Monitoring - assessing the level of compliance
Auditing process
Prior to the audit, producers 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, we encourage producers to attend an Awareness Raising Workshop on BSCI implementation.
The initial audit aims to assess the performance of a producer 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-compliances with the BSCI Code, the auditor prepares Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). The CAPs record which measures must be implemented and set a deadline for all requirements to be completed. Corrective actions for the best practices for industry remain voluntary. Advanced Workshops are offered during this phase to support producers 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 audit and no measurable improvement is visible, we encourage participants to reconsider their relations with that producer. All producers who successfully comply with the BSCI Code of Conduct are encouraged to pass the SA8000 certification, which BSCI considers as its best practice.
BSCI's Complaint Mechanism
BSCI sees social audits as a tool for checking the working conditions of a production site at a specific point in time. A further way to evaluate working conditions is to create a direct communication channel with producers, workers, NGOs, trade unions and governments. One of BSCI's tools to achieve this is through its complaint mechanism. Complaints are cases formally submitted when people feel wrongly treated with regard to BSCI’s criteria or procedures or when there is a discrepancy between BSCI’s rules and practice.
The complaint mechanism aims to maintain control and transparency as well as identify opportunities for improving the BSCI system. All concerns and complaints raised against the system are brought to the attention of the BSCI Secretariat as the central entity to coordinate a resolution of the issues raised. In cases of major complaints, BSCI will open an investigation, collect information and it aims to provide an initial response within a maximum of 30 days. The length of the investigation will depend on the particular circumstances of the complaint. The BSCI Steering Committee and the BSCI Stakeholder Council are informed of all open investigations.
China, Bangladesh and India are the three most important sourcing countries for BSCI Participants, the complaint mechanism provides the possibility to raise complaints in local languages particularly for workers. In these countries the BSCI Code of Conduct, which must be displayed at the production site in all BSCI risk countries, also displays information about the complaint hotlines. In parallel, complaint cards are distributed to workers during BSCI audits. The cards explain in short and simple terms what the BSCI Code of Conduct is and what it means for the workers. The cards also contain the details of the BSCI hotline phone number and email address.
It is often a challenge to receive sufficient information to handle the complaints received. In 2011, 31 reports by workers were addressed in coordination with BSCI Participants.