and comment letters are to be made available for the reference purpose of
GSSB members at the GSSB meeting in which the project is scheduled for discussion.
Consideration of respondents’ comments on an exposure draft
Comments received on exposure (Ref: Para.23)

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A35. The comments and suggestions received within the exposure period are to be read and considered
by a Technical Committee or PWG – if established by the GSSB, and by the GSSB.
A36. Project agenda papers are to contain a cumulative summary of the significant decisions made by
the GSSB on matters relating to the project, including its position on the significant issues raisedin comment letters.
Deliberation of significant matters (Ref: Para.24)
A37. Neither the GSSB nor a Technical Committee or PWG is to enter into debate with respondents
on individual comment letters. The GSSB or a PWG may decide, however, to discuss a letter ofcomment with the respondent to seek clarification on a matter.
A38. If requested, the GSSB will explain to the GRI Board the GRI SC and its reason(s) for not having
accepted their comments or proposals. The nature and outcome of such discussions are to bereported and recorded in the minutes of the GSSB meeting at which the related project is
discussed.
Approval of a pronouncement and consideration of the need for re-exposure
Adherence to due process (Ref: Para.26)
A39. The Head of the Standards Division is to provide a written report in the agenda papers of themeeting outlining the basis for concluding whether due process has been followed with respect toactions up to the date of the meeting.
A40. The Chair of the GSSB is also to report to the GSSB on whether or not due process has been
followed at the meeting at which a final Standard is approved for issuance. The substance of thisreport is to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Approval (Ref: Para.27)
A41. The results of the GSSB vote, including dissenting votes and abstentions – and the reason(s)thereof, on the approval of the revised content of an exposure draft are to be recorded in theminutes of the meeting.
A42. The agenda paper containing the draft proposed revised content of the exposed Standard is to be
updated for changes agreed by the GSSB during the course of the meeting and is to be publishedon the GSSB website after the meeting at which the GSSB is to approve the final Standard. The
updated agenda paper published on the GSSB website is for information purposes only and is not
the final pronouncement. The authoritative pronouncement approved by the GSSB is considered
to be final only after the DPOC confirms that due process has been followed in its development.
Re-exposure (Ref: Para.28)
A43. When an exposure draft has been subject to many changes, a summary comparative analysis is tobe presented to the GSSB. This analysis is to show, to the extent practicable, the differences
between the exposure draft and the proposed final Standard.
A44. The Head of the Standards Division, in consultation with the Chair of the GSSB and the membersof any PWG, is to advise the GSSB on whether a draft Standard, or a part thereof, needs to be reexposed.
A45. Situations that constitute potential grounds for a decision to re-expose may include: substantialchange to a proposal arising from matters not identified in the exposure draft such thatcommentators have not had an opportunity to make their views known to the GSSB before it

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reaches a final conclusion; substantial change arising from matters not previously deliberated by
the GSSB; or substantial change to the substance of a proposed Standard.
Effective date (Ref: Para.30)
A46. In setting the date for the application of a Standard, the GSSB shall consider the reasonable
expected minimum period for effective implementation.
Basis for conclusions (Ref: Para.31)
A47. The document explaining the GSSB's basis for conclusions with respect to comments received on
an exposure draft is to be circulated to the GSSB for comment and is to be issued after clearance
by the Chair of the GSSB and Head of the Standards Division. The issuance of the document is: i)
not to be subject to voting approval by the GSSB; and therefore ii) does not constitute part of the
final Standard; and iii) is non-authoritative. It is to be retained for an indefinite period on the GSSB
website.
Release of a final pronouncement
Adherence to due process (Ref: Para.33)
A48. The Chair of the GSSB is to provide the DPOC with a written report outlining the basis for theconclusion on whether due process has been followed.
Final Pronouncement (Ref: Para.34)
A49. Subject to having received confirmation from the DPOC that in its opinion due process has been
followed, the GSSB is to issue its Standard together with a separate document explaining its basis
for conclusions, including its consideration of and response to comments received on an exposure
draft, to be published on the GSSB website.
Matters of due process
Responding to a concern (Ref: Para.35)
A50. Where the GSSB has a Sub-committee (or equivalent), the Sub-committee (or equivalent) is toassess issues raised over due process and obtain relevant information from all parties involved.
The Sub-committee (or equivalent) is to bring the issue to the attention of the GSSB with arecommendation on whether the alleged breach has merit and, if so, propose an appropriate
resolution.
A51. The GSSB is to publicly report annually on the progress of its defined technical work program andits compliance with due process. Ultimately, the DPOC will judge whether the development ofstandards complied to GSSB Due Process and therefore the DPOC shall approve the GSSB’s annual
report.
A52. The DPOC shall develop and publish a process by which it will receive and evaluate grievances
concerning the application of due process, under this protocol, in the development of Standards.

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ANNEX - List of unique titles for common GSSB documents at various stages of due process
Project commencement
Proposal to start a new project:• “[Title of Project]―[GSSB] Project Proposal”
Development of proposed Standards
Agenda papers prepared for the GSSB's review and debate addressing issues in the course of the development ofa proposed Standard:• “[Title of Project]―Issues and [GSSB] Working Group Proposals dated [MM/YY]”
Draft versions of a proposed pronouncement accompanying such agenda papers:• “[Title of Project]―Draft Pronouncement dated [MM/YY]”• “[Title of Project]―Draft Pronouncement dated [MM/YY] Showing Changes from Draft dated[MM/YY]”
Consultation papers issued to solicit views on a matter under consideration:• “[Title of Project]―[GSSB] Consultation Paper dated [MM/YY]”
Consideration of respondents’ comments on an exposure draft
Agenda papers addressing the significant issues by respondents on an exposure draft:• “[Title of Project]―Summary of Significant Comments on Exposure and [GSSB] Working Group
Recommendations dated [MM/YY]”
Agenda papers prepared for subsequent GSSB meetings that outline the PWG’s response to the GSSB's
consideration of significant comments on exposure:• “[Title of Project]―[GSSB] Working Group Recommendations dated [MM/YY] in Response to[GSSB's] Consideration of Significant Comments on Exposure”
Draft versions of a proposed pronouncement accompanying such agenda papers follow the format describedabove.
Agenda papers setting out the main differences between an exposure draft and the proposed final Standard, whenthe exposure draft has been subject to many changes:• “[Title of Project]―Comparison of Exposure Draft and Draft Pronouncement dated [MM/YY]”Approval of a final pronouncement
Document published on the GSSB website after the meeting at which the GSSB approves the final Standard,showing final changes agreed by the GSSB:• “[Title of Project]―Final Draft Pronouncement dated [MM/DD/YY] Showing Changes from Draft
dated [MM/DD/YY]: As Approved by [GSSB] for Submission to DPOC”
Release of a final pronouncement
Final pronouncement:• “[Title of Pronouncement]”
Document explaining the GSSB's basis for conclusions with respect to comments received on an exposure draft:• “[Title of Pronouncement]―Significant Comments on [GSSB] Proposals and Basis for Conclusions
Thereon”

GSSB - Due Process Protocol

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