To implement the BSCI Code of Conduct in the supply chain, the BSCI has developed standardised management tools and guidance documents available in various languages. Two sets of tools are available depending on the kind of products concerned. If the supplier is involved in the primary production of food products, the management tools for primary production should be used. For all other products, the management tools for industrial products are used.

 

The two pillars of the BSCI system are auditing and capacity building. Audits provide a picture of the compliance level against the BSCI Code of Conduct. They are necessary to assess the implementation of the BSCI requirements and measure improvement. Additionally, we focus increasingly on capacity building to raise the awareness of suppliers, try to empower workers and ensure sustainable change in the factory and/or on farm.

 

• Self-Assessment

Our members request a Self-Assessment of the suppliers prior to the audit. The objective is two-fold:

- to introduce the supplier to the practicalities of the BSCI and prepare for the audit and

- to provide our members with information about potential risks and the structure of the supply chain.

• Transparency through auditing

The BSCI audit aims to assess the performance of a supplier against the BSCI Code of Conduct. The initial audit is repeated every three years. If the initial audit shows non-compliances with the BSCI requirements, re-audits are performed to evaluate the corrective measures taken. All audits are exclusively conducted by SA8000 lead auditors of auditing companies that have been accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS).

• The Corrective Action Plan

The Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is an agreement that is concluded after the audit. It prescribes the necessary corrective actions to remedy the non-compliances. Every single corrective action has a set deadline which can not exceed 12 months after the audit date. 

• Measuring Improvement

Once all corrective actions have been implemented (at the latest 12 months after the previous Audit) a Re-Audit will take place. To assure that audits are comparable, transparent and of consistent quality, the same uniform management tools and instruments are to be used during all steps of the BSCI process.