***
**Does the entity have a policy/policies on governance issues?**
{% columns %}
{% column width="75%" %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column width="25%" %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
## Assessment Instructions
Intent: What is the purpose of this indicator?
The intent of this indicator is to assess the existence and scope of the entity’s policies on governance issues. Governance policies help integrate governance considerations into business practices and support effective oversight across the organization.
Input: How do I complete this indicator?
{% hint style="info" %}
Instructions apply to first-year fund participants or funds that materially changed their management practices since last year's assessment.
{% endhint %}
**Select Yes or No:** If selecting ‘Yes’, select applicable sub-options.
#### Terminology
**Governance Issues**
> Governance structure and composition of the entity. This includes how the highest governance body is established and structured in support of the entity’s purpose, and how this purpose relates to economic, environmental and social dimensions.
**Policy**
> Defines an organizational commitment, direction or intention as formally adopted by the organization.
Validation: What evidence is required?
Evidence not validated.
#### Evidence
Supporting evidence is mandatory but for **reporting purposes only**.
An entity should report that it has a governance policy when:
* The policy specifically addresses at least one governance issue. For example, a policy on issues such as cybersecurity or board composition.
* The policy was in place during the reporting year and applicable to the reporting entity.
* The policy applies at the entity level. If the policy is set at the group and/or manager level, then a reference must be provided to verify applicability to the reporting entity.
The provided evidence must demonstrate the existence of a ***formal*** policy document(s) that address(es) each of the selected governance issues and not simply a list of general goals and/or commitments.
**A policy is a guide for action that can serve the purpose of:**
* Outlining rules and procedures
* Providing principles that guide action
* Setting roles and responsibilities
* Describing values and beliefs
* Stating an intention to act or achieve defined goals and/or company vision
Acceptable evidence may include a formal policy that is in place, such as a governance policy document, official documents, or links to online resources describing the entity's governance policies. Reference can be provided, such as bullets or passages within a policy, to describe the goals or ambitions for each issue.
## Scoring
{% columns %}
{% column width="66.66666666666666%" %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% column width="33.33333333333334%" %}
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
Scoring: How does GRESB score this indicator?
The scoring of this indicator is equal to the fraction assigned to the selected option, multiplied by the total score of the indicator.
Scoring Basics
## Frequently Asked Questions
My entity has recently updated our sustainability policy. Can I submit it as evidence?
Indicator responses must be true at the close of the chosen reporting year in indicator EC4
(i.e., calendar or fiscal year). The response does not need to have been true for the entire
reporting year. For example, if the policy was adopted one month before the end of the reporting
year, the document can be uploaded as evidence in the assessment, even if the policy was not
in place for the entire reporting year.
My company rebranded during the reporting year. Which version of policies should
we submit for PO1-3?
GRESB recommends uploading the most recent (post-rebranding) versions of documents,
as these will be used to pre-fill some indicators in the next assessment. However, GRESB
accepts policies that were in effect at any time during the reporting year (fiscal year or calendar
year, as selected in indicator EC4). This means participants can upload either the pre-rebranding policy, the post-rebranding policy, or both. Please use the open text box within the
evidence upload section to explain that the rebranding occurred, and that the entity name
changed during the year.
I have the relevant policies, but they aren't on our website. Can I still answer "Yes"
to these indicators?
Yes. Public disclosure is not required. If you have the policies documented and implemented
within your organization, you can answer "Yes," regardless of whether they are publicly available.
***
References
Indicator partially aligned with
[PRI Reporting Framework 2018, Direct Infrastructure Supplement, INF 02, INF 13](https://www.unpri.org/Uploads/d/f/r/9.-INF-2018---final.pdf)
Good practice example: Please refer to this [link](https://palisadepartners.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/palisade-esg-policy.pdf).
## Get Support: Solution Providers
GRESB Solution Providers are independent, third-party organizations within the GRESB Partner network that offer specialized products, tools, and services to support sustainability performance outside the GRESB Assessment process.
The organizations below deliver commercially available solutions designed to help drive improvement for this indicator. Engagement is managed directly between the reporting entity and the Solution Provider.
GRESB will continue to update this section as the GRESB Solution Provider network grows. Please check back regularly to find GRESB Solution Providers who can support your sustainability performance.
---
# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://guides.gresb.com/fund/completing-the-assessment/2026-fund-assessment/management-component/policies/po3-governance-issues.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.