A/HRC/44/32 mechanisms in other States in different operating contexts and/or resolving grievances in specific cases. Part II. Improving the effectiveness of non-State-based grievance mechanisms Policy objective 6: Non-State-based grievance mechanisms are effective in dealing with business-related human rights harm. 6.1 The mechanism’s mandate, objectives and operations are aligned with internationally recognized human rights. 6.2 The effectiveness criteria set out in principle 31 of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are used as a benchmark for designing, operating, tracking the effectiveness of and improving the mechanism. Policy objective 7: Non-State-based grievance mechanisms are legitimate. 7.1 The mechanism publishes and proactively disseminates information necessary for a proper understanding by rights holders and other relevant stakeholders of its mandate, objectives and operations. 7.2 There is meaningful consultation with relevant rights holders and other stakeholders as to the optimal design of the mechanism and its processes, and as part of regular evaluation exercises for the purposes of identifying ways in which the mechanism’s design and/or operations can be improved. 7.3 Where relevant and appropriate, business enterprises and other relevant entities engage proactively with those seeking to develop and implement worker-driven and community-driven grievance mechanisms, contributing constructively to all stages of the design process. 7.4 The mechanism adopts and implements the policies and processes needed to address the needs of people who may be at heightened risk of vulnerability or marginalization, drawing on relevant internal and/or external expertise, including through meaningful consultation with relevant rights holders and other stakeholders, and adopting a gender perspective. 7.5 The mechanism has been provided with an appropriate degree of independence from the business enterprise(s) and other actors whose activities may be the subject of grievances and has adopted and implemented the policies, processes and practices needed to maintain that independence in its day-to-day operations and at all stages of the grievance process. 7.6 The necessary arrangements have been made to: (a) Minimize the risk of conflicts of interest for the mechanism (or any of its personnel) with respect to the discharge of its mandate and functions; (b) Minimize the risk of any undue influence of any actor(s); (c) Address power imbalances between relevant actors, including through adopting a gender perspective and paying special attention to people who may be at heightened risk of vulnerability or marginalization. 7.7 Personnel employed by or assigned to the mechanism are suitably qualified for the tasks they are required to carry out and are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct. 7.8 The mechanism adopts and implements the policies and processes needed to ensure that personnel engaged in the handling of grievances: (a) Are cognizant of (i) the rights and needs of the people for whom the mechanism is intended (including through adopting a gender perspective and paying special attention to 11