We conduct audits against benchmarks on workplace standards defined by our business partners and local legal requirements. Audit results are indication of level of implementation of defined standards and suppliers’ commitment to comply with standards as an on-going process. Findings are captured using tools with recommendations provided to make improvements. Results are communicated to our business partners.

Once a workplace standard is implemented, it needs to be sustainable to achieve desired results.
Assessments focus on assessing systems being followed in implementing sustainable practices for maintaining standards. The process identifies practices being followed, gaps in the system, root cause analysis and provides recommendations to improve systems.

Supply chain mapping helps in tracking the production processes available in house and those outsourced. The process assists in tracking undisclosed facilities and capturing practices which may be a risk (child labour or critical Health & Safety concerns) to ethical sourcing standards. The process identifies the risk and recommends remedial measures.

Risk assessments are conducted at work place to identify potential risks associated with workplace and hazards based on nature of work being done. The assessment identifies the risk and impact and recommends controls to be implemented to reducing risks.

Training is conducted to create awareness on employment functions in production facilities. Awareness on local legal requirements and work place standards are included in the training programs which cover -Recruitment, Hiring and Personnel development, Child labour, Forced Labour, Grievance redressal, Freedom of Association, Harassment and Abuse, Compensation, Working hours, Health and Safety (Fire safety, Chemical management, Environment, Electrical and Mechanical safety) and Environment. Training is conducted for Managers and Supervisors on workplace conduct and disciplinary procedures.

Effective communication is the key for creating a comfortable work environment.
Training is conducted on implementation of communication channels between stakeholders (Management, Supervisors and Workers) allowing effective communication. This would result in a healthy work environment and improves efficiencies..

Periodic announced and unannounced audits are conducted by social compliance team in production facilities with follow up visits. The best sources of information on standards are “Quality Inspectors” who visit production facilities more frequently than compliance monitoring team, for inspection of products. Apart from attending to their key responsibilities, the program trains “Quality inspectors” to identify and raise alerts to the compliance team on critical risks to ethical practices which could be employment of child labour or any critical health and safety concerns as observed during their visits.

Remediation programs are conducted to assist production facilities with identification of root causes of failures, training of responsible person and implementation of remedial measures which are sustainable. The process involves periodic engagement and interaction with facilities. Collaborative approach is adopted in comprehending the root causes of inherent challenges and subsequently develop a pragmatic and sustainable process for implementation, thus effectively dealing with such issues within the industry. .