Appeals & Remediation Framework¶

This document defines procedural fairness before any adverse certification change. Certification status changes are informational and non-punitive.

Mandatory Statement¶

Certification status changes are informational and non-punitive.

Changes to certification status (e.g., to Conditional, Paused, or Revoked) reflect the outcome of review under Last1 Standards. They do not constitute punishment, penalty, or public shaming. They inform the organization and, where applicable, funders or partners of current standing.

Appeals Flow (Textual)¶

Notice of proposed change. Before any adverse certification change (to Conditional, Paused, or Revoked), the organization receives written notice describing the proposed change, the basis in evidence and Standards, and the timeframe in which they may respond or appeal.
Response period. The organization has a defined period (e.g., 30 calendar days from notice, unless a shorter period is justified by urgency and stated in the notice) to submit a response, additional evidence, or a formal appeal.
Human review. All appeals and responses are reviewed by a human decision-maker (or panel) with access to the full record. No adverse certification change is made solely by automated process.
Decision and rationale. The organization receives a decision with a concise rationale. If the proposed change is upheld, the effective date of the status change and any conditions or next steps are stated.
Further appeal (if applicable). Where governance provides for a second level of review (e.g., escalation to a senior reviewer or committee), the notice of decision informs the organization of that option and the deadline to request it.

Timelines¶

Notice: Sent in writing (e.g., email to registered org contact) with clear subject and link or reference to Standards.
Response period: No less than 30 calendar days unless exigent circumstances are documented and communicated.
Review: Human review completed within a defined window (e.g., 30 calendar days after response or appeal is received), with extensions communicated if needed.
Decision: Communicated in writing; effective date of any status change stated and not retroactive before the date of the decision unless otherwise required by policy.

Required Notices¶

Pre-change: Notice of proposed adverse certification change, basis in evidence and Standards, and right to respond/appeal with deadline.
Post-decision: Final decision, rationale, effective date, and (if applicable) information about further appeal or remediation steps.

Human Review Checkpoints¶

Proposal of adverse change: Requires human review of evidence and alignment with Standards.
Appeal or response: Reviewed by a human; no automated denial.
Final decision: Issued by human governance; automated systems may support workflow but do not decide outcome.

Remediation¶

Where status is Conditional or Paused, remediation steps (e.g., documentation, corrective action, timeline) are specified in the notice or decision. Restoration to Active (or to Conditional from Paused) follows human confirmation that remediation is satisfied, in line with Last1 Standards.