Guardian Group Terms of Reference (Nov 2016)

The Guardian Group Terms of Reference, established by the GRLI in November 2016, defines the role, composition, and operational framework of this key governance body within the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative. The document outlines how the Guardian Group upholds the GRLI's vision, mission, and operating ethos on behalf of the Council of Partners, working collaboratively with the Board and Support Centre.

The terms of reference detail the Guardian Group's structure, comprising up to 10 members selected through open nomination and invitation, with two-year renewable mandates. It specifies governance activities including co-designing Council meetings, identifying emerging initiatives, recruiting new institutional partners, and ensuring transparent governance processes. The document establishes selection criteria emphasizing commitment to GRLI values, creative and flexible thinking, and constructive challenge, alongside specific participation requirements.

Additionally, the reference outlines a comprehensive renewal calendar, induction process using a buddy system, and annual performance assessment mechanisms. The appendix articulates the GRLI's foundational values—fairness, freedom, honesty, humanity, responsibility, sustainable development, tolerance, and transparency—alongside its vision, mission, and guiding principles that emphasize creating communities of responsible action and producing tangible, scalable results for systemic change.