GSCP model is based on companies’ engagement and direct participation.
The programme is open to retailer and brand manufacturer across all sectors and all geographies. All participating companies have an equal stake and a voice in the programme. It also associates civil society stakeholders to guarantee its credibility and rely on the widest range of knowledge and expertise.

The programme’s governance is outlined in the Governance Model and Rules of Procedure.

GSCP Governance Model

Task Force
The Task Force is the backbone of the programme and gathers retailer and brand manufacturer companies from all over the world and across all sectors. It provides a forum for knowledge exchange and identification and promotion of best practices. Task Force companies are committed to take appropriate action to support the objectives and principles of GSCP.

• Executive Board
  The Executive Board steers the Programme and is responsible, with the support of the Secretariat, for the general management of the programme. The Executive Board ensures GSCP delivers its objectives and integrates the expectations of all stakeholders. The Executive Board is a subset of the Task Force and reports to the Task Force.
• Expert Working Groups
  Expert Working Groups carry out the GSCP working plan. The role of the Expert Working Groups is to compare and analyse existing practices in order to identify best practices for each step of the GSCP working plan. Expert Working Groups work on specific tasks such as the review of the code, the alignment of audit checklists, of audit methodologies, etc. The number of active working groups will be defined according to task allocation. Expert working groups are expected to disband once their task is completed. 

Advisory Board
The Advisory Board is composed of influential and knowledgeable experts drawn from NGOs, IOs, Trade Unions, SRIs, Initiatives, etc. Its role is to ensure that opinions and perspectives of civil society stakeholders are integrated in the pursuit of the Programme’s objectives. The Advisory Board’s role is to advise and challenge the Executive Board on the strategy, direction and best practice for each step of the programme and to help monitor and evaluate progress. Each member contributes to the programme within her or his respective field of competence.

The Secretariat
The GSCP Secretariat is managed by CIES. It runs the Programme’s operational activities.