CSR management/audit
In recent years, standards relating to operational compliance with human rights and environmental protection have been added to the pure product quality standards. They reflect a growing consumer awareness of ethical issues. CSR standards play an increasingly important role in international competition and trade. Every part of the supply chain is affected.
The social standards to be checked during an audit are essentially derived from the ILO (International Labour Organisation) conventions: freedom to join a trade union, abolition of forced labour, abolition of child labour and no discrimination in the workplace. These points only provide a basis for the demands formulated by specific stakeholders, be they purchasing entities or trade initiatives. As an example of the latter, Amfori BSCI has drawn up a catalogue of thirteen so-called performance areas, one of which is occupational health and safety. Each of these categories must be audited at the supplier’s premises. The individual assessments lead to overall ratings, which are accompanied by descriptions and pictures.
The audit report is supplemented by a corrective action plan that identifies the findings, proposed corrective actions, responsible parties and completion dates.
The need for an acceptable rating leads to a somewhat ambitious approach to these issues by suppliers. Whether announced or unannounced, audits should be carried out on a regular basis as agreed by the parties involved.
ICS Engineering Services has carried out more than 20 audits at production sites of suppliers of consumer goods such as tools, sports equipment, electronics or even textiles. ICS offers you its extensive experience in analysing a supplier’s factory infrastructure. We talk to management and conduct interviews with employees. The aim is to get a clear and objective picture of working conditions. We will raise awareness of workplace grievances and provide guidance on the improvement process, whether existing or to be introduced.
Our service is based on close consultation with the client on the specific objective and scope of the audit. The next step is to conduct the audit at the supplier/manufacturer’s premises. Immediate findings are communicated directly to the supplier. We then provide the client with an audit report accompanied by a Corrective Action Plan (CAP). If desired, this activity can be embedded in a series of follow-up audits.