Implementing BSCI

amfori BSCI is a social assessment and improvement programme, not a scheme issuing “BSCI certificates”. Its monitoring system covers 13 performance areas; use the applicable current Code of Conduct and guidance.

amfori BSCI — Programme and performance areas

BSCI consulting process

The original article introduced this consulting process when ITVC reported 12 years of BSCI consulting and training experience. The workflow below remains a practical reference and should be tailored to each project.

1. Assessment and report
2. Detailed planning
3. Code interpretation training
4. Documentation
5. On-site corrective actions
6. Training
7. System implementation
8. Compliance evaluation
9. Audit documentation preparation
10. BSCI social audit
11. Post-audit corrective actions

ITVC provides consulting, training and preparation. BSCI audit requests are coordinated with the responsible amfori member (RSP); an independent monitoring partner conducts the audit.

amfori — How a producer requests an audit

Management responsibilities

• Inform suppliers about the BSCI Code of Conduct.
• Establish responsibility within the organization for BSCI matters, for example a designated coordination team.
• Appoint personnel responsible for implementing the Code of Conduct.
• Develop documentation, provide training, improve workplace conditions, address legal requirements and monitor implementation.

Worker awareness

Communicate management support for the Code to all workers, including subcontractor personnel. Make the Code available in understandable languages and display it prominently. Explain relevant information verbally as well as in writing.

Train workers regularly on applicable labour, safety and environmental rules and company procedures.

Record keeping

• Keep accurate worker identity, age, working-time and wage records and make them available for authorized assessment, with appropriate personal-data safeguards.
• Record locations and areas containing dangerous materials, hazardous chemicals and other potential hazards.
• Inspect, monitor and maintain machine safeguards and protective equipment.
• Keep relevant legal and other requirement records up to date.

Grievances and corrective action

• Assign responsibility for receiving and handling BSCI-related grievances.
• Record and investigate grievances from workers or third parties, communicate findings appropriately and determine necessary corrective action.
• Provide the resources needed to implement corrective action.
• Do not dismiss, discipline or otherwise retaliate against workers who raise information about social compliance.

Suppliers and subcontractors

• Consider social responsibility and the Code of Conduct when selecting and contracting suppliers.
• Ask suppliers to report regularly on implementation and improvement.

Inspection and monitoring

• Provide the relevant amfori members with accurate information about operations and all production locations.
• Facilitate authorized assessments of applicable production sites and subcontractors in accordance with the agreed monitoring arrangements, including announced, semi-announced or unannounced visits where applicable.

Responding to non-compliance

If a supplier does not meet the Code and no effective improvement plan is agreed within an appropriate period, the customer may consider contractual responses. These depend on the circumstances, agreements and responsible disengagement considerations; they are not automatic penalties imposed by BSCI.

• Pause current orders or cancel relevant contracts, where appropriate under the agreement.
• Suspend future contracts.
• End the business relationship with a non-compliant supplier, taking account of impacts on workers.

Where an assessment identifies non-compliance, begin appropriate corrective action promptly and address urgent worker-protection risks without delay.

Agree an improvement timetable with the responsible member and monitoring partners according to the findings and applicable programme rules. The original article’s 12-month reference is not a universal deadline for all issues. Current amfori guidance specifies follow-up within two to twelve months for C, D or E results; serious issues may need immediate action. A relationship previously ended for non-compliance may be reconsidered after credible improvements.