A GPSNR Members’ Journey towards
RISK BASED ASSURANCE SYSTEM
Designed by and for GPSNR members, this system of risk based assurance provides a structured process for companies to:
- Make sustainability commitments in line with GPSNR’s policy framework
- Identify and assess risks related to human rights and the environment within their supply chains. After risks have been identified, companies shall take appropriate mitigating actions to reduce the risk to a low level.
- Undergo third-party verification to ensure effectiveness of their systems
- Report transparently on their progress using credible claims
OVERVIEW
Approved at the 2023 General Assembly, the Member Journey Model lays out the steps that a GPSNR member should take after joining the platform.
STEP 1: COMMIT AND SELF REPORT
Key tools: Policy Framework and Reporting Requirements
In year 1, new members work with the Secretariat to align their natural rubber procurement policy with that of GPSNR’s policy framework. Once done (typically in 6 months or so), they start reporting on these commitments through GPSNR’s self reporting tool.
STEP 2: IDENTIFYING RISKS AND IMPLEMENTING COMMITMENTS
Key tools: Implementation Guidance, Assessment Checklist, Assessment Procedure, Risk Tool*
*Risk Tool is accessible through member’s portal only
In year 2, members start identifying the risks in their supply chains and working towards implementing their commitments with support from GPSNR’s secretariat and key resources.
STEP 3: THIRD PARTY ASSESSMENT
In year 3, a third-party assessor uses the documents and standards available to members to assess their progress. It is important to remember that the goal of this process is continuous improvement, and the assessment report will reflect that.
| Document | Function |
|---|---|
| Assessment Checklist for Members and Assessors | Outlines the items that are to be checked by 3rd-party assessors to assess a member company’s performance and progress in implementing the GPSNR policy framework. |
| Assessment Procedure | Presents the roles and responsibilities of all the GPSNR parties involved in the Assessment process. The procedure also describes the different steps of the GPSNR Assessment process. |
| Assessment Finding Management Procedure | Describes the process for managing assessment findings identified against the GPSNR requirements and resulting from GPSNR assessments. This procedure also describes the process to be followed by GPSNR members to respond to assessment findings, including relevant deadlines and any potential implication for failure to meet deadlines. |
| Transition Guidance | Outlines stipulations to ensure a smooth implementation of the Assurance System in year 1 (2027) and sets forth several expectations for the Secretariat and members for the first year of assessment. |
| Assessment Results Template | Provides the base template through which Assessment Results shall be recorded. |
STEP 4: PUBLIC DISCLOSURE AND CREDIBLE CLAIMS
Key tools: Claims guidelines (Coming Soon)
Once the assessment reports are public (typically 4-6 months after the assessment), member companies can make credible claims based on this assurance system.
Year 1 (2027): All ordinary member companies shall be required to conduct third-party assessment under the Assurance System and disclose Requirements Not Met at the company level. Publication of these Requirements Not Met is recommended within 4 months and shall occur within 6 months following the completion of the mandatory third-party assessment under the Assurance System requirements.
In addition, all Requirements Not Met and Requirements Partially Met from assessments conducted in 2027 shall be aggregated at the category level and published for each requirement once all assessment reports are finalized. In year 1, individual companies may voluntarily disclose their full assessment reports.
Year 2 (2028) onwards: Disclosure of the full assessment reports will be mandatory for all ordinary company members.
In addition GPSNR is introducing a way for ordinary company members to pull an “emergency handbrake” on matters of disclosure if necessary. The goal of this handbrake is to give category members the ability to amend disclosure requirements if there are major issues with disclosure that affect a majority of the category. The member categories agree that the handbrake shall not be used by any category to avoid disclosing unfavourable assessment results.
The “emergency handbrake” shall work as follows: After ordinary member companies receive their finalized reports in 2027, any category member may request a category meeting to discuss concerns about disclosure. A proposal to deviate from the disclosure schedule stated in this resolution in relation to the reporting area(s) in question shall require the support of more than two-thirds of the category members. If less than two-thirds support this change, the disclosure schedule will proceed as stated in this resolution. This decision-making process within the category shall be undertaken as soon as possible and at latest by the end of February of the year after the assessment year. If the motion gains the support of two-thirds or more of the member category, the specific areas of reporting in contention will be excluded from the disclosure reports, until the issue has been resolved and the specified conformance area(s) can be re-assessed and reported.
Once the assessment reports are public (typically 4-6 months after the assessment), member companies can make credible claims based on this assurance system.
OUTCOMES
GPSNR publishes information about member performance to ensure transparency on the platform’s activities and its impacts.
A list of current members and information about suspended or terminated memberships is available on Our Members page
Links to member’s corporate policies that are aligned with GPSNR’s Policy Framework are available on our Policy Framework page
Collated reports from member’s Reporting Requirements is available on the Reporting Requirements page
ASP Application (open)
The GPSNR Secretariat is seeking qualified organizations and individual professionals to become GPSNR Assessment Service Providers (ASPs). Approved ASPs will conduct impartial and independent third-party assessments in accordance with GPSNR’s procedures and requirements.
Selected ASPs will be responsible for delivering independent assurance assessments for GPSNR member companies, following GPSNR’s approved Assurance System methodologies and procedures. The engagement includes participation in GPSNR training and oversight processes, adherence to the GPSNR Assurance Service Provider Agreement, and maintenance of competence and impartiality throughout the duration of approval.
GPSNR welcomes applications from qualified organizations or individuals who:
• Are legally registered and in good standing;
• Have demonstrable experience in sustainability assurance, auditing, or related compliance assessments;
• Can maintain independence, integrity, and confidentiality in delivering assessment services; and
• Are willing to undergo GPSNR’s approval and oversight process.
Applicants may include individual contractors, small-sized ASPs (with 5 or fewer full-time equivalent personnel), or large-sized ASPs (with more than 5 full-time equivalent personnel).
Submission Guidelines & Requirements
The following submission guidelines & requirements apply:
- Applications will be considered only from individuals or organizations with experience relevant to this project.
- All applicants (individuals or organizations) are required to list the individual(s) applying to be approved as an Assessment Service Provider.
- Applicants must provide evidence of previous relevant work or experience, along with any other required supporting documents.
- Applicants must confirm that they have read and agree to the GPSNR ASP Agreement Terms and Conditions.
- Applications must be signed by an authorized representative.
- Applications will only be considered upon receipt of the non-refundable application fee. An invoice will be issued and must be paid within 30 days of issuance. Further details are provided in the fee schedule.
- More detailed guidance and supporting information about GPSNR procedures, assessment methodology, and training will be provided to applicants who successfully pass the pre-approval stage of the application process.
- Applications are received on a rolling basis. Applications should be submitted to natalie.low@gpsnr.org for consideration.
Evaluation Factors
GPSNR will evaluate applicants based on the following factors:
- Responsiveness to the requirements set forth
- Relevant past performance/ experience
- Provision of relevant documents
- Technical expertise/experience
Download ASP application form here.
Download ASP agreement terms and conditions here.
Download Assurance assessment workflow here.
