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they represent. A number of enterprises might also pool small financial
contributions to support a local institution in providing expert advice to
complainants or to enable the use of mediation should it be needed.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Do we already have a mechanism that deals, at least in part, with grievances?
If so, is it available to all potentially affected stakeholders or does its reach need
to be broadened? Is it able to address any kind of impact or does it need to be
extended to do so?
Is there senior-level oversight of the grievance mechanism and accountability for its
performance within the enterprise?
Is there an opportunity for or advantage in having joint oversight of the mechanism
with representatives of stakeholder groups? If not, how can we at least solicit feedback
from affected stakeholder groups on its performance and possible improvements?
Does the mechanism provide for all relevant business units or functions in the enterprise
to be involved in investigating and resolving grievances, while avoiding conflicts of
interest or risk to individuals?
If resource constraints make it difficult to run a self-standing grievance mechanism,
can we benefit from shared resources to make it feasible or, alternatively, participate
in an effective external mechanism?
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 31
In order to ensure their effectiveness, non-judicial grievance mechanisms, both Statebased and non-State-based, should be:
(a) Legitimate: enabling trust from the stakeholder groups for whose use they are
intended, and being accountable for the fair conduct of grievance processes;
(b) Accessible: being known to all stakeholder groups for whose use they are
intended, and providing adequate assistance for those who may face
particular barriers to access;
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