(RSPO) and complaint resolution - Forest Peoples Programme

The RSPO Complaints PanelThe RSPO Complaints Panel deliberates and decides on complaints casesthat fall outside the remit of other complaint resolution mechanisms. It is ahigh-level body that does the following:1. Handles complaints against RSPO as an organisation.2. Addresses breaches of the Code of Conduct (e.g. violation of the RSPOP&C).3. Serves as a body of last resort if other resolution mechanisms have failed.4. Imposes measures to incentivise resolution (or termination; e.g.imposing a moratorium on a company’s activities where this is deemednecessary in line with the P&C).5. Ensures that RSPO governance systems allow for deliberation on redress,reparation, and compensation (e.g. through DSF).6. Endeavours to capture wider lessons and make recommendations to theRSPO EB on any systemic improvements.The Complaints Panel is also responsible for:1. Deciding on the legitimacy of any given complaint made against anRSPO member and on any interim measure needed during furtherhandling of the case by the RSPO (further documentation and evidencemay be required if the legitimacy of the case is under question).2. Deliberating and deciding on the course of action to be taken toaddress the complaint.The Complaints Panel is mandated by the RSPO EB for the tasks and roledescribed above. The EB is in charge of overseeing the activities of theComplaints Panel. If consensus is not reached, the Complaints Panel canappeal to the EB for further deliberation and consensus-based decisionmaking.16