Governance Trust Envelope (GTE)
GTE is an optional execution and evidence-assurance standard. It can increase confidence that selected controls executed and evidence was produced under declared conditions; it does not prove that the policy is adequate or that legal compliance exists.
Use GTE when
- control execution must be bound to an identified environment, version, key, or policy;
- provenance, integrity, freshness, anti-replay, or attestation materially affects reliance;
- ordinary logging or existing assurance is insufficient for the claim; and
- the threat model, trust anchors, coverage, and verification procedure can be stated.
Do not require GTE when
ordinary records, logs, tests, provider documentation, existing certification, or another competent mechanism already supply sufficient evidence.
Claim ceiling
A valid envelope supports bounded claims about execution and evidence assurance within its design and threat model. It does not establish substantive policy adequacy, complete behavioral coverage, safety, legal compliance, HEART conformity, or immunity from compromise.
GTE can be used with or without HEART.
Related Terms