G4 Translations. PEER REVIEW Terms of Reference

Transcription

1 G4 Translations PEER REVIEW

2 GRI TERMS OF REFERENCE This document (hereafter ToR ) outlines the criteria for peer reviewers of the <language> translation of the G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. GRI will select suitable candidates to act as voluntary, unpaid peer reviewers of the <language> translation of G4 based on how well they meet this set of criteria. This document outlines the necessary skills and knowledge required of peer reviewers and the timeline of revision of the <language> translation of G4. INTRODUCTION The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) produces comprehensive Sustainability Reporting Guidelines that are widely used around the world to enable greater organizational transparency. The Guidelines set out the Principles and Standard Disclosures organizations can use to measure and report their economic, environmental, and social performance. GRI is committed to continuously improving and increasing the use of the Guidelines, which are freely available to the public. In May 2013, the fourth generation of GRI s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines G4 was launched. The translation of the G4 Guidelines into various different languages ensures that they are accessible to a global audience. This global accessibility and reach is central to the fulfillment of GRI s mission to mainstream sustainability reporting. GRI is using the services of a professional translation agency for all G4 translations. To cover the cost, GRI is seeking the support of organizations to help with financial sponsorship. GRI will also be enlisting the help of between three and four peer reviewers per language on a pro bono basis. The G4 Guidelines have increased user-friendliness and accessibility. They are presented in two interconnected parts: Part 1 (94 pages) and Part 2 (266 pages). For more information about the G4 Guidelines click here. To learn more about the G4 translations process, click here. Page 2 of 6

3 PEER REVIEW MANDATE GRI works with a professional translation agency for all G4 translations. Peer reviewers of the <language> translation of G4, will be tasked with reviewing the quality of the complete translation. The role of the peer reviewer is to thoroughly read the translation and provide constructive criticism where necessary on parts they feel need to be reviewed. The type of criticism/feedback being sought involves identifying and explaining weaknesses in the text and suggesting solutions. All feedback from peer reviewers will be submitted to GRI and passed on to the translation agency for consideration. The translation agency may seek contact with the peer reviewers for clarifications if necessary. The translation agency will take feedback received into account and will be responsible for making the final decision on any changes to be implemented. The end responsibility of the translation lies with the translation agency. PEER REVIEW RECRUITMENT Peer reviewers are responsible for checking and approving the quality of the <language> translation of the G4 Guidelines. Peer reviewers are selected by the GRI Secretariat. Selection criteria include expertise, stakeholder diversity and availability. Preference will be given to Certified Training Partners and Organizational Stakeholders. GRI will consider the expertise and experience of the applicants during the recruitment and selection processes for G4 peer reviewers. Peer reviewers will be selected based on the following set of criteria: Native speaker of the language in question Strong English language skills Good knowledge of sustainability reporting and familiarity with GRI s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines Familiarity with the needs of sustainability reporters and report users Ability to complete the revision in the given time frame Ability to provide written English feedback when requested Page 3 of 6

4 PROCEDURE The GRI Secretariat will convene a G4 Translations Peer Review Committee, responsible for selecting the appropriate peer reviewers for each translation. The Committee will appoint one of the peer reviewers as a Chair and she/he will serve as a liaison person with the GRI Peer Review Committee and the translation agency should this be required. GRI will provide peer reviewers with the translated document on an agreed-upon date that will allow for three weeks peer review work. At the end of the three weeks, the Chair may organize a telephone or in-person meeting of all peer reviewers to jointly prepare their feedback submission to GRI. After this meeting the Chair will merge all reviewers input into a single document to be sent back to GRI s within two weeks. GRI will then pass the feedback on to the translation agency. GRI will provide instructions on how the feedback can be provided. PEER REVIEWER COMMITMENTS AND TIMELINES Peer reviewers are expected to: Review the translated document and provide feedback in a timely manner Work in a manner that is aimed at meeting the needs of report users If necessary, attend at least one (telephone) meeting with other peer reviewers to prepare joint feedback Be ready to provide additional clarifications on feedback provided, should this be required Actions Date Translation sent to peer reviewers Individual reviews complete Meeting of all peer reviewers to discuss joint feedback submission (optional) Combined feedback returned to GRI Page 4 of 6

5 ACKNOWLEDGMENT In the acknowledgments section of the translation, the following text will appear (in the relevant language) to recognize the parties that made the translation possible. The GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines are developed in English. While strict quality requirements were placed on this translation, the English version remains the official document. Any updates to the English version of the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines will be published on the GRI website ( This <language> translation has been carried out by Strategic Agenda LLP and has been peer reviewed by the following individuals: <Name 1, job title and organization> <Name 2, job title and organization> <Name 3, job title and organization> In addition to recognition in the translated document itself, peer reviewers will be recognized in the launch communications. This will include recognition in GRI social media posts, the GRI Newsletter, as well at any GRI launch event, if applicable. Signed for and on behalf of the Peer reviewer Signature: Name and Title Date Page 5 of 6

6 Global Reporting Initiative PO Box EA Amsterdam Netherlands Tel: +31 (0) Fax: +31 (0) Further information on the G4 translations program can be obtained from: Further information on GRI and the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines can be obtained from: Global Reporting Initiative. All rights reserved. GRI is a Collaboration Centre of the United Nations Environment Programme. Page 6 of 6