How strong is the role of industry on the ICVB? Were the verification activities independent?
While the ICVB does include industry, government and civil society representation, industry did not participate in actual verification activities. The independent verification of the original certification surveys was commissioned and overseen by the multi-stakeholder ICVB. The verification was conducted by Fafo and Khulisa, both well-respected experts in their fields and known for their independence. In fact, in the case of Fafo, their accreditation as a research organization is reviewed by the Norwegian government and trade unions and their very ability to continue to work is contingent upon their full independence in all projects. Both Fafo and Khulisa work for numerous governmental agencies in the US and Europe (USAID, World Bank, ILO, etc.) and, as such, they are subjected to rigorous screening of their professional expertise and ethical procedures.
