Our aim is to assist and encourage improvement in labour standards by working at all levels in the supply chains to build systems and tools to deliver true and sustainable improvements in labour standards.
We understand commercial priorities and encourage solutions which take into account commercial realities and we work in partnership with companies, governments, workers and NGOs to develop appropriate responses to the ethical challenges in global supply chains.
Specific social activities available to organisations active in any sectors include audits services, capacity building to meet any auditing standard such as: SEDEX/SMETA, SA8000, BSCI, Government Regulations or buyers' own specifications to key stakeholders and support to the development of tailored codes of conducts and social policies.
A global approach
We believe that a social audit is only the first stage of a process and a platform for on-going support and improvement throughout the supply chain. Our approach centres on facilitating full stakeholder consultation and engagement.
A further benefit of TFT's unique approach across supply chains and tackling both social and environmental risks means that we can prevent unnecessary additional work and cost.
For example on one visit to a factory, TFT can provide:
- Training, capacity building, awareness rising towards social and environmental best practices
- Monitoring working standards and required improvements
- Establish TFT traceability systems
- Monitoring the sourcing of wood/cotton/stone and other commodities
Local awareness
We believe in the importance of using local people, who speak the local language and understand the cultural and social dynamics, to complete audits. Our auditors will always engage with the factory management during the process to ensure they understand not only what standards they are being audited against and what action is required on their part but why these concerns are of importance.
Consulting with the management and providing guidance and advice as well as an assessment, coupled with follow up visits, helps embed the programme at site level and is far more likely to deliver sustainable solutions and real change.
Case Study 1: Buyers awareness raising
We developed & implemented a training programme for the commercial teams of a leading British retailer. Our commercial background helped us break down ‘ethical issues' into a language that buyers and quality managers could understand and assimilate into their day to day role. The aim was to demonstrate the role they could play in responsible sourcing and ensuring they had the resources and tools to enable them to achieve this. We engaged with participants through interactive sessions and approaching the issues by discussing the business case for responsible sourcing.
Case Study 2: Develop resource packs for technical functions
We created a resource pack for a European importer including legal information sheets, ‘understanding the issue booklets' and ‘how to fact-sheets'. Backed up with small workshops this pack was used to help provide practical advice on how to approach improvements and what to expect in different countries and industries.
Case Study 3: Suppliers workshops
We have run numerous supplier events from large seminars to introduce codes of conduct and assessment processes to small workshops for factory managers looking at specific challenges. The aim of all of them has been to encourage understanding throughout the supply chain of what is expected & how this can be achieved. We have found that the most successful format is small, informal and interactive groups, focused on one particular issue, delivered and facilitated in the language of participants.
ENGAGE WITH US
If you are interested in becoming a TFT Member and embark on the Responsible Product journey, please check the Engage with us section.
