> 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/conflict-of-interest.md). # Conflict of Interest The Open Carbon Protocol upholds rigorous integrity and transparency standards. We actively prevent conflicts of interest between stakeholders and users to maintain trust in our mission and the carbon market. Our Conflict of Interest policies require all team members, partners, contractors, and board members to identify, disclose and manage potential conflicts. We define a Conflict of Interest as: a scenario where a person with material decision-making authority has a [financial, commercial, familial, or fiduciary interest](#dependency-definition) in the outcome of a decision they are involved in making, such that their personal interest could reasonably be expected to influence — or appear to influence — the objectivity or integrity of that decision. These experts and VVBs must be independent of the OCP, as well as the methodology curators and project developers using our platform. We have 2 versions of our COI policy: ### 1. OCP Internal Team COI Policy Covers: OCP management, all employees and contractors, and [OCP Advisory Board](/ocp-handbook/governance/ocp-governance-structure/ocp-board.md). Ensures the OCP operates independently from the methodologies and projects we register. [*See our definition of 'dependencies' here*](#dependency-guidelines)*.* * The OCP is designed so that **the approval of new carbon crediting methodologies or projects is the responsibility of independent, third-party Experts and VVBs**; **oneshot.earth employees cannot vote on, override, or influence the substantive outcome of an expert panel decision**. * However, some employees may have more impact on the decision-making process through contact with the decision-making Experts and VVBs. These roles will be held to a higher degree of conflict of interest management than other employees. * Potential Advisory Board members with a substantial conflict of interest will not be approved. * **Process:** * All employees must sign complete a [COI Attestation](https://form.jotform.com/241835841837162) when they join the company * In January, all current employees must update and resubmit a [COI Attestation](https://form.jotform.com/241835841837162). * **If a Conflict Of Interest is identified during or between attestations:** * Communicate the identified COI to Rio Richardson, Chief Product Officer, who will escalate to the OCP Advisory Board. Proposed resolution will be submitted in the register. * If the COI involves a member of Leadership or the OCP Advisory Board, they will not participate in the decision making process on their own COI. ### **2. OCP** E**xternal Community Policy** Covers: **voting experts and VVBs,** who provide external third-party expertise and decision-making on whether new methodologies and projects should be approved. These experts and VVBs must be independent of the OCP, as well as the methodology curators and project developers using our platform. * **Any person or organization acting as a Voting Expert on a methodology review panel or validating a project must be independent of the project developer involved, ensuring they are impartial and objective**; [dependency guidelines are listed below](#dependency-definition). * Process: * **All experts and VVBs, as well as any other user with a potential conflict of interest, must complete and sign our** [**Conflict of Interest Attestation**](https://form.jotform.com/241487112052145) **before they start work. All** * In January, all active members of the expert and validator community must update and resubmit the [Conflict of Interest Attestation](https://form.jotform.com/241487112052145). * **If a Conflict of Interest is identified during or between attestations:** * If you identify an issue, please[ contact the ](mailto:admin@ocp.earth)[OCP team](mailto:admin@ocp.earth) with details. * The identified COI will be added to the [OCP Conflict of Interest Register](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V2Xq4bQe990o2ZQdlIjHt3NcysmWnoWTMz7dlFFKbD4/edit?usp=sharing). * For work not started, the affected person or organization will be removed from the piece of work. * Under some circumstances, if a COI is identified, the **voting expert** will be moved to sit on the **non-voting panel**. Meaning, they will be able to provide feedback on the methodology, but not have decision-making authority. * For work started or completed, we'll set up a review panel with OCP management and anyone else involved to assess risk and decide on appropriate action. These actions will depend on the severity of the conflict and may include the cancellation of projects and credits, and/or account suspension or bans. The board will review and approve this decision and action. * All impacted projects and credits will be put on pause while the assessment is taking place (i.e. they cannot be used, new credits cannot be issued, and current credits cannot be transferred or retired), within 1 working day of the identified conflict. The OCP targets a resolution timeline of 2 weeks. All identified Conflicts of Interest will be recorded in the [public Conflict Of Interest Register](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V2Xq4bQe990o2ZQdlIjHt3NcysmWnoWTMz7dlFFKbD4/edit?usp=sharing). {% hint style="info" %} [OCP Conflict of Interest Register - Public Access](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V2Xq4bQe990o2ZQdlIjHt3NcysmWnoWTMz7dlFFKbD4/edit?usp=sharing) {% endhint %} ### **Dependency Definition** * ‘Dependency’ includes: * **Financial interests or connection (direct or indirect)** - ownership stakes, investments, financial ties * **Previous relationships within the last 3 years (36 months)** - any past or present relationships with the Project Developer, Methodology Curator, or relevant party - partnerships, employment, consultancy or any other affiliation that could affect objectivity * And **any other situation** that might raise the question of bias, including indirect interests with suppliers and clients, including immediate family members. * These guidelines apply to all the COI policies listed above, for internal team members, Advisory Board members and external community members.