bsci

business social compliance initiative (bsci)

The business social compliance initiative (bsci) monitoring system is the european approach to improving social performance in supplier countries through a uniform social standards monitoring solution.
The BSCI is based on the labor standards of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other important international regulations like the UN Charta for Human Rights, as well as on national regulations. This initiative aims at continuously improving the social performance of suppliers, ultimately enhancing working conditions in factories worldwide.
STEPS TO JOIN THE BSCI INITIATIVE:
  • BSCI participants need to communicate the BSCI Code of Conduct to their suppliers and producers.
  • Prior to the audit, suppliers complete a self-assessment. The objective is to introduce them to the practicalities of the BSCI Code and to prepare them for the audit. During this phase, BSCI encourages suppliers and producers to attend an awareness raising workshop on BSCI implementation.
  • The initial audit aims to assess the performance of a supplier against the BSCI Code of Conduct. Repeated every three years, the initial audit includes an inspection of the site, a thorough examination of company records and private interviews of a sample of employees to better understand the daily situation in the factory.
  • If an initial audit shows non-compliance with the BSCI Code, the auditor prepares Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).The CAPs record which measures must be implemented and sets a deadline for all requirements to be completed. Corrective actions for industry best practices remain voluntary. Advanced Workshops are offered during this phase to support suppliers tackle specific challenges.
  • Within twelve months after the initial audit, a re-audit must take place to check that all corrective actions have been implemented. If a company is still non-compliant, a second re-audit can take place. If a company is still non-compliant after a second re-audit and no measurable improvement is visible, BSCI encourages its participants to reconsider their relations with that supplier. All suppliers who successfully comply with Best Practice for Industry are encouraged to pass the SA8000 certification, which BSCI considers as the best practice.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT IS PROVIDED? To implement the BSCI Code of Conduct in the supply chain, BSCI has developed standardised management tools and guidance documents available on its website in various languages. Learn more here The BSCI has also developed adapted training activities to increase suppliers’ knowledge and skills with regard to social compliance. These training sessions are open for the suppliers of all BSCI Participants and include awareness raising and more advanced workshops.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Certification costs: BSCI does not prescribe the cost of the audit but the minimum days an audit needs to be properly conducted. The final price varies from country, sector, level of industrialization etc.
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