Systems development for implementation of remedy

FSC is happy to share with its members updates about four system development components critical for the implementation of the FSC Remedy Framework, showcasing FSC International’s work in developing these systems over the last year.  

1. Standard Operating Procedure to Determine Corporate Group Control

The FSC Policy for Association version 3 establishes the scope of corporate group involvement in unacceptable activities through the broader concept of nexus of control, which extends beyond shareholding structures. The objective of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide support for FSC in reviewing the scope of the corporate group based on the nexus of control. The SOP streamlines the interpretation of control to an entity's ability to introduce and implement decisions and policies and introduces a “rebuttable presumption” mechanism, which enables FSC to make presumptions on the scope of the corporate group on a case-by-case basis and places the onus on the Organization to rebut the presumption. It aims to define concrete steps and implementable thresholds for each factor of control. The SOP is intended to provide indicators to ensure transparent, fair and consistent application, not rigid rules. FSC retains discretion to make final determinations on whether an entity should be deemed part of a corporate group.

Read more here.

2. FSC Remedy Framework: Conflict of Interest Executive Summary

According to the FSC Remedy Framework, Conflict of Interest (COI) is a: situation in which a party has an actual or perceived interest that gives or could have the appearance of giving, that party an incentive for personal, organizational or professional gain, such that the party’s interest could conflict, or be perceived to conflict with, the conduct of an impartial and objective certification process. This guidance document provides an overview of the Conflict of Interest screening process, aligned with the FSC Remedy Frameworks’ requirements for identifying and managing conflicts with Independent Assessors and Third Party Verifiers.

Read more here.

3. Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) Implementation in the FSC Remedy Framework Draft 0

The FSC Remedy Framework has a strong focus on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). Rights holders play a central role in dialogue processes and agreeing to remedy actions. This guide explains how:

• Organizations undergoing remedy  design an FPIC process
• Independent Assessors approach rights holders in their tasks.
• Assist rights holders to better understand their role in an FSC remedy process in relation to FPIC rights, although additional culturally appropriate materials would need to be developed as described in this document.
• Third Party Verifiers to inform the development of of systems needed to verify the requirements of the FSC Remedy Framework.

A technical working group will support FSC in 2026 to bring the Draft 0 to a final version to be published as formal guidance by FSC. 

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4. Draft Methodology for Identification of Past HCVs and Assessing HCV Loss

FSC has worked with the High Conservation Value Network (HCVN) to develop draft methodology for the identification of high conservation values in a historical context, relevant for Remedy Framework Baseline Assessments and the FSC Policy for Association. FSC plans to continue its collaboration with HCVN and other technical experts next year to further develop and refine this methodology and plans to publish this as formal guidance at the end of that process.  

Read more here.