Categories of Membership
VPI Membership is intended for governments; companies in the industries of extracting, harvesting, developing natural resources, or energy; and NGOs working to advance human right or other important norms relevant to the Voluntary Principles. Members are categorized accordingly into three pillars: Governments, Companies, and NGOs.
Additionally, there is a category for Observer organizations. This includes international organizations, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and International Finance Corporation, or industry and trade associations, such as the ICMM — International Council on Mining and Metals.
See the full list of our Members and Observers here.
Pathway to becoming Full Members
There are two membership tiers – Engaged and Full Members. New applicants need to first apply to become an Engaged Member. Once approved, Engaged Members are expected to contribute around VPSHR implementation, and strengthen their own implementation processes. Engaged Members can seek advice and support from the VPI Secretariat and other Members on such implementation efforts, and may be required to pay a reduced membership fee. However, Engaged Members do not have voting rights within the Initiative.
To become Full Members, organizations must fulfill certain requirements, which include demonstrating their efforts to implement, or support the implementation of the VPSHR.
Applying for Membership
Applicants must first demonstrate that they meet the entry criteria for the category they are applying to. Applicants of each category should refer to the respective Framework for Admission, available below, for information and guidance on the entry criteria and the application process.
All applications should be submitted in writing to applications@voluntaryprinciples.org. The VPI Secretariat is available to address questions and provide more information to applicants before and throughout the process.
Application Timeframe
The VPI has two application windows, closing on March 31 and September 15 of each year. Applications sent after each window closes will be assessed during the next cycle. Typically, a successful application process takes several months (up to a year) from the window close date to acceptance.
Review Process
The VPI Board reviews each application, in consultation with VPI Members. Additional clarifications may be requested. Before a decision is made, applicants may be invited to deliver a presentation to the Board and other Members.
Long-term Commitment
Becoming a VPI Member marks the beginning of a purposeful journey. By applying, applicants signal their dedication to continuous improvement, transparency, and sustained intention to engage with a multi-stakeholder community to strengthen their security and human rights best practices.
Frameworks for Admission
Membership contributions
There is no fee to apply for VPI Membership. However, some corporate and government members are required to pay annual membership contributions, which vary depending on Membership status (Engaged or Full) and size of the organization (for Company Members). All NGO Members are exempt. Governments which are not members of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are not required to pay fees, along with OECD members which are included on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients.
Engaged corporate and government Members will pay reduced fees. Details about the contribution structure can be found here.