Governance & Ethics

Governance Structure

The Institute is governed by a Board of Governors composed of individuals with expertise in behavioral science, professional education, and organizational governance. The Board is responsible for strategic oversight, policy approval, and the integrity of the certification framework.

The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations and reports to the Board. The Executive Director does not hold a vote on Board decisions affecting certification standards or disciplinary matters, maintaining separation between operational and governance functions.

• Board of Governors — strategic oversight, policy, and certification integrity
• Scientific Advisory Council — technical guidance on examination standards and scientific currency
• Standards & Assessment Committee — development and periodic review of competency frameworks
• Ethics & Professional Conduct Committee — review of complaints and disciplinary recommendations
• Finance & Audit Committee — financial oversight and institutional accountability

Independence and Conflict of Interest

GIB operates as an independent certifying body. The Institute does not deliver training programs and maintains structural separation from approved training organizations. Board and committee members are required to disclose conflicts of interest prior to decisions in which they have a material interest, and to recuse themselves from such decisions.

No Board member may hold a financial interest in, or directorial role with, any approved training organization while serving on the Board.

Governance Principles

• Competency-based assessment standards, developed with reference to recognized professional credentialing practice.
• Impartial certification decisions, separated from training delivery.
• Transparency in published policies, competency frameworks, and examination standards.
• Periodic review of standards to reflect advances in behavioral science research.
• Accessible complaints and appeals processes.

Code of Ethics

All GIB credential holders agree to uphold the Institute's Code of Ethics as a condition of certification and renewal. The Code governs professional conduct in the application of behavioral science skills and establishes boundaries of responsible practice.

The Code of Ethics addresses:

• Responsible and evidence-informed application of behavioral observation skills
• Respect for individual dignity and avoidance of discriminatory or coercive practice
• Confidentiality and appropriate handling of sensitive behavioral data
• Boundaries of competence — practitioners must not represent their credentials beyond the scope they confer
• Non-exploitation — credentials must not be used to exert undue influence, coerce, or manipulate
• Disclosure of credential status and its limitations to employers and clients

GIB certifications are professional development credentials. Credential holders must not represent their qualification as a government accreditation, clinical diagnosis, or operational authority of any kind. Behavioral observation is one evidence-informed tool among many; credential holders are trained to apply it with appropriate professional judgment, not to make definitive determinations of intent or deception.

Complaints and Disciplinary Process

The Institute maintains a formal process for receiving and investigating complaints regarding potential breaches of the Code of Ethics by credential holders or approved training organizations.

How to submit a complaint: Complaints should be submitted in writing to the Ethics & Professional Conduct Committee via the Institute's registrar. Complaints must identify the credential holder or organization concerned, describe the alleged breach, and provide any supporting information. Anonymous complaints may be considered at the Committee's discretion.

Investigation process:

• Receipt acknowledged within 10 working days
• Initial assessment to determine whether the complaint falls within scope
• Formal investigation where scope is confirmed, including opportunity for the respondent to reply
• Committee recommendation to the Board within 60 days of scope confirmation
• Board decision communicated to all parties in writing

Sanctions available: Remediation requirement, formal caution, suspension of certification, or withdrawal of certification, depending on the severity of the finding.

Appeals: Any party may appeal a Board decision within 30 days of notification. Appeals are reviewed by an independent panel that does not include any member who participated in the original investigation.

Scope-of-Practice Notice

GIB credentials are professional development qualifications issued by an independent certifying body. They are not accredited by, affiliated with, or recognized by any government agency, military branch, law enforcement authority, or intelligence body. GIB certifications do not confer government authority, security clearance, operational authorization, or clinical diagnostic authority of any kind.

Behavioral observation skills developed through GIB-approved training and assessed in GIB examinations support structured, evidence-informed professional practice. No behavioral observation method has been established as a reliable independent indicator of deception. Credential holders must not represent their skills as providing the ability to definitively detect lies or determine intent.