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Due process

A standard has authority only if the process behind it is open, documented and fair. This is ours.

1Agenda 2Research 3Exposure draft 4Comment period 5Redeliberation 6Issuance 7Review public consultationfield testingBoard vote to expose at least 60 dayspublic meetings5 of 7 votesafter 2 years Anyone may comment

  1. Agenda consultation

    The Standards Board publishes a proposed technical agenda and invites views on priorities. Members, the Advisory Council and the public may suggest topics. Agenda decisions are made in public meetings.

  2. Research and outreach

    A Technical Working Group studies current practice, interviews practitioners and field-tests candidate requirements with volunteer organizations to confirm they are practical and testable.

  3. Exposure draft

    The Board votes in public to release an exposure draft. Each draft includes the proposed requirements, the evidence expected, a basis for conclusions explaining the choices made, and specific questions for respondents.

  4. Public comment

    Exposure drafts are open for comment for at least 60 days, or 30 days for narrow amendments. Comment letters are published unless the respondent asks for confidentiality. Public roundtables may be held on significant drafts.

  5. Redeliberation

    The Working Group summarizes every comment. The Board redeliberates each significant issue in public meetings. If changes are fundamental, the draft is re-exposed.

  6. Issuance

    A final standard requires the affirmative votes of at least five of seven Board members. It is published with its effective date, transition guidance and a basis for conclusions that responds to the comments received.

  7. Post-implementation review

    Two years after a standard takes effect, the Board reviews whether it achieves its objective at a reasonable cost, and whether amendments are needed.

Document types

Standards state requirements. Implementation Guides show ways to meet them. Interpretations clarify questions raised in practice. Only Standards are mandatory for organizations that claim conformance.

Records

Every stage leaves a public record: agenda papers, drafts, comment letters, meeting minutes and the basis for conclusions.

Current stage

The founding drafts are published as exposure drafts for member comment while the founding Board is seated. Submit a comment letter.