EICC consulting process — historical framework and RBA application

EICC became the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) in October 2017. This article retains EICC terminology for its original context; current projects should apply the appropriate RBA Code and programme requirements. RBA Code of Conduct 8.0 took effect on 1 January 2024.

RBA — Code of Conduct

The following ITVC consulting process explains how a project is implemented under the historical EICC framework.

Step 1 — Project launch

ITVC helps the client establish an EICC coordination team and define responsibilities. A project kickoff introduces team members and consultants and establishes communication channels.

Step 2 — Initial assessment

Following project launch, ITVC reviews factory conditions against the applicable requirements. The assessment report identifies the current situation, recommended improvements and documents that need to be prepared.

Step 3 — Plan documentation, workplace improvements and training

The factory and consultant agree the plans to support the project schedule.

Step 4 — Prepare documents and records and conduct training

Document and record groups

• Labour documentation
• Environmental documentation
• Occupational health and safety documentation
• Business ethics documentation
• Management-system documentation

Training courses

• Awareness and interpretation of applicable EICC/RBA requirements
• Understanding the Validated Assessment Program (VAP)
• Environmental compliance, occupational health and safety, and business ethics
• Labour and human-rights topics

Communication

• Company policies on working hours, child labour, remuneration and working conditions.
• Feedback and grievance channels.
• Trade-union activities.
• Production achievements and social-responsibility performance.
• Social activities, including charitable programmes and support for disadvantaged people.
• Sport and team activities.

Step 5 — Evaluate compliance

Evaluate the system against the applicable requirements, focusing on labour, environment, occupational health and safety and business ethics. Confidential worker interviews and objective evidence help assess actual practices. Record findings and corrective-action requests. Internal preparation assessments must not be represented as an official RBA VAP assessment.

Step 6 — Implement corrective action

The coordination team reviews each finding, addresses the non-conformity and records the action taken. Verify effectiveness before closing the issue.

Step 7 — Maintain compliance across the organization

After establishing and implementing the system, the coordination team performs regular checks to maintain effective compliance throughout the business.