Introduction

Independent verification (IV) is central to credible communication on NDPE compliance. In the past, certification or equivalent types of audit of performance on the ground have been the most widely used approach to independent verification. More recently a variety of approaches have emerged ranging from satellite monitoring of land-use change to real time collection of information from workers via mobile apps.

Furthermore, with growing demands for greater transparency and reporting on intermediate progress, there is also a need to consider how best to verify monitoring and reporting data as well as performance.

This working group was established to discuss, better understand and develop the most effective approaches to IV across different issues and for different purposes, as well as ways for accelerating progress through collaborative efforts.

Who is involved?

• A group of stakeholders working on NDPE commitments and company representatives.

• Convened by PepsiCo and Unilever.

• Coordinated by Proforest.

Objectives

Build a shared understanding of what independent verification is including:

1. What should be verified: Clear definitions and guidance on where different approaches (verification of performance vs verification of data and reporting) are appropriate.

2. How should it be verified: Assess what is already being done for each salient outcome, considering where deployment of IV methodologies has been successful and where there are challenges and gaps in different approaches.

3. The quality of the verification process: Identify or develop shared guidance on best practice on IV covering credible methodologies and effective deployment.

Additional information about the group

The IV Working Group has members drawn from CSOs as well as companies, certification systems and service providers. It has prioritised three key issues where there is a critical interest of members in IV: labour rights, land rights and deforestation. For each of these issues a technical subgroup has been formed to assess opportunities and gaps and to consider guidance on next steps and approaches. The CSOs and companies that sit on each these subgroups are developing work plans with a view to piloting application of promising tools and approaches.

Further information

Open to stakeholders and companies. For further information or to provide input or comments go to our contact us page.