GSCP Reference tool on Supply Chain Social Performance Management Systems
| Management Systems for Buying Companies |
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ObjectiveThe GSCP work on Supply Chain Social Performance Management Systems focuses on what key elements need to be considered by buying organisations to efficiently structure the internal organisation and social compliance activities for their supply chains. The Reference tool looks at providing a common framework for them to understand, share or even align each others’ best practices in their management systems. Several areas are considered, such as system’s structure, codes of conduct, databases, existing tools and relationship with/recognition of other schemes. Within these areas, a number of criteria have been identified to allow mapping how the various systems are structured, which areas they cover and how they operate. This is an area where diversity can be accommodated without compromising other parts of the convergence project. The key objective here is to build greater understanding, transparency and trust, allowing these various bodies to work together.Aims:
The GSCP Reference tool for Supply Chain Social Performance Management Systems was published in December 2012 download the Reference tool here Expert Working GroupThe Expert Working Group on Management Systems for Buying Companies was constituted of the following members drawn from the GSCP Task Force:
Development processDraftingThe Reference tool on Supply Chain Social Performance Management Systems (SPMS) focuses on high level requirements. It gathers the various inter-linked elements that are needed by a buying organisation to achieve continuous improvement in social performance throughout its supply chain. Its sensitive nature and the impressive feedback from the consultation process have required several reviews to make sure the content was strong and the language clear. The Advisory Board’s feedback has led to further amendments, notably on the structure of the tool. Two Advisory Board members worked with the GSCP to redesign the Reference tool, the content of which now revolves around two main sections: Internal Organisation: looking at key requirements to fulfil and major aspects to consider for a buying organisation willing to implement / improve its supply chain social performance. Topics cover among other things senior commitment, roles and responsibilities, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and reporting. Working with suppliers: the tool being dedicated to improving labour conditions throughout the supply chain, this section allows for a buying organisation to ensure effective and efficient collaboration with its suppliers, describing the main elements to tackle and corresponding key requirements. The structure of the tool also allows to distinguish between:
Each section also offers Implementation Guidance and ends with Self-assessment Questions, ensuring the tool can be used as an operational manual for the setting-up / improvement of Social Performance Management Systems. ConsultationThe draft Reference tool on Supply Chain Social Performance Management Systems was opened to public consultation on the GSCP website in August 2010, with the consultation running through to end September 2010. This consultation generated a record participation with over 400 comments received. The Expert Working Group has reviewed and analysed all these comments, and integrated them in the draft Reference tool as relevant.
ReviewAdvisory Board's input Executive Board’s input Timeline SummaryReference tool for Supply Chain Social Performance Management Systems
For any questions regarding the work on Management Systems for Buying Companies, please contact Didier Bergeret, GSCP Senior Manager on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
