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IssuesResolutionSystem
Version2.0
18June2020
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 2
Versionhistory
No. Date Description
Version1.0 29December2019 ApprovedbytheBoardofDirectorsforpublicationaspartofthe
AssuranceManual
Version2.0 18June2020 ApprovedbytheBoardofDirectorsforpublication
Disclaimer
TheofficiallanguageofthisdocumentisEnglish.ThedefinitiveversionisheldontheResponsibleSteelwebsite
https://www.responsiblesteel.org/.Anydiscrepancybetweencopies,versionsortranslationsshallberesolvedby
referencetothedefinitiveEnglishversion.
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 3
TableofContents
IntroductiontotheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem..............................................................................4
1.OverviewoftheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem...............................................................................41.1.Outlineoftheresolutionprocess........................................................................................................................41.2.UsingtheIssuesResolutionSystem....................................................................................................................51.3.InformingStakeholdersabouttheIssuesResolutionSystem.............................................................................51.4.Assistanceinraisingissues..................................................................................................................................51.5.Confidentiality.....................................................................................................................................................61.6.Safeguardingstakeholders'rightsandfreedoms................................................................................................61.7.Conflictofinterest...............................................................................................................................................61.8.Rejectingissues...................................................................................................................................................71.9.Ceasingresolution...............................................................................................................................................71.10.Analysisofissues...............................................................................................................................................71.11.Reportingonissues...........................................................................................................................................7
2.The3stepsofResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem..................................................................................82.1.Step1.InitialdiscussionoftheissuewiththeResponsibleSteelSecretariat......................................................82.2.Step2.Resolutionusingappropriatepathway....................................................................................................82.3.Step3.EscalationtoanAd-HocResolutionCommittee....................................................................................10
3.ResolutionPathwayProcedures.......................................................................................................................113.1.Issuesrelatedtoactions/inactionsofacertifiedsite......................................................................................123.2.Issuesrelatedtoactions/inactionsofacertificationbody..............................................................................133.3.Appealsrelatedtodecisionsmadebyacertificationbody...............................................................................153.4.IssuesrelatedtoResponsibleSteelpoliciesorprocedures................................................................................163.5.IssuesrelatedtointerpretationoftheResponsibleSteelStandard...................................................................183.6.IssuesraisedagainstResponsibleSteelpersonnel.............................................................................................203.7.OthertypesofissuesrelatingtotheResponsibleSteelprogramme.................................................................213.8.Ad-HocResolutionCommittee..........................................................................................................................21
4.ResponsibleSteelIssueLogTemplate................................................................................................................23
5.ResponsibleSteelAdHocResolutionCommitteeTermsofReference................................................................24
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 4
IntroductiontotheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem
ResponsibleSteelisanot-for-profitorganisationandtheindustry’sfirstglobalmulti-stakeholderStandardand
certificationinitiativeforresponsiblesteelsupplychains.
OurVisionistomaximisesteel’scontributiontoasustainablesociety.
OurMissionistoenhancetheresponsiblesourcing,production,useandrecyclingofsteelby:
• Providingamulti-stakeholderforumtobuildtrustandachieveconsensus;
• DevelopingStandards,certificationandrelatedtools;
• Drivingpositivechangethroughtherecognitionanduseofresponsiblesteel.
AnypartymaybringforwardanyconcernstheymighthaveinrelationtotheResponsibleSteelprogramme.The
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystemoutlinedinthisdocumentisdesignedtounderstandtheissuesthatare
broughttoResponsibleSteel'sattentionandtogetthemresolvedinanefficientandfairmannerwiththe
stakeholderraisingtheissueandwithotherrelevantparties.
ThisdocumentisnormativeandshallbepublishedontheResponsibleSteelwebsite.Thepathwaysdescribedinthis
documentshallbeusedbyallinvolvedpartiestoraiseorresolveissues.Wherethedocumentrefersto
'ResponsibleSteel',thismeanstheResponsibleSteelSecretariat.
ItisaconditionofResponsibleSteelmembershipthatResponsibleSteelMembersandAssociateMembersagreeto
participateingoodfaithintheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSysteminordertoresolveissuesraisedbythem
orrelatingtotheirownconformitywithResponsibleSteelstandards,policies,procedures,bylawsorotherrules.
1.OverviewoftheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem1.1.Outlineoftheresolutionprocess
TherearethreestepsintheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem:
1. Step1:InitialdiscussionoftheissuewithResponsibleSteel.
2. Step2:Resolutionusingappropriatepathway.Iftheissueisnotresolvedduringtheinitialdiscussion,a
resolutionpathwayisselecteddependingonthetypeofissue.Thesepathwaysincludeinvestigationand
considerationbythesiteorcertificationbodygivingrisetotheissue,bytheResponsibleSteelSecretariat,
theResponsibleSteelBoardofDirectorsortheirsubcommittees,arelevantResponsibleSteelworking
group,oracombinationthereof.StakeholdersshouldnotethattheResponsibleSteelcertification
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 5
programmerequiressitesandcertificationbodiestohaveapubliclyaccessiblecomplaintsmechanism
(Criterion6.2oftheResponsibleSteelStandard(forsites)andchapter8.1and9.8ofISO17021for
certificationbodies).
3. Step3:EscalationtoanAd-HocResolutionCommittee.Iftheissueremainsunresolved,anAd-Hoc
ResolutionCommitteeisformedifthestakeholderwishestoproceedwithresolution.Thestakeholdermay
askforthesupportofanadvisorinthisprocess.DecisionsbyanAd-HocResolutionCommitteearefinaland
cannotbeappealed.
Thethreestepsandthedifferentresolutionpathwaysareexplainedindetailfurtherbelow.
1.2.UsingtheIssuesResolutionSystem
StakeholdersmaycontactResponsibleSteelaboutanissueviaemail,whichisourpreferredmethodof
communication.Ifemailisnotpossible,stakeholdersmaysendaletterusingthefollowingcontactdetails:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: PKFNewcastlePtyLimited(ResponsibleSteelcompanysecretary)
POBox2368
Dangar,NSW,Australia
2309
TheResponsibleSteelSecretariatmayalsoimplementtheissuesresolutionpathwayswhenstakeholdersbringissues
toitsattentionthroughotherchannels.
1.3.InformingStakeholdersabouttheIssuesResolutionSystem
ThecontactdetailsforraisingissueswithResponsibleSteelshallbepublishedontheResponsibleSteelwebsite.
EffortsshallalsobemadetoensurethatallResponsibleSteelstakeholdersaremadeawareoftheexistenceofthe
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem(e.g.,throughe-newsletters,outreachduringResponsibleSteelsite
assessments,etc.).Asresourcesallow,ResponsibleSteelwillprovideinstructionsforitsIssuesResolutionSystemin
languagesotherthanEnglish.
1.4.Assistanceinraisingissues
TheResponsibleSteelSecretariataimstoadviseandsupportstakeholdersraisingissuesforresolution,but
stakeholdersmayalsoappointtheirownrepresentativesoradviserstoaccompanytheminraisingtheirissuewith
us.TheofficiallanguageofResponsibleSteelisEnglish.Wewillaimtobesupportivewherestakeholderswantto
raiseanissuewithResponsibleSteel,butdonothavesufficientknowledgeofEnglish.However,wecannotcommit
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 6
toprovidinginterpretationortranslation.Tohelpwiththeenquiry,stakeholdersareadvisedtouseanonline
translationplatformsuchashttps://translate.google.com/orhttps://www.deepl.com/translator.
1.5.Confidentiality
StakeholdersmaybringforththeirissueconfidentiallyandshouldinformResponsibleSteelupfrontiftheydonot
wanttobeidentifiedtootherparties.IfstakeholdersdonotevenwanttosharetheiridentitywithResponsibleSteel,
theycanstillbringtheirissueforward.Insuchcases,however,stakeholdersshouldmakesurethattheyprovide
sufficientdetailandsupportingevidenceandinformationforResponsibleSteeltoexploretheissuesince
ResponsibleSteelwillhavenowayofseekingclarityorfurtherdetailfromthem.ResponsibleSteel’sabilitytoresolve
anissuemaybelimitedwhereastakeholder’sidentitycannotberevealedtootherparties.
1.6.Safeguardingstakeholders'rightsandfreedoms
TheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystemshallnotbeusedtosubstitute,circumventoroverridethelegal
rightsofanypartytousejudicialmechanisms.
RetributionsorreprisalsagainststakeholdersraisingissuesinrelationtotheResponsibleSteelprogrammearenot
acceptable.ResponsibleSteelreservestherighttotakeactionagainstanypartyconsideredtohavecarriedoutsuch
retributionorreprisalagainstsomeoneraisinganissueforresolutionwithResponsibleSteel.
1.7.Conflictofinterest
Anyindividualinvolvedintheinvestigationordecision-makingonanissueshalldeclareanyactualorpotential
conflictofinteresttheymayhaveormaybeperceivedtohaveintheproceedings.ResponsibleSteelshallkeepa
writtenrecordofthedeclarationandproposewhatactionitconsidersisappropriatetoaddressthepotential
conflict.TheproposedactionwillbereviewedbytheResponsibleSteelMembershipandGovernanceCommittee
whichshallmakeafinaldetermination.Conflictofinterestshallbeunderstoodasinterests,activitiesor
relationshipsofanindividualthatcompromiseormayappeartocompromisetheindividual'simpartialityor
professionalresponsibilities.
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 7
1.8.Rejectingissues
ResponsibleSteelreservestherighttorejectanissueforfurtherconsiderationundertheseproceduresonthe
groundsthat:
a) Itisbaseduponhearsayorisraisedanonymouslywithoutanyevidence
b) Thereiscompellingevidencethattheissueraisedisfrivolous,malicious,trivialorgeneratedtogain
competitiveadvantage
c) ItrelatestoaspectsthatarenotaddressedbytheResponsibleSteelstandards,policies,procedures,
bylawsorotherdocumentedrulesorrequirements.
1.9.Ceasingresolution
ResponsibleSteelreservestherighttoceaseitsattemptstofindresolutionifinitssoleopinionthestakeholderthat
raisedtheissueisnotmakingagoodfaithefforttoresolvetheissuethroughparticipationintheproposed
resolutionpathways.
1.10.Analysisofissues
AllissuesthatareraisedwithResponsibleSteelshallbeloggedandanalysed.ResponsibleSteelanalysisofissuesshall
include:
a) Clusteringofissuesbynatureandbyobject
b) Reviewingoutcomesofresolutions
c) Gauginglevelsofsatisfactionofstakeholdersraisingissues
TheanalysisshallbeusedbyResponsibleSteeltoidentifypatternsandoverarchingissues,makeconclusionsabout
theeffectivenessoftheIssuesResolutionSystemandtoinformreviewsoftheResponsibleSteelprogramme.
1.11.Reportingonissues
Asummaryoftheissuesandoftheresolutionsandthetotalnumberofraisedandresolvedissuesshallbepublished
ontheResponsibleSteelwebsite.Thisshallbedoneinamannerthatrespectstheconfidentialityofstakeholders.
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 8
2.The3stepsofResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem2.1.Step1.InitialdiscussionoftheissuewiththeResponsibleSteelSecretariat
ThefirststepintheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystemistocontactResponsibleSteel.Stakeholdersmaydo
sobyphone,byemailorletterusingthecontactdetailsabove.
WhenastakeholdermakescontactwithResponsibleSteel,theyshouldbepreparedtoletResponsibleSteelknow:
a) Theirfullnameandcontactdetails(noteparagraph1.5aboveinrelationtoconfidentiality)
b) Thenatureandcontextoftheissuetheywouldliketoseeresolved
c) Whenoroverwhatperiodoftimeaparticularissuetookplace
d) Whohasbeenorisinvolvedintheissue
e) Whatkindofevidenceoradditionalinformationthestakeholdermightbeabletoprovideinrelationtothe
issue
f) Anystepsthestakeholderhasalreadytakentotrytoresolvetheissueandwhattheoutcomeswere
g) Whatprocessthestakeholderfeelswouldbeappropriatetoaddresstheissue.
Asafirststep,theResponsibleSteelSecretariatshalltrytoresolvetheissuethroughaninformaldiscussionwiththe
personraisingtheissue.
2.2.Step2.Resolutionusingappropriatepathway
Thefollowingtablesummarisesthemaintypesofissuesthatareexpectedtoberaisedbystakeholdersandthe
relatedresolutionpathways,whicharedescribedinmoredetailfurtherbelow.
TypeofIssue Description
1.Issuesrelatedto
actions/inactionsofa
certifiedsite
Concernsmayberaisedthatacertifiedsiteisnotmeetingoneormore
RequirementsoftheResponsibleSteelStandard.
Resolutionpathway:Site→certificationbody→ResponsibleSteel→Ad-Hoc
ResolutionCommittee
Notethatiftheconcernsuggestsagraveandurgentissuethatmightposedanger
tolifeduetowilfulactionsofthesite,ResponsibleSteelshalldivertfromthe
describedresolutionandengagewiththesitedirectly,and,ifnecessary,also
engagewithrelevantauthorities.
Examplesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto:complaints1againstauditfindings
(e.g.,failuretoraiseanonconformity,incorrectlyraisinganon-conformity,
1Acomplaintisanexpressionofdissatisfaction,otherthananappeal,byanypersonororganisation,relatingtotheactivitiesorlackofactivities
ofacertificateholder,acertificationbody,oranaccreditationbody,wherearesponseisexpected(AdaptedfromISO/IEC17000:2005).
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 9
TypeofIssue Description
2.Issuesrelatedto
actions/inactionsofa
certificationbody
incorrectlyclassifyinganon-conformityasminorormajor),issueswithauditor
behaviour,withhowauditprocedureswereimplemented,lackofimpartiality,etc.
Resolutionpathway:Certificationbody→ResponsibleSteel→Ad-HocResolution
Committee
3.Appeals2relatedto
decisionsmadebya
certificationbody
Inthecontextofcertificationdecisions,appealsmayonlybemadebyentitiesthat
weresubjecttotheadversedecision.(Otherstakeholderscanfilecomplaintswith
certificationbodiesiftheydisagreewithacertificationdecision).Appealsmaybe
madeagainstadecisiontoaward,suspend,withdraworre-issueacertificate.
Resolutionpathway:Certificationbody→ResponsibleSteel→Ad-HocResolution
Committee
4.Issuesrelatedto
ResponsibleSteel
policiesorprocedures
IssuesmayrelatetothecontentorinterpretationofResponsibleSteelpoliciesor
procedures.Proceduresandpoliciesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,Standard
DevelopmentProcedures,ResponsibleSteelgovernancepolicies,Membership
policies,AssuranceManual,Claimspolicies,etc.
Resolutionpathway:ResponsibleSteel→ResponsibleSteelBoardsubcommittee→
ResponsibleSteelBoard
5.Issuesrelatedtothe
ResponsibleSteel
Standard
Ineverystandard,thereissomeroomforinterpretationoftherequirementsand
fordifferencesininterpretationbystakeholders,includingcertificationbodies,
certifiedsitesandthosewantingtobecomecertified.
Inadditiontointerpretationquestions,theremaybeconcernsrelatingtothe
contentoftheStandarditself.Stakeholdersmaybelievethatkeyrequirementsare
missingorthatsomeaspectsoftheResponsibleSteelStandardareoverly
restrictive.
IssueswiththecontentoftheStandardshallberesolvedthroughscheduled,formal
revisionoftheStandard,forwhichthereisaseparateStandardsDevelopment
Procedure(availableathttps://www.responsiblesteel.org/resources/).Questionsof
interpretationshallberesolvedthroughthedevelopmentofguidance,whichis
describedfurtherbelow.
Resolutionpathway:ResponsibleSteel→ResponsibleSteelBoardsubcommittee→
ResponsibleSteelscheduledStandardrevisionprocess
2Anappealiswhenasiterequestsacertificationbodytoreconsideradecisionthecertificationbodyhasmadeinrelationtothesite(Adapted
fromISO17000-Conformityassessment-Vocabularyandgeneralprinciples).
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 10
TypeofIssue Description
6.Issuesraisedagainst
ResponsibleSteel
personnel
ConcernsmayberaisedabouttechnicalaspectsoftheworkofResponsibleSteel
personnel,abouttheirbehavior,actionsorinaction.Thesetypesofconcernsshall
beheardindependentlyofthepersonnelthatiscausingconcern.
PersonnelshallincludeResponsibleSteelSecretariatstaff,Boardmembers,
contractors,etc.
Resolutionpathway:ResponsibleSteelpersonnel→ResponsibleSteelExecutive
Director→Ad-HocResolutionCommittee
7.Othertypesofissues
relatingtothe
ResponsibleSteel
programme
Stakeholdersmightraiseissuesthatarenotlistedhere.Ifsuchanissueisbrought
forward,ResponsibleSteelmayproposeoneofthelistedpathwaysordefine
anotherpathwayforresolution.
Examplesof'other'typesofissuesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,improper
useofclaimsorlabels;complaintsrelatedtoResponsibleSteelmembers.
ResponsibleSteelreservestherighttorejectanissuefromconsiderationifitdoes
notpertaintoResponsibleSteelstandards,policies,proceduresorother
documentedrulesorrequirements(seeparagraph1.8above).
Resolutiondependingontheissuebroughtforward
Onceanissueisclearlyunderstood,apathwayforresolutionshallbechosenandimplemented(seebelow)in
consultationwiththepersonthatraisedtheissueandwithotherpartiesinvolved.Whenthestepsforresolutionare
completeandanyagreedactionshavebeentaken,theissueshallbeconsideredresolvedandclosed,unlessthe
stakeholderwishestotakethingsfurtherforconsiderationbyanAd-HocResolutionCommittee.Whentheissueis
closed,asummaryoftheissue,oftheresolutionoutcomeandthetakenactionsshallbepostedonthe
ResponsibleSteelwebsite,respectingconfidentialityofstakeholders.
2.3.Step3.EscalationtoanAd-HocResolutionCommittee
Ifalleffortstoresolveanissuehavebeenexhausted,stakeholdersmayraisetheissuewithanAd-HocResolution
Committee.TheCommitteeshallbeputtogetherspecificallytoaddresstheirissue.Itshallcomprisethreemembers
anditscompositionshalldependonthenatureoftheissue.Representativesofthefollowingpartiesmightbe
membersoftheCommittee:
• ResponsibleSteelBoard(seehttps://www.responsiblesteel.org/about/board-and-secretariat/)
• ResponsibleSteelBoardworkinggroups(consistingofsubjectexperts)
• ResponsibleSteelMembersandAssociateMembers(see
https://www.responsiblesteel.org/membership/members-and-associates/)
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 11
• ResponsibleSteelAssurancePanelMembers
• AcademiafromfieldsrelevanttotheResponsibleSteelprogramme
• Civilsociety(suchastradeunions,humanrightsorenvironmentalorganisations)
• Specialistsinoverseeingcertificationbodiesandworkingwithcertificationprogrammes
ConditionsforbeingpartoftheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeshallbe:
• ExtensiveknowledgeontheResponsibleSteelprogramme
• Expertiseintheareathattheissueisrelatedto
• Noconflictofinterestinrelationtotheobjectoftheissue(whichcouldbeasite,acertificationbodyor
ResponsibleSteelpersonnel)
ResponsibleSteelshallseekthestakeholder'sconsenttothesuggestedmembersoftheCommitteebefore
confirmingitsfinalmake-up.
ResponsibleSteelaimstominimisethecostsofissuesresolutionforallparties.Wherepossible,costsfor
investigatingtheissueshouldbesharedbetweenResponsibleSteelandthestakeholderthatraisedtheissue.This
shallbediscussedandagreedwiththestakeholderbeforetheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeisformed.Allcoststo
becoveredbyResponsibleSteelmustbeagreedtobytheExecutiveDirectorinwritingandinadvanceofbeing
incurred.Examplesofpotentialcostsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,hiringanadvisorand/orinterpretertoassista
stakeholderduringtheresolutionprocess,sitevisitsorresearchtosupporttheAdHocCommittee’sunderstanding
oftheissue.
InvestigationbytheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeshallbethefinalstageintheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolution
SystemanddecisionsbytheCommitteecannotbeappealed.
3.ResolutionPathwayProcedures
Thefollowingsectiondescribesthedifferentresolutionpathwaysindetail:
1. Issuesrelatedtoactions/inactionsofacertifiedsite
2. Issuesrelatedtoactions/inactionsofacertificationbody
3. Appealsrelatedtodecisionsmadebyacertificationbody
4. IssuesrelatedtoResponsibleSteelpoliciesorprocedures
5. IssuesrelatedtointerpretationoftheResponsibleSteelStandard
6. IssuesraisedagainstResponsibleSteelpersonnel
7. OthertypesofissuesrelatingtotheResponsibleSteelprogramme
8. Ad-HocResolutionCommittee
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 12
Thetimelinesoutlinedbelowaregoals,however,itisrecognisedthattheremaybecircumstancesthatprevent
timelinesfrombeingmet(e.g.,communicationschallenges,nationalorculturalholidays,orotherissues).
ResponsibleSteelwillstrivetomeetthetimelinesandiftheycannotbemetwillinformrelevantstakeholdersof
expectednewtimelines.
3.1.Issuesrelatedtoactions/inactionsofacertifiedsite
Overview
ConcernsmightberaisedaboutacertifiedsitepotentiallynotmeetingrelevantPrinciples,CriteriaorRequirements
oftheResponsibleSteelStandard.Theremightalsobeconcernsaboutasite'sperformanceingeneral.Inthese
instances,ResponsibleSteelshallrequirethatthepersonraisingtheconcernfirsttriestoresolvetheissuedirectly
withthesite.Thesiteisbestplacedtoexplainwhatitisorisnotdoingabouttheissue,andwhythatmightbethe
case.TheResponsibleSteelStandardrequiresthateverysiteparticipatinginResponsibleSteelmusthaveagrievance
mechanismfortheeffectiveresolutionofconcernsanddisputes.Thestakeholdershallbeadvisedtousethis
mechanismfirst.
Toassistthestakeholderinthis,ResponsibleSteelshalldiscusstheissuewiththepersonconcernedtohelpidentify
thenatureoftheissueinrelationtotheResponsibleSteelStandard,andshallhelpthestakeholderlocatethesite's
grievancemechanism.ResponsibleSteelshall,however,notintervenewiththesiteatthisstage,orgiveanindication
astowhetheritfeelsthesitehasaddressedtheissuecorrectlyornot.
Iftheissueisnotresolvedwiththesiteitself,thenextavenueforresolutionshallbethecomplaintsmechanismof
therespectivecertificationbody(whichcanbefoundontheResponsibleSteelwebsite).
ResponsibleSteelshallonlyconsidertheissueagainafterithasbeenraisedwiththesiteandthecertificationbody,
andifneitherhavebeenabletoresolvetheissuesatisfactorilythroughtheirprocesses.However,iftheconcern
suggestsagraveandurgentissuethatmightposedangertolifeduetowilfulactionsofthesite,ResponsibleSteel
shalldivertfromthedescribedpathwayandengagewiththesitedirectly,and,ifnecessary,alsoengagewith
relevantauthorities.
Process
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheinitialconcerninitsissueslog.
Within1weekof
receivingconcern
ResponsibleSteelshallhelpthepersonraisingtheissueidentifywhichchapteror
RequirementoftheResponsibleSteelStandardtheissuerelatestoand,where
appropriate,providethestakeholderwithadditionalinformationonthe
ResponsibleSteelprogrammetoensuretheyunderstanditsobjectives,scopeandways
ofoperating.
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 13
ResponsibleSteelshalladvisethestakeholderto:
• Accessthesite'scomplaintsandgrievancemechanismtotrytoresolvetheconcern
• Triggerthecertificationbody'scomplaintsmechanismiftheissueisnotresolved
• ReturntoResponsibleSteeltoseekfurtherassistanceiftheissueisstillnotresolved
totheperson’ssatisfaction.
ResponsibleSteelshallalsohelplocatethesite'sgrievancemechanismandthe
certificationbody'scomplaintsmechanism.
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhathasbeendoneandshall
considertheissuetobeclosed.
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandoftheresolutionpathwayon
theResponsibleSteelwebsite.
Supportingdocumentationandreferences
• ResponsibleSteelIssuesLogTemplate
• ResponsibleSteelStandard(Chapter1.4ComplaintsandGrievanceMechanismandAccesstoRemedy)
• ISO17021,part1(Chapter9.8Complaints)
3.2.Issuesrelatedtoactions/inactionsofacertificationbody
Overview
ISO17021,uponwhichtheResponsibleSteelRequirementsarebased,asksthatcertificationbodieshavepublic
processestoreceive,evaluateandmakedecisionsoncomplaints.TheResponsibleSteelAssuranceManualasksthat
certificationbodiesinformResponsibleSteelaboutreceivedcomplaintsandtheiroutcomes.
Whereastakeholderraisesissuesrelatedtoauditfindings,auditorbehaviour,implementationofauditprocedures
etc.,ResponsibleSteelshallrequirethatthestakeholderfirstraisestheconcernthroughthecomplaintsmechanism
oftherespectivecertificationbody.
Toassistthestakeholderinthis,ResponsibleSteelshalldiscusstheissuewiththepersonconcernedtohelpidentify
thenatureoftheissueinrelationtotheResponsibleSteelAssuranceManualortheResponsibleSteelStandard,and
shallhelpthemlocatethecertificationbody'scomplaintsprocess.ResponsibleSteel,however,shallnotintervene
withthecertificationbodyatthisstage,orgiveanindicationastowhetheritfeelsthecertificationbodyhas
addressedtheissuecorrectlyornot.
Ifthestakeholderfeelsthattheissuehasnotbeenproperlyinvestigatedbythecertificationbodyorthatthe
outcomeofthecomplaintsprocessisnotadequate,theymaycomebacktoResponsibleSteeltoseekfurther
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 14
considerationoftheissue.ResponsibleSteelshallidentifyanappropriateresolutionpathway,whichmightbe
resolutionthroughanAd-HocResolutionCommittee.
Process
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheinitialconcerninitsissueslog.
Within1weekof
receivingconcern
ResponsibleSteelshallprovidethestakeholderwithadditionalinformationonthe
ResponsibleSteelprogrammetoensuretheyunderstanditsobjectives,scopeandways
ofoperatingandshallhelpthestakeholderidentifythecomplaintsmechanismofthe
respectivecertificationbody.
ResponsibleSteelshalladvisethestakeholderto:
• Triggerthecertificationbody'scomplaintsprocess
• ReturntoResponsibleSteeltoseekfurtherassistanceiftheissueisnotresolvedto
theperson’ssatisfaction.
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhathasbeendoneandshall
considertheissuestobeclosed.
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandoftheresolutionpathwayon
theResponsibleSteelwebsite.
OncethecertificationbodyhasinformedResponsibleSteelofthecomplaintsprocess
outcome,ResponsibleSteelshallupdateitsissueslogandpublishasummaryofthe
complaintsprocessoutcomeonitswebsite.
Within2weeksof
receivingthe
summaryfromthe
certificationbody
Supportingdocumentationandreferences
• ResponsibleSteelIssuesLogTemplate
• ResponsibleSteelAssuranceManual(1.4.2.)andISO17021(Chapters8.1PublicInformationand9.8
Complaints)
• ResponsibleSteelStandard
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 15
3.3.Appealsrelatedtodecisionsmadebyacertificationbody
Overview
TheResponsibleSteelAssuranceManualandISO17021,uponwhichtheResponsibleSteelRequirementsarebased,
askthatcertificationbodieshaveprocessestoreceive,evaluateandmakedecisionsonappeals.Theyalsoaskthat
certificationbodiesinformResponsibleSteelofareceivedappealandsendasummaryoftheappealsprocess
outcometoResponsibleSteel.
Whereasiteappealsagainstadecisionmadebyacertificationbodytocertify,nottocertify,suspendorwithdraw
certificationofaparticularsite,ResponsibleSteelshallrequirethatthesiteraisestheissuethroughtheappeals
processoftherespectivecertificationbody.
Atthisstage,ResponsibleSteelshallnotintervenewiththecertificationbodyorgiveanindicationastowhetherit
feelsthecertificationbodyhasmadethecorrectdecisionornot.
Ifthesitefeelsthattheissuehasnotbeenproperlyinvestigatedbythecertificationbodyorthattheoutcomeof
theappealsprocessisnotadequate,theymaycomebacktoResponsibleSteeltoseekfurtherconsiderationofthe
issue.ResponsibleSteelshallidentifyanappropriateresolutionpathway,whichmightberesolutionthroughanAd-
HocResolutionCommittee.
Process
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheinitialconcerninitsissueslog.
Within1weekof
receivingconcern
ResponsibleSteelshalladvisethesiteto:
• Triggerthecertificationbody'sappealsprocess
• ReturntoResponsibleSteeltoseekfurtherassistanceiftheissueisnotresolvedto
thesite'ssatisfaction.
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhathasbeendoneandshall
considertheissuetobeclosed.
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandoftheresolutionpathwayon
theResponsibleSteelwebsite.
OncethecertificationbodyhasinformedResponsibleSteeloftheappealsprocess
outcome,ResponsibleSteelshallupdateitsissueslogandpublishasummaryofthe
appealsprocessoutcomeonitswebsite.
Within2weeksof
receivingthe
summaryreport
fromthe
certificationbody
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 16
Supportingdocumentationandreferences
• ResponsibleSteelIssuesLogTemplate
• ResponsibleSteelAssuranceManual(1.4.2.)andISO17021(Chapters8.1PublicInformationand9.7Appeals)
• ResponsibleSteelStandard
3.4.IssuesrelatedtoResponsibleSteelpoliciesorprocedures
Overview
IssuesraisedinrelationtothecontentortheinterpretationofResponsibleSteelpoliciesorproceduresmight
showthatachangetotherespectivepolicyorprocedurewouldhelpimprovetheResponsibleSteelcertification
programme.Insuchacase,aproposedrevisionshallbedevelopedbyResponsibleSteelinconsultationwiththe
stakeholderthatraisedtheissueand,whererelevant,withotherparties.Theproposedrevisionshallbereviewed
byasubcommitteeoftheBoard,andgotothefullResponsibleSteelBoardforpotentialapproval.
WhereanissueisraisedduringanongoingauditandrelatestorequirementsdefinedintheAssuranceManual,
certificationbodiesmayclassifytheissueas'urgent'toexpeditetheprocessforproposingandapproving
potentialchangestotheAssuranceManual.
Process Normal Expedited
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheinitialconcerninitsissues
log.
Within2weeksof
receivingthe
issue
Withina
maximumof1
weekofreceiving
anissuemarked
as'urgent',
ResponsibleSteel
shallreviewthe
issueanddraft
changestothe
Assurance
Manual,if
appropriate.This
shallbedonein
collaboration
withthe
ResponsibleSteel
Standardand
Whereappropriate,ResponsibleSteelshallprovidethe
stakeholderwithadditionalinformationonthe
ResponsibleSteelprogrammetoensuretheyunderstandits
objectives,scopeandwaysofoperating.
ResponsibleSteelshalldiscusspossiblerevisionstothepolicyor
procedurewiththestakeholderand,whererelevant,with
otherparties.
IfResponsibleSteelagreesthatachangetothepolicyor
procedurewouldimprovetheResponsibleSteelcertification
programme,ResponsibleSteelshalldraftrevisedwording.
WhereResponsibleSteeldoesnotagreethatachangewould
leadtoimprovement,theissueshallbeconsideredclosedand
thestakeholdershallbeadvisedthattheymayraisetheissue
throughanAd-HocResolutionCommittee.Insuchacase,
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhat
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 17
hasbeendoneandshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandof
theresolutionoutcomeontheResponsibleSteelwebsite.
Assurance
Committee.
Stepsoutlinedin
thecolumn
'normal'donot
apply
ResponsibleSteelshallpresenttheproposedchangestothe
policy/procedureandassociatedimplementationtimelinesto
theResponsibleSteelBoardsubcommitteeforreview.The
ResponsibleSteelBoardsubcommitteemayrequestfurther
informationorre-drafting,mayrejecttheproposal,ormay
recommendthattheproposedchangesandtimelinesareput
totheResponsibleSteelBoardforapproval.
Within4weeksof
receivingthe
issue
ResponsibleSteelshallseekBoardapprovalofthechangesand
timelines.
Within8weeksof
thedecisionof
the
ResponsibleSteel
Board
subcommittee
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishtheapprovedrevisedpolicyor
procedureonitswebsiteandshallinformallaffectedpartiesof
thechangesandthedatethepolicy/procedurebecomes
effective.
ResponsibleSteelshallinformthestakeholderthatraisedthe
issueaboutthechangesandtheimplementationtimelines.
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhat
hasbeendoneandshallconsidertheissuetobeclosed.
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandof
theresolutionoutcomeontheResponsibleSteelwebsite.
Within2weeksof
approval
SupportingDocumentationandReferences
• ResponsibleSteelIssuesLogTemplate
• ResponsibleSteelpoliciesandprocedures
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 18
3.5.IssuesrelatedtointerpretationoftheResponsibleSteelStandard
Overview
Dependingontheissuebroughtforward,clarificationontheResponsibleSteelStandardorguidanceonhowto
interprettheResponsibleSteelStandardmaybeneeded.
AclarificationisanexplanationofthecorrectmeaningofarequirementoftheResponsibleSteelStandard,where
thecorrectmeaningisclearfromexistingguidance,contextorothersourcesofinformation.Clarificationsmaybe
providedbytheTechnicalDirectorortheExecutiveDirector.
AninterpretationprovidesguidanceontheapplicationofaStandardRequirementwherethecorrectmeaningis
notclearfromexistingguidance,contextorothersourcesofinformation.
QuestionsoninterpretationofResponsibleSteelStandardRequirementsmaycomeinduringsiteaudits.Where
thisisthecase,certificationbodies,auditedsitesorstakeholdersengagedintheauditmayclassifythemas
'urgent'toexpeditetheprocessfordevelopingprovisionalinterpretationguidanceandtonotholduptheaudit.
Provisionalinterpretationguidanceissubjecttostakeholderconsultationforfinalisation.Thesamegoesfor
interpretationquestionsthatarenotmarkedasurgent.Bothpathwaysforprovidinginterpretationguidanceare
outlinedbelowandaredescribedinmoredetailintheStandardDevelopmentProcedures.
Process Normal Expedited
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheinitialconcerninitsissues
log.Within1weekof
receivingthe
issue
Withina
maximumof1
weekofreceiving
aninterpretation
issuemarkedas
'urgent',
ResponsibleSteel
shallprovide
provisional
interpretation
guidance.
ResponsibleSteel
mayconsultwith
stakeholders
including
ResponsibleSteel
members,
membersofthe
Boardof
Whereappropriate,ResponsibleSteelshallprovidethe
stakeholderwithadditionalinformationontheResponsibleSteel
programmetoensuretheyunderstanditsobjectives,scopeand
waysofoperating.
ResponsibleSteelshallprepareaconsultationpaperwhich
includesatleastthefollowing:
a. Explanationoftheissueforinterpretation;
b. Considerations;
c. Theprovisionalinterpretation;
d. Anexplanationoftheprovisionalinterpretation;
e. Theconsultationprocesstofinalisetheinterpretation,
includingtimelineandopportunitiesforstakeholdersto
contribute;
f. Thedecision-makingprocess–includinghowdecisions
aremadeandbywhom,inaccordancewith11.10and
11.11oftheStandardDevelopmentProcedures(copied
below).
Between1and4
weeksof
receivingthe
issue
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 19
Interpretationsshallbesubjecttoaminimumconsultation
periodof30days.ResponsibleSteelshallcarryoutconsultations
onaquarterlyschedule.ResponsibleSteelshallinform
ResponsibleSteelmembers,certificationbodies,certification
applicantsandcertificateholdersoftheconsultationandshall
maketheconsultationpaperpubliclyavailableonthe
ResponsibleSteelwebsite.
Onaquarterly
basis
Directorsand/or
relevantexperts
atitsdiscretion.
Stepsoutlinedin
thecolumn
'normal'donot
apply.However,
provisional
interpretation
guidanceshallbe
finalisedas
outlinedinthe
Standard
Development
Procedures.
ResponsibleSteelshallprepareasummaryofinputreceivedand
theproposedfinalinterpretationfordecisionbytheStandards
andAssuranceCommittee.
Standardsand
Assurance
Committee
decisionwithin4
weeksof
receiving
stakeholderinput
Whereaninterpretationisapproved,itshallcomeinto
immediateeffectandshallbecommunicatedto
ResponsibleSteelmembers,certificationbodies,certification
applicants,certificateholdersandmembersofthe
ResponsibleSteelAssurancePanel,andbeannouncedonthe
ResponsibleSteelwebsite.
NOTE:certificatesissuedcorrectlyonthebasisofaprovisional
interpretationshallremainvalidfortheirnormalremaining
duration.Certificateholderswouldberequiredtocomplywith
thefinalisedinterpretationinorderforacertificatetobere-
issuedfollowingitsnextaudit.
Within1weekof
Standardsand
Assurance
Committee
decision
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhat
hasbeendoneandshallconsidertheissuetobeclosed. Within1weekof
approval
Within1weekof
issuingthe
provisional
interpretation
SupportingDocumentationandReferences
• ResponsibleSteelIssuesLogTemplate
• ResponsibleSteelStandardsDevelopmentProcedures(availableat
https://www.responsiblesteel.org/resources/)
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 20
3.6.IssuesraisedagainstResponsibleSteelpersonnel
Overview
ResponsibleSteelpersonnelarecommittedtoworkprofessionallyandrespectfullyandtofullyimplement
ResponsibleSteelpoliciesandprocedures.Ifthisisperceivednottobethecase,ResponsibleSteelshallinvestigate
suchissues.Iftheissuecannotberesolvedtothesatisfactionofthestakeholderthatraisedtheissue,the
stakeholdermayraiseitthroughanAd-HocResolutionCommittee.
PersonnelincludeResponsibleSteelSecretariatstaff,Boardmembers,contractors,etc.
Process
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheinitialconcerninitsissueslog.
Within1weekof
receivingthe
issue
Thestakeholderraisingtheconcernshallbeasked,ifpossible,toraiseandtrytoresolve
theirissuedirectlybydiscussingitwiththepersoncausingtheconcern.Ifthisisnot
appropriateorhasbeentriedandtheoutcomewasnotsatisfactory,thenthe
stakeholdershallbeaskedtocontacttheResponsibleSteelExecutiveDirector.Ifthe
concernrelatestotheResponsibleSteelExecutiveDirector,thepersonraisingthe
concernmayraisetheirissuewiththeChairoftheResponsibleSteelBoardorthroughan
Ad-HocResolutionCommittee.
TheExecutiveDirectorshalldiscusstheconcernwiththepersonnelwhoisthesubjectof
theissueraisedor,whereappropriate,shalldelegatethistotheindividual'simmediate
supervisor.IftheissuerelatestoaResponsibleSteelBoardmember,theExecutive
DirectorshallinformtheChairoftheResponsibleSteelBoardoftheissueanddiscuss
withthemhowbesttoaddressit.
TheExecutiveDirectormaytakewhateveradditionalactiontheExecutiveDirectorand,
potentially,theChairoftheResponsibleSteelBoarddeemappropriatetounderstandthe
basisoftheconcernandtotrytoresolvetheissue,subjecttoAustralianlawand
employerobligationsandresponsibilities.
Within6weeks
ofreceivingthe
issueTheExecutiveDirectorshallreportbacktothestakeholderthatraisedtheconcernasto
theactionthathasbeentakentotrytoresolvetheissue.ResponsibleSteelshallinform
thestakeholderthattheymayraisetheissuethroughanAd-HocResolutionCommittee
incasethematterisnotresolvedtotheirsatisfaction.
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhathasbeendoneandshall
considertheissuetobeclosed.
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandoftheresolutionoutcomeon
theResponsibleSteelwebsite.
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 21
SupportingDocumentationandReferences
• IssuesLogTemplate
3.7.OthertypesofissuesrelatingtotheResponsibleSteelprogramme
Overview
Stakeholdersmightraiseissuesthatarenotlistedintheabove.Ifsuchanissueisbroughtforward,
ResponsibleSteelmayproposeoneofthelistedpathwaysordefineanotherpathwayforresolution.
ResponsibleSteelreservestherighttorejectanissuefromconsiderationifitdoesnotpertaintoResponsibleSteel
standards,policies,proceduresorotherdocumentedrulesorrequirements(seeparagraph1.8above).
3.8.Ad-HocResolutionCommitteeOverview
Ifnoneofthepathwaysaboveresultinsuccessfulresolutionoftheissue,thenthestakeholderthatraisedtheissue
mayescalateittoanAd-HocResolutionCommitteethatshallbesetupbyResponsibleSteelspecificallytoaddress
theissue.
TheactionstakenundertheAd-HocResolutionCommitteemayormaynotresolvetheissuetothesatisfactionof
thestakeholderthatraisedtheconcern.However,thedeterminationbytheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeshallbe
finalandcannotbeappealed.
Process
ResponsibleSteelshallcapturetheconcerninitsissueslogor,whereResponsibleSteel
referredtheissuetoanotherpartybefore,shallidentifyinitsissueslogwhichconcernis
broughtbackforconsiderationbyanAd-HocResolutionCommitteeandshallupdatethe
issueslogentrytoreflectactionsthathavebeentakensincetheissuewasfirstraised.
Within4weeksof
theissuebeing
broughtto
ResponsibleSteel
ResponsibleSteelshallnominateatthreepotentialmembersfortheAd-HocResolution
Committee.Inchoosingcandidates,ResponsibleSteelshallensurethattheyarefreefrom
conflictofinterestinrelationtotheobjectoftheissue(whichcouldbeasite,a
certificationbodyorResponsibleSteelpersonnel).
ResponsibleSteelshallinformthestakeholder:
• OftheCommittee'sreviewprocess(asbelow)
• ThattheCommittee'sdecisionscannotbeappealed
• WhenthestakeholdermightexpectanoutcomeoftheCommittee'sinvestigation.
ResponsibleSteelshallappointtheCommitteemembersandprovidethemwithall
relevantinformationontheissuerequiringresolution,includinganydocuments,records
andotherinformationthathasbeengatheredandreviewedduringotherresolution
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 22
pathwaysandearlierresolutionsthatwereprovidedbutdidnotsatisfythecomplaining
party.
TheAd-HocResolutionCommitteemembersshalleachindividuallystudytheprovided
information.Theyshallgettogetherbyvirtualorin-personmeanstodiscusstheissueand
apotentialresolution.TheCommitteeshalltakewhateveractionitdeemsappropriateto
betterunderstandthebasisoftheconcern.
Within3-12
weeksoftheAd-
HocResolution
Committee
receivingissue,
dependingonthe
complexityofthe
matter.
TheAd-HocResolutionCommitteemightconcludethatfurtheractionthatisconsistent
withResponsibleSteelpoliciesandproceduresandwiththescopeoftheResponsibleSteel
programmecouldbetakentoresolvetheissue,oritmightconcludethatappropriate
actiontoresolvetheissuehasbeentakenandthatfurtheractionwouldbeunlikelyto
resolvetheissue.
IncaseswheretheAd-HocResolutionCommitteecannotfindagreementonconclusions,
itshallseekadvicefromqualifiedexperts.Inothercases,seekingadvicefromqualified
expertsisoptional.However,suchexpertsshallnottakepartindecision-makingandshall
notbeinvolvedinanyactivitythatconstitutesaconflictofinterest.
TheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeshallprepareawrittenreportthatdescribesits
mutuallyagreedconclusionsand,potentially,anyactionsandassociatedtimelinesthat
shallbetakentoresolvetheissue.Thereportshalldocumentiftherewasdisagreement
betweentheCommitteemembersandhowdisagreementwasresolved.TheAd-Hoc
ResolutionCommitteeshallsubmitthereporttoResponsibleSteel.
ResponsibleSteelshallreviewthereporttoconfirmthatanysuggestedactionsare
consistentwithResponsibleSteelpoliciesandproceduresandwiththescopeofthe
ResponsibleSteelprogramme.Wherethisisnotthecase,ResponsibleSteelshallprovide
feedbacktotheCommitteeforthemtoreflectintheirreport.
ResponsibleSteelshallsubmitthefinalreportoftheAd-HocResolutionCommitteetothe
partythatgaverisetotheissueinthefirstplaceandtothepartythatraisedtheissue.
WheretheAd-HocResolutionCommitteerequestsfurtheractiontobetaken,
ResponsibleSteelshallexplaintothepartyandtothestakeholderthat:
• TherequestedactionsmustbesatisfactorilycompletedbeforeResponsibleSteelcan
considertheissuetobeclosed
• Iftherequiredactionsarenotcarriedout,thepartyrisksconsequencessuchas
terminationofitsapprovalasResponsibleSteelcertificationbody,suspensionofits
certificate,orterminationofitsResponsibleSteelmembership.
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 23
Whererelevant,ResponsibleSteelshallverifythattherequestedactionshavebeen
satisfactorilycompleted.Oncethisisthecase,ResponsibleSteelshallinformthe
stakeholderthatraisedtheissueandtheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeaccordingly.
ResponsibleSteelshallcompleteitsissueslogtocapturewhathasbeendoneandshall
considertheissuetobeclosed.
ResponsibleSteelshallpublishasummaryoftheissueandoftheresolutionoutcomeon
theResponsibleSteelwebsite.
Within2weeksof
receivingtheAd-
HocResolution
Committeereport
or,whereactions
arerequested,
within2weeksof
verifying
satisfactoryaction
completion.
SupportingDocumentationandReferences
• ResponsibleSteelIssuesLogTemplate
• Ad-HocResolutionCommitteeTermsofReference
4.ResponsibleSteelIssueLogTemplateIssueNumber:
DateissueraisedwithResponsibleSteel:
Nameofstakeholderraisingtheissue:
Descriptionoftheissue:
AnalysisofissueintermsofResponsibleSteelprogrammerequirements:
Descriptionofanyactionstakenbythestakeholdertoresolvetheissuepriortoitbeingraisedwith
ResponsibleSteel,includingpartiesinvolvedintheissue:
Pathwayforresolutionasagreedwiththestakeholder,descriptionofnextsteps:
Outcome(s)ofresolution:
DateofResponsibleSteeldeterminationthattheissueisconsideredclosed:
ResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSystem,Version2.0 24
5.ResponsibleSteelAdHocResolutionCommitteeTermsofReference
ThegoaloftheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeistoprovideresolutionondisputedissuesinrelationtothe
ResponsibleSteelcertificationprogrammeforresponsiblesteelsites.EscalationtotheAd-HocResolutionCommittee
shallbethelastresortonceotherpathwaysforresolutionhavebeenexhausted.
CommitteemembersshallbeproposedbyResponsibleSteeltothepartythatraisedtheissuerequiringresolution.In
identifyingcandidatesfortheCommittee,ResponsibleSteelmaychoosemembersfromthefollowingparties:
• ResponsibleSteelBoard(seehttps://www.responsiblesteel.org/about/board-and-secretariat/)
• ResponsibleSteelworkinggroups(consistingofsubjectexperts)
• ResponsibleSteelMembersorAssociateMembers(see
https://www.responsiblesteel.org/membership/members-and-associates)
• ResponsibleSteelAssurancePanelMembers
• AcademiafromfieldsrelevanttotheResponsibleSteelprogramme
• Civilsociety(suchastradeunions,humanrightsorenvironmentalorganisations)
• Specialistsinoverseeingcertificationbodiesandworkingwithcertificationprogrammes
ThequalitiesthatResponsibleSteelwillbeseekinginAd-HocResolutionCommitteemembersshallinclude,but
arenotlimitedto:
• SupportoftheResponsibleSteelVisionandMission
• ExtensiveknowledgeontheResponsibleSteelsystem(orwillingnesstogothroughanResponsibleSteel
trainingsession)
• Expertiseintheareathattheissueisrelatedto
• Awillingnesstoseekfairandbalancedresolutions
• Abilitytomakerationaldecisionsbasedontheevidenceprovided
• Abilitytothinkcreativelyaboutsolutionstoresolveconflicts
• Demonstratedabilityorwillingnesstoworkingoodfaithinmulti-stakeholdersettings
AnyprospectiveAd-HocResolutionCommitteemembershalldisclosetoResponsibleSteelpotentialconflictsof
intereststobeconsideredforcommitteemembership.
TheAd-HocResolutionCommitteeshallfollow3.8oftheResponsibleSteelIssuesResolutionSysteminproviding
resolution.