The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) has reached a major milestone in finalising its inclusive governance model.
Following consultations with its Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) and other non-industry stakeholders, the SSI Board has officially approved its fully-fledged Multi-Stakeholder Governance Terms of Reference, acting the initiative’s commitment to equal representation of interests. Under the finalised structure, there are four stakeholder categories within the Board, each with 3 seats and equal voting rights. Half of these stakeholders represent industry (buyers, manufacturers), while the other half represent non-industry groups (civil society, institutional stakeholders and independent experts). The SSI Board, the main decision-making body of the initiative, is currently made of six industry members, equally representing solar PV buyers and manufacturers.
With this new framework in place, the SSI is now launching a call for interest to recruit six non-industry representatives to join its Board, where they will work alongside six industry members to shape the future of the solar supply chain. This formalised structure further strengthens the SSI’s existing engagement with a wide range of stakeholders and ensures that the governance is rooted in the principle of equal representation of interests. Every stakeholder group on the SSI Board will have an equal voice and influence.
Máté Heisz, Chair of the SSI Board commented: “This milestone formally enshrines the SSI’s multi-stakeholder ethos in our governance structure. Building on our longstanding engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, we’re now pleased to formally invite civil society organisations, independent experts, academics and other non-industry experts to join us in reinforcing the responsible future of the solar industry.”
The call for applications marks a new chapter for the SSI – the leading solar-specific supply chain sustainability assurance scheme.
Join the SSI Board
This call for interest seeks candidates from the civil society, academia, intergovernmental organisations, and other independent bodies and experts willing to help shape the strategic decisions driving the sustainable, transparent and responsible practices of the solar sector supply chain. The new Board members will be appointed in early 2025.
“Welcoming non-industry Board Members is essential to build an inclusive and balanced decision-making body. Their perspective will strengthen the positive impact of the SSI, reflecting the diversity of positions needed to drive a sustainable and transparent solar value chain.” said Gemma Grimes, Vice-Chair of the SSI Board.
Details about the roles
Non-industry Board members will play a central role in defining the SSI’s strategic direction. The SSI is also open to candidates who wish to contribute through the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG), an advisory body providing strategic recommendations on implementing the SSI’s vision and mission. SAG members represent diverse perspectives, including human rights organisations, environmental NGOs, labour unions, and independent experts. The SAG will also have the responsibility to elect the non-industry Board Members.
Interested candidates can view the Governance Terms of Reference here and view the full role description here. Applications are open until 1 March 2025.
About the SSI
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) is the supply chain sustainability assurance scheme dedicated to the needs of solar PV. Designed as a multi-stakeholder initiative, the SSI gathers companies from across the global solar value chain, as well as independent ESG actors, civil society and the international finance community. Working with all relevant stakeholders, the SSI fosters responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of solar materials.
For more information, visit www.solarstewardshipinitiative.org or follow us on LinkedIn
Applications for Board positions are open until 1 March 2025. Interested candidates can review the Governance Terms of Reference and detailed role descriptions on the Careers page of the SSI website.
