Every three years, a team of industry experts, public advocates, and local community representatives visit each CIAC member and partner company to interview its senior managers. The verification team looks for answers to three key questions:
- Is the company meeting the expectations outlined in the Responsible Care® Codes?
- Is an effective management system in place that supports Responsible Care, and drives continuous improvement, in all areas?
- Is the company’s commitment to the Responsible Care® Ethic and Principles for Sustainability tangible, and does it guide the company’s judgment, decisions, and actions; internally and externally?
The verification team then prepares a report summarizing its conclusions, identifying opportunities for improvement, and pointing out any areas requiring corrective action. That verification report is publicly available (below). Companies are also expected to communicate the results of the verification exercise to their employees and other stakeholders.
This oversight and public verification of member and partner companies’ operations sets Responsible Care® apart from other industry sustainability initiatives.