New Process for the Admission of Companies into the VPI 

January 6, 2025 •

The Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPI) has approved important changes to the admission process of new corporate Members, effective immediately. The new process will deepen the focus of applicants in understanding their security and human rights risks. To achieve that, Applicants will be required to provide a summary risk assessment of their security and human rights risks in high-risk operational contexts, based on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VSPHR), the Implementation Guidance Tools (IGT), and additional guiding documents. 

Additionally, a new threshold for Engaged Company Membership has been approved. To become an Engaged Member, an applicant is now required to meet a threshold of strong commitment to implement the VPSHR and demonstrate such commitment through efforts to align company policies and practices with human rights standards and conflict-sensitive business practices. The requirements include aspects such as assessing the applicant’s stated commitment to fully implement the VPSHR across all its operations; assessing indicators of the applicant’s efforts to implement the VPSHR such as training, risk assessment, and changes to human rights policies; the applicant’s demonstrated investment of adequate resources in VPSHR implementation; among others.  

The changes to the admission process are part of a broader shift toward helping new and existing Members focus on better understanding and managing their security and human rights risks in operations in more complex and challenging environments. Other aspects of the Application process remain unchanged.

You can view the new text of the Framework for the Admission of New Companies by clicking on the button below.  

How to Become a Member of the VPI  

VPI Membership falls into three pillars: Corporate, Government, and NGO. There is also an Observer category for organizations such as international organizations and industry associations.  

Applications are assessed during two annual windows, closing in March 31 and September 15 of each year, and are reviewed by the VPI Steering Committee, in consultation with VPI Members. Applications received after the due date will be assessed in the following cycle. The typical successful application process takes several months (up to a year) from window close date to acceptance.  

An Applicant Company is initially admitted to the VPI as an Engaged Company Member. This Member category cannot exercise voting rights within the VPI. Before being approved as Full Members, Engaged Members must fulfill certain requirements, which includes demonstrating their efforts to implement or support the implementation of the VPSHR. 

As a multi-stakeholder initiative, the VPI fosters peer-learning, collective problem-solving, and sharing of best practices on security and human rights issues. By joining the VPI, organizations have opportunities to engage with like-minded stakeholders, gain access to training and peer learning opportunities, and collaborate with other Members to address security-related human rights challenges around the world. 

If you any questions regarding the applications, please contact the VPI Secretariat at applications@voluntaryprinciples.org.