Independence
VeriClimate performs validation and verification activities free from commercial, financial and political pressures that could influence our findings. Our verification statements reflect evidence on the ground, not client expectations.
Governance
Impartiality and independence.
Verification only carries weight when the body issuing it is independent. This page sets out how VeriClimate protects its impartiality, in line with the requirements of ISO 14065.
Conflict of interest screening
Before accepting any engagement we screen for relationships that could compromise impartiality. This covers personal, financial, advisory and ownership ties between the verification team and the project, its developers, and its beneficiaries.
Separation of activities
Business development, validation and verification are kept separate. Auditors are not rewarded based on the outcome of their assessments, and verification decisions are reviewed independently of the engagement lead.
Refusal and withdrawal
Where impartiality cannot be assured, we decline the work or withdraw from an ongoing engagement. We document the reasoning and notify the relevant programme administrator.
Confidentiality
We are committed (as required by GCS Code of Conduct, GCS-PRO-007) to protecting the confidentiality of complainants and appellants where requested and where consistent with a transparent mechanism. There would be no retaliation against or penalization of stakeholders who submit complaints or appeals in good faith, and it shall require all program participants to refrain from retaliation.
Addressing a concern or grievance
Local, indigenous, and global stakeholders, project participants, and members of the public may raise concerns about impartiality, conduct or verification outcomes at any time through the GCS-approved program-level Grievance and Appeal Procedure (based on the requirements of GCS-PRO-007).
Raise a concern
Write to us with any concern related to impartiality, conflicts of interest or the conduct of a verification. We acknowledge every message and respond in writing.