The Bonsucro Grievance Mechanism

Get independent resolution when Bonsucro Members don't meet their commitments. Our expert-led grievance mechanism gives individuals and organisations a clear path to remedy, combining mediation and adjudication to resolve disputes fairly.

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What is the Bonsucro Grievance Mechanism?

When a Bonsucro Member violates the Code of Conduct or Bonsucro Standards, you need a credible route to resolution. Our independent grievance mechanism provides exactly that - a structured, UN-aligned process that protects your rights and delivers outcomes.

Why this matters:

Bonsucro has aligned its Grievance Mechanism with the United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP) on Business and Human Rights, Effectiveness Criteria. This ensures world-class standards for compliance, risk management, and remediation - giving you confidence that your grievance will be handled with integrity and expertise.

The mechanism is independently recognised by ISEAL and the European Commission (EU RED accreditation), demonstrating its credibility and effectiveness.

Eligibility

Before submitting a grievance, you must check your Eligibility.

The Bonsucro Grievance Mechanism is a formal process that sits within a wider grievance and complaints ecosystem. Therefore, you must check your eligibility before submitting to ensure the best route for resolution.

How to submit a grievance

Ready to submit your grievance? Once you've confirmed your issue falls within the scope of the Bonsucro Grievance Mechanism, it's straightforward:
  1. Complete the application form - provide details of your grievance
  2. Submit supporting evidence - include any relevant documentation as annexes
  3. We'll take it from there - CEDR will review your submission and guide you through the next steps

The Rules

A copy of the Rules governing the Bonsucro Grievance Mechanism can be found below.

Check the Status of your Complaint

To check on the status of a current complaint, or for more information of Bonsucro’s reporting please see Bonsucro’s website.

Mediators

  • Baria Ahmed
  • Heather Allen
  • Sheila Bates
  • Michael Cover
  • Susanne Schuler
  • Felicity Steadman
  • Wolf Von Kumberg

The Process:

1

Stage 1: Scope assessment

We review your submission to ensure it's complete and within scope
  • CEDR assesses your submission for completeness and eligibility
  • If we identify any issues, you'll have the opportunity to address them and resubmit
  • Check our Eligibility Checklist to see if your grievance qualifies
2

Stage 2: Mediation (optional)

Work towards a negotiated resolution with expert support
  • A trained, neutral mediator actively helps both parties work towards agreement
  • You remain in control of the decision to settle and the terms of resolution
  • All mediations take place virtually (unless both parties agree otherwise and fund additional costs)
  • The process is flexible, confidential, and focused on finding solutions that work for everyone

Learn more about mediation | Discover how online mediation works

3

Stage 3: Adjudication (if mediation doesn't resolve the dispute)

If your case doesn't settle at mediation, an independent adjudicator will:
  • Review all the information provided
  • Determine whether a breach of the Bonsucro Code of Conduct or Standards occurred
  • Issue a report that's communicated to the Bonsucro Board and published on the Bonsucro website
Recommend actions (if a breach is found), which the Bonsucro Board will review and approve

Any amendments to the adjudicator's recommendations will be documented in a written addendum to their report.

Read the full process design and background