Breaches of the Code by Signatories, enforcement of compliance action, and Code Review Panel appeals processes are treated seriously by the Administrator, which undertakes its decision-making in a fair, transparent and evidence-based manner.
If a Signatory suspects that they may be in breach of the Code, they must report this to the Code Administrator. Suspected breaches may also be brought to the attention of the Administrator through the Client Complaint Form or through the Administrator’s own compliance investigations and annual reporting reviews.
Compliance Obligations
Compliance obligations generally relate to: ensuring appropriate client engagement; providing sufficient and accurate information to stakeholders; seeking consent from eligible interest holders; providing sound project-related advice; developing a written project management plan in consultation with clients and stakeholders; and ensuring transparency about project requirements and risks.
Signatories are required to demonstrate their compliance with the Code, following the end of each compliance year. They may also be required to provide evidence of their compliance with the Code during the year, at the request of the Code Administrator. View the Administrator’s Complying with the Code – Guidance for Signatories below.
Reporting Obligations
Signatories are required to complete an Annual Report (Self-audit Checklist) Form at the end of each financial year (year ending 30 June). A completed annual report must be submitted to the Code Administrator within 30 days following the end of each financial year. This report will be used by the Code Administrator to inform compliance under the Code, in addition to auditing undertaken by the Administrator.
The annual report also serves as confirmation of a Signatory’s compliance with the Code throughout the year, and reaffirms the Signatory’s ongoing commitment to the Code. View the Administrator’s Annual Report (Self Audit Checklist) below.
Indigenous Engagment
As of 1 July 2021, the Code has strengthened how it distinguishes between its requirements for engagement with different types of stakeholders, and particularly notes that appropriate engagement with Indigenous stakeholders is important in this context.
The Code now requires stronger levels of engagement with Indigenous stakeholders to support implementation of best practice engagement across the carbon industry. View the Administrator’s Engagement with Native Title Holders – Guidance for Signatories below.
