► to act in a professional, ethical and impartial manner at all times.

In the event that the Benchmark Committee Leader decides to suspend the benchmarking process for any reason, he / she shall immediately notify the GFSI Executive Director of this decision, who, in turn, will notify the GFSI Board.

The registered Benchmark Committee Members shall have the following responsibilities:

► to use their experience, expertise and knowledge to provide input into the assessment of a scheme application,

► to effectively communicate with the GFSI Benchmark Committee Leader or any other party, if requested to do so by the GFSI Benchmark Committee Leader,

► to ensure assigned activities are undertaken within the agreed timescales, ► to act in a professional, ethical and impartial manner at all times.

The GFSI Executive Director shall have the following responsibilities with regards to the benchmarking

process:

► to provide administrative support to the GFSI Benchmark Committee Leader,

► to ensure all events and activities are fully and accurately documented and records retained,

► to investigate and act upon any issue arising from the performance or possible conflict of interests of

Benchmark Committee Members.