How can the ICVB be independent if it is funded by industry?
Independence is achieved through the very structure of the ICVB. Industry members have only two of nine seats on the ICVB, which allows the Board to function with full autonomy and free of undue influence by industry. Further, the verifiers receive guidance only from the full ICVB, not individual board members from industry and/or government. Likewise, the verifiers’ scope of work was determined by the full Board. Verifiers’ findings and reports are completely independent and cannot be altered, influenced or in any way censored by the ICVB or any individual board member. All meeting minutes are posted on the www.cocoaverification.net and this level of transparency allows concerned stakeholders to review the minutes and determine for themselves if industry is unduly influencing the process.
