Code Development
A comprehensive consultation process guides the development of the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice. As voluntary standards systems learn and evolve, so does the global understanding of what makes them credible.
The development of an ISEAL Code of Good Practice is a two year process after which codes are reviewed every four years. Anyone is welcome to contribute to the development or revision of a code and can do so in the first instance by contacting consultation [at] isealalliance [dot] org.
Current Revision Status of ISEAL Codes
Development Process
The code development process follows our own guidelines laid out in the Standard-Setting Code and is elaborated in the Code Development Procedure. It includes the following stages:
- The Stakeholder Council develops a justification of the need for a Code.
- Terms of reference are prepared for a Board decision whether to develop a new Code.
- The Secretariat maps stakeholder groups and prepares public information.
- The Stakeholder Council chooses a balanced Steering Group to lead the drafting process.
- The Steering Group confirms any Technical Committees to support the drafting.
- An initial draft is prepared, which is approved for consultation by the Stakeholder Council.
- Two public consultation periods are held, including field testing with intended users.
- Comments are incorporated after each consultation and a revised draft is prepared.
- The final draft is sent to stakeholders who commented, for their opinion.
- The Stakeholder Council makes a recommendation for approval by the Board.
- Codes are reviewed and revised on a regular basis following the same process.