Procurement Magazine July 2024 | Page 91

STRATEGIC SOURCING forced labour , discrimination , as well as environmental , health , and safety standards . These audits ensure adherence to the ESCP ’ s Code of Business Conduct , helping organisations implement effective control measures across their supply chains ( SGSCorp ).
How does it work in practice ? Carmel Giblin , CEO and President of the Ethical Supply Chain Program , outlined how the company provides a number of assessments and certification programs for all of its members ; designed to improve transparency , create a better life for workers worldwide , and meet the requirements of the customer . It also offers the Social Impact Assessment , which members use to verify the maturity of their suppliers ’
social compliance systems and improve the systems to support worker wellbeing and ensure safe workplace conditions .
“ For our members , assessments like this help to map their supply chain and enable due diligence beyond tier one suppliers , which is becoming essential for companies ,” Carmel said . “ Most importantly , it can be used to support suppliers by giving them targeted development plans based on the outcome of that assessment . In many cases , it unearths existing policies that they may not be utilizing effectively and highlights additional opportunities to benefit their workers .”
Successful implementation The program has over 1,000 suppliers enlisted . Carmel , says it has seen “ huge success ” with its Family-Friendly Factory Program , which is designed to
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