📄ICR VVB Forum Terms of Reference

Background:

The ICR VVB Forum is established as a platform for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) to engage, collaborate, and share knowledge and feedback with the International Carbon Registry (ICR) in the field of GHG project validation and verification. The forum aims to facilitate communication, foster best practices, and enhance the quality of the ICR program, consistency in validation and verification and overall accountability of all projects and ICCs issued by the ICR.

Objectives:

The objectives of the ICR VVB Forum are as follows:

  1. Collaborative Exchange: To provide a platform for VVBs to exchange experiences, insights, and expertise in validation and verification.

  2. Joint Improvement: To collaborate on initiatives that contribute to improving validation and verification practices and the ICR Program.

  3. Informed Awareness: To stay informed about developments, standards, and guidelines in the field of validation and verification.

  4. Credibility Enhancement: To enhance the consistency and reliability of validation and verification activities conducted by VVBs.

  5. Mission Support: To support the mission of the ICR in promoting accountability and transparency.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Forum Members: VVBs interested in engaging with the ICR.

  • Forum Administrator: Appointed by the ICR to oversee forum operations and communications.

Members:

  • Eligibility: Membership in the ICR VVB Forum is open to ICR registry users from Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) approved to conduct validation and verification for the ICR Program. Users need to have completed a KYC with ICR prior to approval.

  • Membership Application: Membership applications are subject to approval by the forum administrator.

  • Approval: Members are required to participate in forum activities and adhere to forum guidelines actively.

Operation of the Forum:

Frequency:

The forum shall conduct regular meetings, webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

  • Forum meetings shall be held quarterly on the first Wednesday of each quarter. If a national holiday the meeting shall be held the following Wednesday.

  • Meetings are conducted virtually to accommodate international participation.

  • Webinars and Knowledge-sharing sessions are held based on the needs and requests of forum members.

Agendas:

Meeting agendas will be set by the ICR in consultation with forum members.

  • Forum discussions shall cover relevant topics and emerging trends in GHG validation and verification relating to the ICR program.

  • Forum members shall collaborate and align their participation with the forum's goals.

Communication channels:

Communication channels are established for forum members to engage and access updates.

  • ICR uses Slack for discussion forums. Upon approval of membership, members are invited to join the discussion forum.

  • Discussions are moderated by the ICR admin to ensure adherence to guidelines.

Record Keeping:

  • Minutes and records of forum discussions will be maintained by the ICR and made available to members.

  • Resources, including documents, reports, and training materials, are made available to forum members. Completed documentation is published publicly on the ICRs website.

Members are expected to actively participate in forum discussions, share insights, and contribute constructively to the forum's objectives. The forum administrator will moderate discussions, ensure compliance with forum guidelines, and facilitate communication between members and the ICR.

Termination:

Membership in the forum is voluntary, and members may choose to leave at any time.

The ICR reserves the right to terminate membership in the event of non-compliance with forum guidelines or disruptive behavior.

Application for Membership:

VVBs or individuals interested in joining the forum can apply by submitting a membership application to the ICR.

Applications will be reviewed, and membership approval will be communicated to applicants.

Review:

These terms of reference are subject to periodic review to ensure their relevance and effectiveness.

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