Interdependence
Cross-border cooperation depends on recognising the legitimate interests, rights and responsibilities of others.
USG Scheme 2.0
Shared Trust Infrastructure Framework
01 / Purpose
What does the USG Scheme establish?
The USG Scheme sets out shared principles for individuals and organisations participating in the USG trust infrastructure. It provides a common basis for participation while respecting different legal, cultural and institutional contexts.
Respect for difference
Different legal, cultural and institutional traditions can cooperate without becoming identical.
Responsibility in participation
Participants should act in good faith, make their capacity and limitations clear, and address difficulty constructively.
Continuing contribution
The framework develops through documented participation, practical experience and responsible contribution.
Shared principles. Voluntary endorsement.
Responsible participation.
Participation
What is a
Trust Builder?
A Trust Builder is an individual or organisation that has endorsed the USG Scheme.
Endorsement records a voluntary commitment to the Scheme’s principles and provides a route to participation in USG Commons.
02 / Core principles
Core principles
for participation.
The principles provide a common reference for conduct and cooperation within the USG trust infrastructure. They do not replace applicable law, professional duties or the rules of any institution.
Integrity and Good-Faith Participation
Participate honestly and responsibly; correct material errors promptly.
Mutual Respect
Respect rights, dignity, privacy and different perspectives; reject discrimination and abuse of power.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Reduce unnecessary barriers to participation across cost, language, geography and technology.
Careful Judgement and Open Communication
Ground judgements in facts, appropriate process and sufficient understanding.
Neutrality and Fair Participation
Seek procedural neutrality, fair treatment and balanced participation.
Value Beyond Quantity
Consider trust, fairness, durability, contribution, learning, resilience and long-term effects alongside traditional indicators.
Responsibility for Influence
Those shaping measurement and incentives should examine their foreseeable effects on behaviour.
Cross-Cultural Understanding and Legal Diversity
Understand relevant differences in legal traditions, business practice and communication.
Transparency and Appropriate Disclosure
Be clear about roles, objectives, limitations and material risks while respecting confidentiality.
Responsibility and Performance
Make commitments carefully; communicate early when performance becomes difficult.
Dialogue, Co-development and Practical Resolution
Listen and develop workable solutions through shared participation.
Conflict Prevention
Identify risks early and use constructive means to prevent unnecessary confrontation.
Digital Trust and Responsible Innovation
Use digital tools and AI with data protection, fairness and appropriate human oversight.
Voluntary Cooperation and Contribution
Contribute voluntarily through appropriate knowledge, time, resources or professional capability.
Future-oriented and Sustainable Governance
Adapt governance to change with human dignity and long-term value in view.
Participation in practice
Applying the
principles.
Participants may apply the Scheme through learning, dialogue, professional activity, conflict prevention and other documented contributions within the USG framework.
Explore learning pathways →Contribute within capacity
Contribute time, knowledge, experience, professional capability, technology, funding, projects or relevant connections where appropriate.
Support participation
Help make cooperation accessible and enable relevant perspectives to be considered.
Address difficulty early
Raise uncertainty or emerging difficulty in time for dialogue or proportionate professional support.
Develop professional capability
Use learning, supervision and practice to strengthen relevant skills.
Clarify shared arrangements
Record roles, capacity, responsibilities, evidence and agreed changes where cooperation requires them.
Document relevant activity
Relevant participation, learning and activity may be recorded within the USG framework, subject to applicable review and visibility rules.
03 / Endorsement
Endorse the
USG Scheme.
Read the Scheme and confirm your endorsement to become a Trust Builder.
- 01
Read
Read the Scheme and consider its principles and important notices.
- 02
Endorse
Provide the required details and confirm endorsement of the current Scheme version.
Endorse the Scheme → - 03
Confirmation
After successful submission, the endorsement is recorded and a confirmation reference is provided.
- 04
Participate
A Trust Builder may then explore USG Commons and other relevant participation pathways.
04 / USG Commons
Endorsement provides a route to participation.
Trust Builders may participate in USG Commons through dialogue, consultation, learning and other relevant activity. Access to membership, professional services, appointments or other roles is subject to separate requirements.
Important notice
What endorsement does not mean.
Can the Scheme be incorporated into an agreement?+
Clause 2.3 allows the whole Scheme or selected principles to be incorporated by text, annex or reference. Its effect depends on the relevant agreement and applicable law. Incorporation does not automatically confer Trust Builder or other USG status, and later revisions do not automatically change an existing agreement.
Is a Trust Builder certified or approved by USG?+
No. Trust Builder status records endorsement of the Scheme and participation within the USG framework. It is not professional certification, regulatory approval, a credit rating, due diligence or a guarantee.
Does endorsement authorise someone to represent USG?+
No. It does not create authority to represent USG, use its brand or claim Partner, Strategy Partner or Regional Centre status. Any such role requires separate written authority.
Does USG make a general assessment of a person or organisation?+
No. Endorsement does not constitute a general assessment of a person or organisation. Any specific review of activity, capability or records is limited to the relevant purpose, evidence and procedure.
ContactUSG Scheme