LONDON, ENGLAND, December 19, 2010 (Press-News.org) Until now, many companies have had to submit to repeated auditing around core ILO conventions, with slight variations in content or audit methodology. This has resulted in a significant duplication of effort for many producers, who have as a result had less time to address audit outcomes. For many producers there has been no way to address this situation, as customers have generally not been prepared to accept audits conducted according to conventions other than their own.
In a joint effort to improve the situation, major retailers met in 2007 to discuss a Unified Code of best practices for supply chain labour standards (http://www.sustainability.sgs.com/consumergoods/social-resp.htm). What was to become the Global Social Compliance Programme (GSCP) began through the cooperation of Tesco, Wal-Mart, Migros, Metro and Carrefour, and soon expanded. Today the number of manufacturers, retailers, service providers and related stakeholders involved in development of the GSCP is constantly growing. These providers are cooperating to ensure that the delivery of a platform for continuous improvement in working and environmental conditions via a sustainable, globally accepted means.
Being fully inclusive, the programme allows both for direct adoption of the code and its tools or for companies to implement their own code using the given criteria. A range of existing programmes have contributed to the ethical codes used by the GSCP participants. These have included the Initiative Clause Sociale (ICS), Ehtical Trading Initiative (ETI) and Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI). In moving from these existing code preferences to those given in the GSCP, participating companies aim to:
• Achieve consensus on the delivery of best practices
• Minimise audit duplication and fatigue
• Ensure the creation of a global message for suppliers that is consistent and easily understood
• Build transparency between existing systems in order to promote their convergence
• Ensure that production and training capacities are strengthened through collaborative effort
GSCP Brings New Code and Tools
After three years of development, a number of tools and a reference code have been published by the GSCP. Along with coverage of auditor competence, labour standards and environmental management (http://www.sustainability.sgs.com/consumergoods/ecodesign.htm), the tools include a benchmarking methodology for companies to compare their existing codes to the GSCP tools. Data Sharing, Remediation and Management Systems are also being addressed by a number of related GSCP work streams.
Interested parties are welcomed to give their input to GSCP development. A work stream consultation process aimed at maintaining an inclusive approach to the GSCP facilitates this input. The GSCP is further broadened by the existence of a civil society advisory board tasked with review of the GSCP process and outcome. International stakeholders including NGOs, academics and trade unions are included in the make up of the board.
Outcomes of the GSCP
The GSCP is intended to save time and money for both buyers and producers. Buyers benefit because under GSCP they won't need to audit each of their suppliers, but can instead rely on the results of a single audit undertaken against any system that is deemed equivalent to GSCP. These buyers should thereby gain freed resources, which they can assign to audit follow-up and remediation. The greatest benefit for producers will be in significant reductions in audit fees and gains in productivity due to reduced time spent undergoing audits, as the previous range of audits (http://www.socialresponsibility.sgs.com/audits.htm) is replaced by a single GSCP audit. The single set of supplier requirements provided by GSCP will simplify for companies the need to address the extensive number of existing codes, programmes and local laws regulating company operations.
Next Steps
For those GSCP member companies wishing to continue to work with their own audit programmes, GSCP provides reference tools to enable them to benchmark their systems in order to identify any changes that will be required to bring these systems into conformity with the internal GSCP tools. This process will enable these GSCP members to accept each other's reports, as they will know that equivalence exists between any reports delivered according to GSCP benchmarks.
Whether suppliers wish to continue to undertake their own audits or to adopt GSCP, auditing against GSCP represents a proactive preparatory measure for other audits. SGS can assist such suppliers by conducting audits against the current GSCP reference tools, providing time and cost-effective assistance with the integration of the social and environmental modules. SGS is strongly positioned as a GSCP auditor, having been actively engaged with the program since its inception.
Contact details:
SGS Consumer Testing Services
Effie Marinos
Social Responsibility Solutions Manager SGS United Kingdom Ltd.
SGS United Kingdom Ltd, Saunders House, 52-53 The Mall, Ealing, London, W5 3TA
t +44 203 008 7860
E-mail: effie.marinos@sgs.com
Website: http://www.sgs.com/socialresponsibility
The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With 59,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.
SGS Consumer Testing Services ensures the quality and safety of every kind of consumer products, from textiles, electronics and furniture to food and automotive. Our customers in these distinct manufacturing industries rely on our inspection and testing capabilities and laboratories to help them comply with the regulatory requirements governing their products, as well as to ensure the integrity of the inputs received from their suppliers.
For more information, please visit: http://www.sgs.com/cts
SGS Assists Companies Wishing to Audit Against the New Global Social Compliance Programme
Designed to reduce the 'audit fatigue' experienced by some manufactures as a result of different audit requirements from customers, suppliers can streamline their auditing programming by undergoing a GSCP audit through SGS.
2010-12-19
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Great Hotels of the World latest member news round-up
2010-12-19
Enquiries regarding individual commissioned visits are welcomed; please use the contact details below to get in touch.
Great Hotels is pleased to congratulate the following hotels on their recent achievements:
The Capital Restaurant makes The Sunday Times Top 100 Best British Restaurants
Great Hotels of the World is delighted to announce that The Capital Hotel Restaurant has made The Sunday Times' Top 100 Best British Restaurants, ranking at an impressive number 32. The restaurant has added Chef Jerome Ponchelle to the already impressive line up of chefs which ...
Electric Arizona Brings Residential and commercial Services
2010-12-19
It is a very big buzz in international media Electric Arizona is considered the largest electrical contractors. Now, it has been bringing more than 60 years of residential and commercial experience in this state. Residential Electric announces the residential services division and has been well received by local residents. The company offers a range of services from home electrical inspections and repairs, two generator and solar installations. In this cutting edge technology, the electric professionals are completely trained, licensed electricians. Electric Arizona, CEO, ...
GIA Launches First Intelligence Software to Offer Multi-channel Delivery Options
2010-12-19
Intelligence Plaza , an enterprise software that enables full control of the intelligence process, now offers users the choice of sharing information through RSS feeds or emails, a web user interface, mobile user interfaces or Microsoft SharePoint. Intelligence Plaza 7 is the first and only intelligence software that enables true multi-channel delivery of intelligence.
Developed by market intelligence and software specialists at Global Intelligence Alliance (GIA), Intelligence Plaza 7 is based on proven Microsoft technology and is designed to allow busy executive and decision ...
New Professional Fashion Photography Website Launched By Kutcher Photo
2010-12-19
Fashion photographer, David Kutcher of Kutcher Photo, announced today that he has launched a new website to showcase his latest fashion and beauty photography images, as well as, feature a blog with insights into professional photography.
The site will feature images created using the combined talents of a team of highly skilled professionals, including hairdressers, makeup artists, and stylists.
I needed a site that better highlighted my work and allowed me to integrate my experience and observations in a detailed blog, said David Kutcher, photographer and founder ...
Nissan Dealers in Dallas/Ft. Worth Area Proudly Offer Quality Vehicles for Year-End Sales Event
2010-12-19
Local Nissan dealerships in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas are celebrating the arrival of innovation-focused vehicles for the holidays, as they proudly kickoff the Year-End Sales Event nationwide. Dealerships are unveiling offers across Nissan's lineup; and the offers include fantastic features such as low-cost navigation systems, Bluetooth, keyless ignition and rear-view cameras. The lineup includes quality vehicles such as the Nissan Altima, Versa, Rogue and Sentra.
Specials for both 2010 and 2011 Nissan models include the options for the following innovative Nissan ...
Quinn-direct's Tips for Young Drivers' Car Insurance and Choosing Your First Car
2010-12-19
Young drivers' car insurance is something that is a painful subject for many new or inexperienced road users.
With a few commonsense steps, it may be possible to reduce those premiums to a more manageable level, says car insurance specialist Quinn-direct. They have issued a few tips that young drivers may find helpful, from choosing a new car to getting young drivers' car insurance:
- Avoid powerful or customised vehicles. Insurers typically are uneasy when young or inexperienced motorists drive sports cars, high-performance vehicles or those that have been heavily ...
Car Insurance: Quinn-direct Survey Shows How Bad Habits Can Drive Up Your Premiums
2010-12-19
Today, many people are looking for the best deals available in car insurance.
It is worth keeping in mind, however, that one of the easiest ways to unintentionally drive up the cost of your insurance is to adopt bad driving habits, say car insurance specialist Quinn-direct. The company recently carried out research among Irish motorists, with some shocking revelations.
The survey commissioned by Quinn-direct found that an alarmingly high percentage (36%) of Irish people had been in a car driven by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The relationship ...
TV3's The Apprentice at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
2010-12-19
Monday's The Apprentice final saw Michelle Massey hired as both she and Niamh McDonald were tasked with the job of presenting an experiential marketing event for six well-known Irish brands at the world-class Aviva Stadium.
The experience element of the challenge tied in perfectly with the Aviva Stadium, which has state-of-the-art facilities and offers award-winning hospitality. The stadium is the ideal venue for large conferences, client events and functions, as well as accommodating training workshops and big or small corporate meetings.
Both candidates availed ...
LateRooms.com - International Creative Recycling Festival of Catalonia Begins in Barcelona
2010-12-19
Drap-Art is organising the 7th International Creative Recycling Festival in Barcelona this winter.
The non-profit organisation aims to show the potential for artists to reuse objects that may have otherwise been thrown away and puts together workshops all over the world.
Travellers staying at the cheap hotels Barcelona has available will be able to see more than 150 pieces by a variety of creators.
Among the artists taking part this year are La Buena y La Mala, Sara Beltrame, Sixeart, Gandalf Gavan and MOSTIXQI.
"This year, the Drap-Art association is celebrating ...
LateRooms.com - A Photographic Tale Opens at Rome's MAXXI
2010-12-19
Rome's MAXXI gallery will be the subject and the host of a new exhibition entitled A Photographic Tale.
The prestigious arts space only opened this year but has already garnered plenty of praise, including recently winning the Stirling prize 2010, which is handed out by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Guests at 5 star hotels in Rome will now be able to reflect on the construction process, as 20 photographers have been tasked with telling the story of what happened on the building site leading up to its completion.
The organisers described how the development ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Insulin resistance is linked to over 30 diseases – and to early death in women, study of people in the UK finds
Innovative semaglutide hydrogel could reduce diabetes shots to once a month
Weight loss could reduce the risk of severe infections in people with diabetes, UK research suggests
Long-term exposure to air pollution and a lack of green space increases the risk of hospitalization for respiratory conditions
Better cardiovascular health in early pregnancy may offset high genetic risk
Artificial intelligence method transforms gene mutation prediction in lung cancer: DeepGEM data releases at IASLC 2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer
Antibody–drug conjugate I-DXd shows clinically meaningful response in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
IASLC Global Survey on biomarker testing reveals progress and persistent barriers in lung cancer biomarker testing
Research shows pathway to developing predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors
Just how dangerous is Great Salt Lake dust? New research looks for clues
Maroulas appointed Associate Vice Chancellor, Director of AI Tennessee
New chickadee research finds cognitive skills impact lifespan
Cognitive behavioral therapy enhances brain circuits to relieve depression
Terasaki Institute awarded $2.3 Million grant from NIH for organ transplantation research using organs-on-a-chip technology
Atoms on the edge
Postdoc takes multipronged approach to muon detection
Mathematical proof: Five satellites needed for precise navigation
Scalable, multi-functional device lays groundwork for advanced quantum applications
Falling for financial scams? It may signal early Alzheimer’s disease
Integrating MRI and OCT for new insights into brain microstructure
Designing a normative neuroimaging library to support diagnosis of traumatic brain injury
Department of Energy announces $68 million in funding for artificial intelligence for scientific research
DOE, ORNL announce opportunity to define future of high-performance computing
Molecular simulations, supercomputing lead to energy-saving biomaterials breakthrough
Low-impact yoga and exercise found to help older women manage urinary incontinence
Genetic studies reveal new insights into cognitive impairment in schizophrenia
Researcher develops technology to provide cleaner energy and cleaner water
Expect the unexpected: nanoscale silver unveils intrinsic self-healing abilities
nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report: Gains in employment for people with disabilities appear to level off after reducing gaps with non-disabled workers
Wiley enhances NMR Spectral Library Collection with extensive new databases
[Press-News.org] SGS Assists Companies Wishing to Audit Against the New Global Social Compliance ProgrammeDesigned to reduce the 'audit fatigue' experienced by some manufactures as a result of different audit requirements from customers, suppliers can streamline their auditing programming by undergoing a GSCP audit through SGS.