Play a Key Role in Developing Global Reporting Standards: Join the GSSB

The GSSB was established by GRI in 2014 as an independent governance body, to develop and approve GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards). By following procedures set out in the GSSB Due Process Protocol, the GSSB ensures that GRI Standards are developed in an objective and independent manner.

“This is important, not only for organizations to understand that GRI Standards are created in a public process that is reflective of a wide range of stakeholders and global best practice, but also for regulators and legislators and others who might want to reference the GRI Standards as a point of departure for their reporting requirements – mandatory or otherwise. The GSSB has sole responsibility for the development, approval and dissemination of GRI Standards.” Bastian Buck, Director GRI Standards Division.

The GRI Standards are based on almost two decades of reporting guidance developed by GRI. On 19 October 2016, the new GRI Standards will be launched (a transition from the current GRI G4 Guidelines). The new GRI Standards have the following benefits:

• Faster response times for new and revised reporting measurements. There are ever-changing demands for new and improved disclosures; GRI Standards have a modular structure, which allows for timely updates and expansion.
• Meeting the marketplace demand for a global platform to consolidate non-financial reporting. GRI Standards give organizations the flexibility to meet the information needs of all their important stakeholders – from comprehensive reports to selected disclosures for targeted purposes.
• Developed with true multi-stakeholder contributions and rooted in the public interest.

“Creating and maintaining GRI Standards is crucial for providing stakeholders with the most up to date, comparable set of global metrics, which they can rely on for their strategic decision making. Business must engage in this process to secure relevant and feasible standards creating value for the reporting organization and its stakeholders.” Kirsten Margrethe Hovi, GSSB Member

GSSB Work Plan 2017-2019
The work plan for the GSSB for 2017-2019 is currently being finalized and includes activities to support the implementation and use of the GRI Standards, and plans to review and update individual Standards according to a regular schedule. Along with further development of the GRI Standards, the work plan includes a proposal to develop additional sector-specific content, and to collaborate with key partners to improve the credibility of sustainability reporting.

Seeking candidates from business, investment institutions, and civil society organizations

There are five vacancies for stakeholders to start on 1 January 2017 and sit on the GSSB for a term of three years. The Independent Appointments Committee (IAC) is searching for candidates from the following constituencies: Business, Investment Institutions, and Civil Society Organizations. Candidates should have practical knowledge and experience related to sustainability reporting and understand its broader context.

Seeking an eminent, highly esteemed individual as Chair
The IAC is further searching for one eminent person as Chair of the GSSB for a term of three years commencing on 1 January 2017. Candidates should have a proven ability to facilitate international multi-stakeholder consensus seeking processes, and experience with public interest standard setting processes. The application for Chair is open to all constituencies.

For the full member and chair criteria and responsibilities, please visit the GRI website.​

How to apply
Participation on the GSSB is voluntary, as is participation on all of GRI’s governance bodies. Interested applicants are requested to read the GSSB Terms of Reference for a full overview of the GSSB’s role and responsibilities and to read the information regarding the profiles and requirements before submitting a nomination. Candidates might be asked to provide references on request.

Please submit your nomination or any questions to Tina Nybo Jensen, Senior Coordinator Governance Relations, by 28 October 2016, Midnight (CET).

Learn more here

GRI concurrently has an Open Call for Nominations for its Due Process Oversight Committee. Please see the GRI Website for more information on this vacancy.

About GRI
GRI™ is an international independent organization that has pioneered corporate sustainability reporting since 1997. GRI helps businesses, governments and other organizations understand and communicate the impact of business on critical sustainability issues such as climate change, human rights, corruption and many others. With thousands of reporters in over 90 countries, GRI provides the world’s most trusted and widely used standards on sustainability reporting, enabling organizations and their stakeholders to make better decisions based on information that matters. Currently, 38 countries and regions reference GRI in their policies. GRI is built upon a unique multi-stakeholder principle, which ensures the participation and expertise of diverse stakeholders in the development of its standards. GRI’s mission is to empower decision-makers everywhere, through its standards and multi-stakeholder network, to take action towards a more sustainable economy and world.