SA 8000

Heinrich A. Bieler

2

Why use a Standard

To provide a basis for audit and improvement that represents the interests of stakeholders, whilst being biased to none in particular.

Is widely understood, accepted and is verifiable by both internal and external means.

A baseline against which acceptable practices may be measured.

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SA 8000

The first global standard for ethical sourcing Designed for independent verification A global standard, designed for use by any

company, anywhere in the world Has been developed with stakeholders Is designed to take local laws and

requirements into account

“SA 8000 is definitely a move in the right direction and complements efforts such as the Ethical Trading Initiative

in Europe, to put these issues onto the global agenda”Dr Geoff Spriegel - Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Ltd..

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SA 8000

A common standard seeking to guarantee the basic rights of workers

A set of universal requirements in line with the ILO Conventions

The first auditable global social standard

Provides the framework for the independent verification of the ethical production of goods and services

Has been developed by CEPAA, now SAI (Social Accountability International)

More information: www.cepaa.org

5

Social Accountability International (SAI)

A charitable human rights organization

Dedicated to improving workplaces and communities by developing and implementing socially responsible standads

SAI convenes key multi-sectoral stakeholders to develop consensus-based voluntary standards

SAI accredits qualified organizations to verify compliance

SAI promotes understanding and implementation of such standard worldwide

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The Standard SA 8000 (download: www.cepaa.org)

DiscriminationManagement

Communication

Working Hours

Remuneration

Health & Safety

Supply Chain

Disziplinary Practices

Child Labour

Forced Labour

Freedom of Association & Right

to Collective Bargaining

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Unacceptable Level

SA8000 Certification

Basic Code of Practice

Improvement Process

8

Co

mp

lete

nes

s o

f C

ov

erag

e p

er S

up

pli

er

Stepped Approach Monitoring

Supply ChainVerification

Reduced Requirements

Supply ChainVerification

SA 8000

SupplierVerification

(full or reduced)

SA 8000Certification

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Implementation

Learn about the requirements

Commitment of the Top Management

Projectplanning

Training, Information, Contacts to NGOs

Process / evidence definition

Process implementation / providing evidence

Monitoring / Management Review

(Pre-Audit) Certificition

Continual Improvement

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Stakeholder Map

Organisation

Goverment Parties

Management

Owner

EmployeesWorkers

Insurance

Capital

Shareholder

Banks

LawsTaxes

Competitors

Families

Hobbies

Church

Religion

Clients

NGOs

Accidents

Social SecuritySuppliers

Unions

Media

Press

TV/RadioInternet

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Certification Process

Local/International

norms

Code of Practice

SA 8000standard

requirements

Interpretation of SA 8000 for audit, with

certification objective

Audit

Conformity to SA 8000 standard ?

’Audit Report

LocalStaff

NGOs

Local legislation

Suppliers

Client

Basic requirement

s

Surveil-lances

Enterprise

XYZ

Accredited Certificate

United Nations, EU

Elements of the implementation decision

Audit and Certification

Implementation

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Certification Audit: Documentation

Documentation Contract of Employment Human Resource Manual / Procedures Published Policy PR Material Quality Manual / Procedures Health and Safety Manual / Procedures

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Certification Audit: Records

Records Pay Stubs Payroll Fire, Health and Safety Certificate Job Application Test Results (e.g. Potable Water) Production Schedules Identity Documents

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Certification Audit: Interviews and Focus Groups

Worker Interview Anonymity Simple, clear questions Language Gender Notes Ev. Off-site interviews

Focus Groups Group of workers selected randomly Two / three Subjects Group Briefed at Start / summary given at end of

Session

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Certification Audit: Questionnaire, Observations

Questionnaire / Survey Larger sample Anonymous Use to cross check Brief, clear (10 – 15 Questions)

Observations Use and common sense

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Data Collection Matrix

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Auditors Ethics

Audit team selection (gender)

Language

Knowledge of customs and laws

Understanding of the culture

Do no harm

Information is about people

When auditors leave, people remain

If you cannot do the work – do not try

Do not deceive

Do not misrepresent

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Integrated Systems → Integrated Audits

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Worker Benefits

Fewer accidents

Enhanced opportunities to be organized

A way to address and improve the conditions where people work

Increased worker awareness about core labor rights

Enhanced communication to the management

Evidence that labor rights are good for society and business

Improved business practices lead to economic growth and new job opportunities

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Employer benefits

A credible and effective way to put social responsability into action

Enhanced company and brand reputation

Improved employee recruitment, retention and performance

Gains in quality and productivity

Savings from fewer workdays lost and lower insurance bills

Less expensive than an internal compliance program

Better relationships among workers, trade unions, companies, customers, NGOs and government

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Consumer benefits

Clear, credible information for those who want to make ethical purchasng decisions

Useful data for socially responsible investors

Identification of products made under humane conditions

Identification of companies making progress toward humane conditions

Broad coverage of product categories and production geography

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Additional Information ?

SGS Société Generale de Surveillance SA

1, place des AlpesP.O. Box 2152CH-1211 Geneva 1

www.sgs.com

SGS Switzerland SASystems &Services Certification

Technoparkstrasse 1CH-8005 Zurichheinrich_bieler@sgs.com