About / Governance
How decisions get made.
V4's governance structure is designed to protect the independence of rating decisions from commercial and reputational pressures.
Governance structure
Board of Directors
The Board is responsible for the overall governance of Valence Four Carbon Ratings Private Limited. Board composition includes independent directors with no commercial interest in carbon markets.
Methodology Committee
Oversees all changes to V4 methodology documents. Changes must pass a three-member committee review before publication. Committee composition: Head of Methodology, one external reviewer, and one board member.
Ratings Committee
Reviews and approves all ratings before publication. Ratings Committee members are not compensated on the basis of rating outcomes. Any rating that has been the subject of a third-party challenge is reviewed by the full committee.
Advisory Board
Four to six external advisors with relevant expertise in carbon markets, environmental science, energy policy, and climate finance. Advisory board meets quarterly and reviews V4's methodology and independence practices.
Published policies
Conflicts of Interest Policy
How V4 identifies, discloses, and manages conflicts of interest in rating decisions.
Rating Review Policy
The process by which third parties can request a review of a V4 rating, and how V4 responds.
Methodology Change Policy
How V4 communicates and implements changes to methodology documents.
Data Retention Policy
How V4 stores, retains, and disposes of rating-related data.
Whistleblower Policy
How V4 handles reports of misconduct or policy violations.
Questions about governance?
For governance-related enquiries, including policy reviews and advisory board nominations, contact the board directly.
Contact governance