> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/governance/annual-audit-process.md).

# Annual Audit Process

**To ensure the OCP and all methodologies, projects, and users within operate at the highest level of integrity and with the best available science & data, we run ad-hoc and annual audits of everything on the platform.**

{% hint style="success" icon="lightbulb" %}

### Last Audit:

[2025](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y1XqrmOj2doUvGqWjip78FjiU6Va_v9m/view), released April 2026
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/iLvaEfaJNw8T9myEwXPD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### **OCP Audit**

* Annual audit of OCP platform, employees, governing body, and security provisions
  * Focused on Bribery, corruption & money laundering, based on ISO 9001 (International Quality Management Systems) and ISO 31000 (Risk Assessment).
  * Findings are assessed by the OCP Advisory Board; next steps reported back + implemented by OCP team.
  * Process + Findings will be published in this knowledge base + at ocp.earth.&#x20;
  * *Last audit:* [*2025*](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y1XqrmOj2doUvGqWjip78FjiU6Va_v9m/view)*, released April 2026*
  * *Next audit: December 2026, released Q1 2027*
* A private and informal assessment of our registry was conducted by Calyx Global in November 2024. Reach out to <info@oneshot.earth> if you'd like access to their assessment

### **Methodology Review + Audit**

* **Every year**, an audit team, will assess all published methodologies on a three part scale: all good / check up-to-date / critical flag (over-crediting or additionality).&#x20;
  * The Audit team is comprised of: an OCP employee (led or selected by Rio Richardson), our science advisor (Mark Goldman), an external compliance expert, and ad-hoc experts with sector expertise.
  * All methodologies require a ‘check up-to-date’ at least once every **2** years; if they reach this boundary, they automatically get assigned this category.&#x20;
  * Critical flag methodologies are put ‘on pause’ along with all associated projects; no new projects can use them; no credits from existing projects can be issued until review is complete.&#x20;
  * If the methodology requires an update, an expert panel is reassembled to review + approve again. They vote on whether existing projects will need to be stopped and re-submitted, including new validation.
  * If the methodology fails the audit, it will be marked as ‘Cancelled’ and a summary of the cancellation reason will be added. It will then be unable to be used on the OCP platform. Any ongoing projects using it will be put on hold and will have to reapply using another methodology. We will not fully delete it off the system, as we believe there is enormous value in documenting issues with the VCM and learning from mistakes.
* Methodologies are checked for:
  * Continued conservativeness in baseline and emission reduction/removal calculations, to ensure no over-crediting,
  * Any change in regulation / law that may have changed impact additionality,
  * Scientific advances that may have changed initial uncertainties or additionality, permanence, or other parts of the methodology,
  * and other factors relevant to the sector.
* Additionally, anyone can submit an anonymous or non-anonymous complaint or flag for updates via our [Independent Grievance/Complaint process](/ocp-handbook/governance/stakeholder-engagement-and-complaints.md), which is open at all times. This will spark the immediate review of any methodology or project.
* Results + actions shared and approved by OCP Advisory board and published in this handbook and at ocp.earth.
* *Last audit:* [*2025*](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y1XqrmOj2doUvGqWjip78FjiU6Va_v9m/view)*, released April 2026*
* *Next audit: December 2026, released Q1 2027*

### **Project Audit**

* Every year, an audit team will assess all project categories on a three-part scale: all good / review / critical flag.
  * This includes checking against meta-registries + other registries for any double-counting.
  * The project audit team has the same composition described for methodology review (an OCP staff member, our Scientific Advisor, a VCM validation and compliance expert, and an ad-hoc sector expert).&#x20;
* Independently and separately, Validation companies audit both Validators and Projects they have assessed.
* Additionally, anyone can submit an anonymous or non-anonymous complaint or flag for updates via our Independent Grievance/Complaint process, which is open at all times. This will spark the immediate review of any methodology or project.
* Results + actions shared and approved by the OCP Advisory Board are published in this Handbook and at ocp.earth.
* *Last audit:* [*2025*](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y1XqrmOj2doUvGqWjip78FjiU6Va_v9m/view)*, released April 2026*
* *Next audit: December 2026, released Q1 2027*

### **VVB and Data Provider Audit**

* VVBs and Data Providers must provide or confirm up-to-date information, including company information + Conflict of Interest declaration annually.
* The OCP team reviews information against public sources (LinkedIn, company websites, accreditation lists).&#x20;
  * If any red flags come up, the account is put on pause (no further work can be done on the OCP platform), and a full review is completed with the full cooperation of the individual or company.
* One minor strike = account suspended for 1 year; two minor strikes or major strike = banned permanently.
* Minor or major strikes are publicly recorded on the user page. Banned or paused users still have a public profile on the platform with details on transgression.
* Results + actions shared and approved by the OCP Advisory Board are published in this Handbook and at ocp.earth.
* *Last audit:* [*2025*](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y1XqrmOj2doUvGqWjip78FjiU6Va_v9m/view)*, released April 2026*
* *Next audit: December 2026, released Q1 2027*


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