1. Purpose

GISS is committed to ensuring that certification, verification, audit, assessment, training, and advisory activities are conducted with independence, objectivity, and impartiality. This policy explains how conflicts of interest are identified, disclosed, managed, and monitored.

2. Scope

This policy applies to GISS directors, employees, auditors, assessors, consultants, trainers, committee members, partners, subcontractors, and any person involved in decisions or activities that may affect impartiality.

3. Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest may arise when personal, financial, professional, organizational, or other interests could influence, or appear to influence, impartial decisions. Examples include:

• Financial interest in an applicant, client, supplier, or certified organization
• Prior employment, consulting, or advisory work with an applicant or client
• Family, personal, or close professional relationships that may affect objectivity
• Pressure from commercial, financial, political, or stakeholder interests
• Participation in certification decisions where impartiality may be compromised

4. Impartiality Commitment

GISS will not allow commercial, financial, or other pressures to compromise the integrity of certification, audit, assessment, or verification decisions. Decisions must be based on evidence, applicable criteria, and documented procedures.

5. Disclosure Requirements

All relevant personnel must disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest before accepting assignments and whenever circumstances change. Failure to disclose may result in removal from an assignment or other corrective action.

6. Management of Conflicts

GISS may manage conflicts by:

• Assigning independent personnel
• Removing conflicted individuals from review or decision-making
• Applying additional oversight or peer review
• Documenting risk controls and mitigation actions
• Declining or terminating work where impartiality cannot be protected

7. Monitoring and Review

GISS periodically reviews impartiality risks and conflict controls to ensure ongoing independence, transparency, and credibility in its activities.

8. Contact Information

Last Updated: 11 June 2026