New Procedures for VPI Membership Applications
July 14, 2021 •
The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) has recently made changes to how new membership applications are received and processed.
New applications from companies, governments, and NGOs will be assessed during two annual windows, in March and September of each year. The next due date for submission is no later than September 15, 2021. Applications received after this date will be assessed in the following cycle, with submissions due no later than March 31, 2022. Please note that the typical successful application process takes at least 6 months from submission to acceptance.
To become a member of the Voluntary Principles Initiative, an applicant must demonstrate that it meets the entry criteria for its pillar (corporate, government, or NGO). The VPI Steering Committee, in consultation with Members, reviews each application and may request additional information as needed.
At this time, the VPI welcomes applications from governments; producer-level companies operating in the extraction of oil, gas, minerals and metals, as well as growers of palm oil; and NGOs working in these areas.
Application Timeline
Details about the admission process, entry criteria and the application forms can be found in the links below.
- Framework for the Admission of new Companies
- Framework for the Admission of new Governments
- Framework for the Admission of new NGOs
- Framework for the Admission of new Observers
New member applications should be submitted in writing to the VPI Secretariat by email (info@voluntaryprinciples.org). The VPI Secretariat can also guide interested applicants that need additional support or have questions about the process.
About the Voluntary Principles
The Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights are an internationally recognized set of principles that guide companies on how to conduct their security operations while ensuring respect for human rights. To promote implementation of the Principles, the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) was created. The Initiative is comprised of over 55 members including companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations that share best practices and mutually support the implementation of the Principles.
For more information, visit www.voluntaryprinciples.org/the-initiative. Follow us on Twitter.