human rights Archives - SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine Insights on how you can protect the environment, maintain and increase the value of your company, through a structured CSR/Sustainability process with the use of the GRI Standards. Learn how Today's Best-Run Companies are achieving Economic, Social, and Environmental Success - and How You Can Too... Mon, 13 May 2024 12:03:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Case study: How Tapestry promotes human rights among its suppliers https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-tapestry-promotes-human-rights-among-its-suppliers/ Mon, 13 May 2024 12:01:38 +0000 https://sustaincase.com/?p=19001 Operating in over 70 countries with more than 18,000 employees, Tapestry is an American multinational luxury fashion holding company seeking to help make the fashion industry more sustainable and to build a company that’s equitable, inclusive and diverse. Accordingly, This case study is based on the FY2022 Corporate Responsibility Report by Tapestry, prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards, that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, […]

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]]> Operating in over 70 countries with more than 18,000 employees, Tapestry is an American multinational luxury fashion holding company seeking to help make the fashion industry more sustainable and to build a company that’s equitable, inclusive and diverse. Accordingly, Tapestry recognises its responsibility to respect and uphold human rights throughout its entire supply chain.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the FY2022 Corporate Responsibility Report by Tapestry, prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards, that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

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Abstract

Tapestry develops and nurtures strong relationships with its supply chain partners through clearly defined standards and expectations, open communication and, most importantly, zero tolerance for human rights violations. In order to promote human rights among its suppliers Tapestry took action to:

  • promote compliance
  • audit suppliers

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its FY2022 Corporate Responsibility Report Tapestry identified a range of material issues, such as climate change, business ethics and compliance, equity, inclusion and diversity, gender pay parity. Among these, promoting human rights among its suppliers stands out as a key material issue for Tapestry.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Tapestry engages with:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Customers

 

 

 

 ·      In-store interactions with sales associates

·      Company and brand websites

·      Social media and email

·      Brand-distributed surveys sent directly to customers
Employees

 

 

 ·      Internal intranet (The Loop)

·      Internal communications

·      Employee Engagement Survey

·      Meetings (Store Manager conferences, company Town Hall, department Town Hall)
Communities, nonprofits/NGOs

 

 

 ·      Giving time and resources through Tapestry’s brands and company Foundations

·      Team and individual volunteer activities

·      Direct engagement on corporate responsibility objectives, including Tapestry’s matching gift programme, grants and product donations

·      Focused feedback on corporate responsibility activities
Suppliers

 

 

 ·      Supplier summits

·      Adherence to the Supplier Code of Conduct, Global Operating Principles, Animal Welfare Policy and Anti-Corruption Policy

·      Environmental strategy meetings

·      Supplier training for business ethics and anti-corruption

·       Audits
Academics ·      University-led sustainability projects and partnerships
Investors

 

 ·      Regular financial reporting (SEC filings)

·      Press releases

·      Meetings and briefings

·      Quarterly earnings calls

·      Annual stockholder meeting

·      Stakeholder engagement discussions

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Tapestry engaged with its stakeholders through a survey.

What actions were taken by Tapestry to promote human rights among its suppliers?

In its FY2022 Corporate Responsibility Report Tapestry reports that it took the following actions for promoting human rights among its suppliers:

  • Promoting compliance
  • Tapestry holds its suppliers to its own high standards and requires them to sign and comply with its Supplier Code of Conduct. Tapestry’s SCOC prohibits the use of child or forced labour, and Tapestry maintains policies on modern day slavery and human trafficking in compliance with the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (SB 657) and the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015. When onboarding direct suppliers that it contracts to make its branded products, Tapestry requests a credible social compliance audit report that was conducted within six months of the date of submission. Suppliers that fail to meet Tapestry’s standards are not approved until an acceptable audit report is provided. In 2022, Tapestry worked with third-party consultants to review its SCOC and updated it to reflect industry best practices. Tier 1 finished goods suppliers and a portion of Tapestry’s Tier 2 raw material suppliers undergo semi-announced, annual audits by independent third-party audit firms. When a factory is found in violation, Tapestry works with them to support remediation and develops a corrective action plan based on the audit findings and reserves the right to develop exit plans or terminate the relationship with suppliers based on compliance issues. Tapestry also provides its suppliers with onboarding and biennial topic-specific training. Additionally, Tapestry holds a quarterly meeting to report on supplier social compliance with its Chief Supply Chain Officer. Tapestry is a partner of ILO Better Work, which takes an advisory approach to monitoring and protecting worker rights and wellbeing, helping companies and governments uphold the ILO’s (International Labour Organization) core labour standards and national labour laws. Tapestry’s Social Compliance Program implements the requirements for health and safety, labour and environmental practices in its global supply chain factories. This programme maintains its effectiveness through regular programme review.
  • Auditing suppliers
  • In FY2022, Tapestry conducted approximately 150 audits; 89.4% of the audits were of its Tier 1 suppliers and 10.6% were facilities beyond Tier 1. Of these audits, approximately 94% were semi-announced and 6% were announced. Over 2,200 workers were interviewed throughout this year’s audit process, and around 14% of the audits performed included an interview with a trade union representative. In addition to the audits Tapestry ordered or conducted, its teams reviewed audits through verified Higg Facility Social & Labor Module responses and other parties to make sure they met its standards. As a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), 55 of Tapestry’s direct suppliers completed the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM). These suppliers responded to questions related to social and labour impacts, including Recruitment & Hiring, Working Hours, Wages & Benefits, Employee Treatment, Employee Involvement, Health & Safety, Termination & Retrenchment and overall Management. 87% of the suppliers that completed the Higg FSLM had their responses verified, which allowed Tapestry further insight into the social and labour practices within its partner factories.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

2) Disclosure 414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken

 Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

Disclosure 414-2 Negative social impacts in the supply chain and actions taken corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

References:

This case study is based on published information by Tapestry, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://tapestry.gcs-web.com/static-files/f40114ac-bc34-41d5-996a-43420da452b6

Note to Tapestry: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Tapestry promotes human rights among its suppliers appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Equinor promotes human rights across its supply chain https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-equinor-promotes-human-rights-across-its-supply-chain/ Mon, 04 Apr 2022 06:05:53 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=13447 Equinor is an international energy company present in over 30 countries worldwide, with more than 21,000 committed employees developing oil, gas, wind and solar energy. , committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights of people affected by its operations. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Equinor published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) […]

The post Case study: How Equinor promotes human rights across its supply chain appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Equinor is an international energy company present in over 30 countries worldwide, with more than 21,000 committed employees developing oil, gas, wind and solar energy. Equinor works systematically to integrate human rights in its normal way of doing business and across its supply chain  Tweet This!, committed to respecting internationally recognised human rights of people affected by its operations.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Equinor published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Equinor is committed to making its best efforts so that human rights are respected across the entire Equinor, including its employees, the people affected by its operations and partnerships, as well as throughout its supply chains. In order to promote human rights across its supply chain Equinor took action to:

  • assess suppliers
  • engage workers and suppliers

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Equinor identified a range of material issues, such as business integrity, resource management (waste and water), GHG emissions, diversity and inclusion, emergency preparedness. Among these, promoting human rights across its supply chain stands out as a key material issue for Equinor.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Equinor engages with:

Stakeholder Group
Employees
Shareholders
Governments
Business partners and suppliers
Customers
Society at large, including nongovernmental organisations and academia.

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Equinor engaged with its stakeholders through regular dialogue, media analysis, investor roadshows and other stakeholder outreach with key stakeholders on sustainability topics.

What actions were taken by Equinor to promote human rights across its supply chain?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Equinor reports that it took the following actions for promoting human rights across its supply chain:

  • Assessing suppliers
  • In 2019, Equinor’s Human Rights Expectations to Suppliers were launched and will be supported by a guidance document providing practical advice for how to live up to these expectations. These efforts continued alongside Equinor’s onsite assessments with more than 50 suppliers across 16 countries. The assessments enabled Equinor to identify gaps and areas of improvement in collaboration with its suppliers, to ensure that potential harm to people is reduced or eliminated.
  • Engaging workers and suppliers
  • During 2019, Equinor piloted a new way of identifying potential negative impacts on workers’ human rights related to supplier conduct, moving from company-focused audits to worker dialogue-focused reviews, enhancing its risk identification abilities and granularity. In 2019, Equinor continued this work and performed renewed engagement with workers to help it understand if the implemented actions improved their lives. This renewed engagement confirmed that the efforts taken by Equinor’s supplier had resulted in return of passports, tighter control of working hours and a strengthened recruitment due diligence process which significantly reduced worker paid recruitment fees for newly recruited workers compared to 2018. Building on the learnings from this pilot, Equinor initiated another supplier engagement programme following the same approach. Here, Equinor saw positive outcomes for workers through the discontinued practice of retention of worker ID documents, improved conditions in accommodation and sanitation areas, and discontinued fees for work mistakes. The positive steps from these two cases would not have been possible without the close collaboration with direct suppliers, who also updated their own internal procedures and allocated staff to develop their own practice in this area. This was supplemented by the adoption of the “Employer Pays” principle for all new direct and indirect hires from 01 January 2020 by this supplier, as well as through ongoing due diligence of manning agencies in source countries, where this principle will be updated into agency agreements. Following the agreement of peer collaboration on human rights supplier assessments in 2018, a platform for sharing and viewing of assessments was developed and was launched in 2020. This industry-first initiative will drive collaboration in the follow up process towards energy company suppliers.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

 Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Equinor, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Equinor: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Equinor promotes human rights across its supply chain appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Eni promotes human rights among its suppliers https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-eni-promotes-human-rights-among-its-suppliers/ Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:07:47 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=13442 Eni is an energy company operating in 66 countries and engaging in oil and natural gas exploration, fields development and production. Eni, aware of the significant role of its supply chain in the fulfilment of its social responsibility commitments, has implemented a management model aimed at promoting its own values with suppliers and to involve them in the risk prevention process. This case study is based on the Eni for 2019 Report by Eni published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ […]

The post Case study: How Eni promotes human rights among its suppliers appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Eni is an energy company operating in 66 countries and engaging in oil and natural gas exploration, fields development and production. Eni, aware of the significant role of its supply chain in the fulfilment of its social responsibility commitments, has implemented a management model aimed at promoting its own values with suppliers and to involve them in the risk prevention process.

This case study is based on the Eni for 2019 Report by Eni published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

In 2019, approximately 6,000 suppliers were subjected to screening and assessment on sustainability issues by Eni  Tweet This!: in 15% of the cases, potential critical issues/areas of improvement were identified, but in 89% of them they did not compromise the possibility of working with them. In order to promote human rights among its suppliers Eni took action to:

  • engage suppliers
  • implement a code of conduct for suppliers

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its Eni for 2019 Report Eni identified a range of material issues, such as climate change and energy efficiency, integrity and transparency, economic and financial value creation, asset integrity and emergency management. Among these, promoting human rights among its suppliers stands out as a key material issue for Eni.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Eni engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics Eni engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Eni’s people and national and international trade unions

 

 

 

 ·      Professional and training paths on emerging skills related to business strategies and expansion of skills mapping

·      Training initiatives to support inclusion and recognition of the value of all kinds of diversity and international initiatives supporting team building and innovation (Hackathon)

·      Fourth edition of the climate analysis

·      Initiatives for parenthood (smart working and school nursery) and family members with disabilities

·      Meeting with national and international trade unions (renewal of the Global Framework Agreement) to discuss the different social and trade union realities of the Countries where it operates
Financial community

 

 

 

 ·      Presentation of the 2019-22 strategic plan, followed by Road-Show of the CEO and top management at the main stock exchanges

·      Eni’s President Governance Road Show

·      Dialogue with the market, in particular on the 2019 remuneration policy, in view of the 2019 Shareholders’ Meeting

·      Meeting in Abu-Dhabi for investors and financial analysts on the expansion strategy in the Arabian Peninsula

·      Meetings on quarterly results

·      Participation of top management in thematic conferences organised by banks
Local communities and community based organisations ·      Involvement of about 650 communities (including indigenous ones) close to plants

·      Consultation of local authorities and communities for new exploration activities and/or the development of new projects as well as for the planning, management and improvement of social projects (Angola – economic diversification, Iraq – education, Pakistan – access to water, Mozambique – access to energy, Italia/Basilicata – CASF Project)

·      Mapping of community relations, requests and grievances and definition of local engagement content
Suppliers and commercial partners ·      Suppliers involvement with human rights Assessment

·      Communication, feedback and improvement plans

·      Participation in IPIECA WG: Forum on O&G Sustainability best practices

·      Green Sourcing Project: identification of supply chain levers to reduce environmental impacts

·      Discussion of human rights clauses in upstream joint venture contracts
Customers and consumers

 

 

 ·      Meetings and workshops with Presidents, Secretaries General and Energy Managers of national and local Consumers’ Associations (CAs) on issues such as sustainability, circular economy, reclamation and environmental remediation

·      Sponsorship of CA initiatives on sustainability and circular economy

·      Territorial meetings with the regional CA of the Italian National Council of Consumers and Users

·      Survey of national and regional CA representatives on circular economy, sustainability and energy transition
National, European and international institutions

 

 

 

 ·      Dialogue with the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Human Rights (CIDU) and the National Contact Point (Italy) for OECD Guidelines

·      Meetings with Italian political representatives and institutions, both central and local, on energy, climate and environmental issues, circular economy and sustainable development

·      Active participation in institutional technical round tables, joint committees, WGs and other meetings promoted by Italian Government and Parliament

·      Visits by Italian institution delegations, central and local, to Eni industrial plants, sites and research centres
Universities and research centres

 

 

 ·      Meetings with Universities, Research Centres and third-party companies with which Eni collaborates or interfaces in the development of innovative technologies

·      Agreements and collaborations with the Polytechnic of Milan and Turin, the Universities of Bologna, Naples and Pavia, MIT, CNR, Italian National Inter-University Consortium for Materials Science and Technology, ENEA and Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology

·      Establishment with the CNR of 4 research centres in Southern Italy for sustainable environmental and economic development in Italy and worldwide

·      Collaboration with the Polytechnic of Milan in the organisation of the Master’s in Energy Innovation and for the development of Impact Assessment Models (the latter also with the University of Milan – Faculty of Agrarian Sciences)
Volunteer organisations and category associations

 

 

 ·      Membership and participation in OGCI, IPIECA, WBCSD, UN GLOBAL COMPACT, EITI

·      Collaboration with IHRB and other international human rights institutions

·      Conferences, debates, seminars and training initiatives on sustainability issues (energy, circular economy, remediation, corporate social responsibility); implementation of guidelines and sharing of best practices

·      Participation in meetings of the association bodies and working tables on strategic issues, monitoring legislative developments

·      Meetings with Local Business Associations on the supplier qualification process
Organisations for cooperation and development ·      Development of new public-private partnership models

·      Dialogue and development of collaborations with United Nations organisations and cooperation agencies UNIDO, UNESCO, FAO, World Bank, E4Impact Foundation, Dom Bosco Institute in Maputo and Halo Trust Foundation

·      Consolidated relations with Faith-Based Organisations (2nd “Vatican Dialogue on Energy Transition and Care for Our Common Home”; Scientific and Organisational Committee of the Mediterranean Frontier of Peace event organised by the Italian Episcopal Conference)

What actions were taken by Eni to promote human rights among its suppliers?

In its Eni for 2019 Report Eni reports that it took the following actions for promoting human rights among its suppliers:

  • Engaging suppliers
  • Eni is carrying out numerous engagement initiatives with its suppliers, including the following:
    • Local meetings for local companies, organised in collaboration with trade associations and/or local authorities, during which Eni’s sustainability values and principles are illustrated;
    • Individual meetings with selected suppliers within the scope of assessments on human rights, to create awareness on the promotion and respect for human rights; in 2019, 9 suppliers were involved, of which 3 from Vietnam, 1 from Ecuador, 1 from Mexico and 4 from Tunisia;
    • Annual events with the participation and recognition of suppliers with the best safety performance who also distinguished themselves by their commitment (Safety & Environment Day).
  • Implementing a code of conduct for suppliers
  • Eni is finalising and subsequently diffusing a code of conduct for suppliers, which confirms the importance of respect for the cardinal principles of sustainability in the supply chain. Lastly, more generally referring to Eni’s business partners, starting from 2018, specific human rights clauses were introduced in the agreements stipulated with the countries and with the other companies in activities managed through Joint ventures, to represent and bind the parties to behave in line with the main international standards and to exercise an appropriate form of leverage on them. Every business partner is also subjected to a preventive screening, to identify the presence of any critical issues regarding respect for human rights and to provide the appropriate measures to manage them. In this area, over 70 new business partners were screened in 2019.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standard addressed in this case is: Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria

 Disclosure 414-1 New suppliers that were screened using social criteria corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Eni, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Eni: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Eni promotes human rights among its suppliers appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> What are human rights and how does business impact them? https://sustaincase.com/what-are-human-rights-and-how-does-business-impact-them/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 09:44:41 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=14491 Businesses, regardless of their size, sector, operational context, ownership, or structure, can impact human rights wherever and however they operate. Their impacts can be both positive (such as providing decent jobs) and negative (for example, if employees are injured due to unsafe working conditions). Human rights are the rights and freedoms we all enjoy as human beings, without discrimination. They are also intrinsically connected and cannot be seen in isolation from each other. The enjoyment of one right very often depends on the enjoyment of others. Internationally recognised human rights are presented and explained in international instruments such as treaties, […]

The post What are human rights and how does business impact them? appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]>

Businesses, regardless of their size, sector, operational context, ownership, or structure, can impact human rights wherever and however they operate. Their impacts can be both positive (such as providing decent jobs) and negative (for example, if employees are injured due to unsafe working conditions).

Human rights are the rights and freedoms we all enjoy as human beings, without discrimination. They are also intrinsically connected and cannot be seen in isolation from each other. The enjoyment of one right very often depends on the enjoyment of others.

Internationally recognised human rights are presented and explained in international instruments such as treaties, declarations and other documents. One of these key documents is the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It sets out 30 fundamental rights and freedoms for all and governments around the world have all expressed their support for it. Another key such instrument is the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, based on the concept of four core labour standards that apply to all workers in countries that are members of the ILO (almost every country in the world). There are, also, many other international human rights instruments that businesses may need to consider which relate, for example, to women, including the Convention on the Prevention of Discrimination Against Women.

While governments have the primary duty to protect human rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that every individual and ‘organ of society’ should promote respect for human rights and freedoms. Businesses are an ‘organ of society’, expected to respect human rights.

Every business can have negative impacts on practically the entire spectrum of internationally recognised human rights, through its activities and business relationships. It is, thus, important to be able to translate how a business’ activities could lead to negative human rights impacts, including, for example, involvement in modern slavery.

Businesses should understand how they could impact internationally recognised human rights and meet their responsibility to respect them  Tweet This!, taking steps to know their negative human rights impacts, avoid involvement in negative human rights impacts through their own activities and business relationships, and address such impacts when they occur.

One important step businesses can take to learn how to address human rights properly is education, including through courses like the GRI Certified course “How to Report on Human Rights with the GRI Standards.” This course teaches participants to understand the relevance of human rights and human rights transparency to business, and how to identify impacts and determine material topics related to human rights.

More information about the course: https://fbrh.co.uk/en/gri-sustainability-courses

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
 

 

The post What are human rights and how does business impact them? appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Companies and investors call for effective EU corporate accountability legislation https://sustaincase.com/companies-and-investors-call-for-effective-eu-corporate-accountability-legislation/ Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:19:26 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=14428 In February 2022, more than 100 companies, investors, business associations and initiatives released a joint statement. In the statement, they ask the EU to swiftly adopt a legislative proposal on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (mHREDD), within the Sustainable Corporate Governance initiative. Signatories to the statement include Aviva, Danone, Ericsson, IKEA, Hapag-Lloyd and VAUDE. They all express concern about the setbacks to the twice-delayed proposal, now expected later this month. The statement, signed by companies and investors from various industries and countries, including many SMEs, defines five key principles to be included in the legislation, so as to […]

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]]>

In February 2022, more than 100 companies, investors, business associations and initiatives released a joint statement. In the statement, they ask the EU to swiftly adopt a legislative proposal on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (mHREDD), within the Sustainable Corporate Governance initiative. Signatories to the statement include Aviva, Danone, Ericsson, IKEA, Hapag-Lloyd and VAUDE. They all express concern about the setbacks to the twice-delayed proposal, now expected later this month.

The statement, signed by companies and investors from various industries and countries, including many SMEs, defines five key principles to be included in the legislation, so as to make it effective:

  • Alignment of the legislation with the UNGPs to cover all businesses operating in the EU market, regardless of sector and size;
  • Due diligence obligation that extends across the full value chain;
  • Mandatory requirements that go beyond tick boxing, address irresponsible purchasing practices, and are embedded in appropriate governance structures including at board level;
  • Effective and safe stakeholder engagement as an integral part of due diligence; and
  • Reliable accountability mechanisms, including strong civil liability provisions

Similar EU-facing statements endorsing due diligence legislation including civil liability have been also released by, among others, a group of cocoa companies and 94 investors with over USD 6 trillion in assets under management.

In 2021, mHREDD laws were passed in Germany and Norway, while similar laws are under consideration in the Netherlands and Finland. The EU’s Sustainable Corporate Governance initiative can help create a Europe-wide level playing field for mHREDD and corporate accountability  Tweet This! and drive better outcomes for people and the planet across global value chains.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
 

References:

This article is based on published information by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/eu-mandatory-due-diligence-2022/

The post Companies and investors call for effective EU corporate accountability legislation appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Nammo respects and promotes human rights https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-nammo-respects-and-promotes-human-rights/ Wed, 08 Dec 2021 07:08:25 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=13102 With more than 2,700 employees, 28 production sites and a presence in 12 countries, Nammo is one of the world’s leading providers of specialty ammunition and rocket motors for both military and civilian customers. , as well as being aware of its corporate social responsibility in the local community. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Nammo published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most […]

The post Case study: How Nammo respects and promotes human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> With more than 2,700 employees, 28 production sites and a presence in 12 countries, Nammo is one of the world’s leading providers of specialty ammunition and rocket motors for both military and civilian customers. Every entity at Nammo is responsible for ensuring that the Group does not violate human rights in any of its business operations  Tweet This!, as well as being aware of its corporate social responsibility in the local community.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Nammo published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Nammo believes that ensuring business integrity within the company and in its value chain is key to succeeding and is, accordingly, committed to respecting and protecting human rights in all its operations. In order to respect and promote human rights Nammo took action to:

  • support freedom of association
  • consider human rights risks in exports
  • combat human trafficking

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Nammo identified a range of material issues, such as waste and hazardous material management, product safety, business partner due diligence, occupational health and safety. Among these, respecting and promoting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Nammo.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Nammo engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics Nammo engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Owners

 

 ·      Reports

·      Meetings
Authorities

 

 

 ·      Meetings

·      Seminars

·      Conferences

·      Political hearings
Civil Society NGO Media Network & Associations

 

 

 

 

 ·      E-mail

·      Meetings

·      Public events

·      Social media

·      Interviews on tv/radio/newspapers

·      Own content

·      Membership

·      Committees

·      Events
Customers & partners

 

 

 ·      Customer meetings

·      Product demonstrations

·      Seminars

·      Trade shows

·      Championships
Suppliers

 

 

 

 ·      Meetings

·      Site visits

·      Supplier forums

·      Request for tenders
Employees

 

 ·      Internal communication channels

·      Team and departmental meetings

·      All-hands meetings

·      Surveys

·      Collaboration with unions

·      European work council

What actions were taken by Nammo to respect and promote human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Nammo reports that it took the following actions for respecting and promoting human rights:

  • Supporting freedom of association
  • Nammo strongly supports freedom of association and collective bargaining as per the ILO (International Labour Organization) standard. Seventy percent of Nammo’s workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements. All employees are covered by such agreements where they exist, regardless of whether or not an employee is a union member (with the exception of the executive management team).
  • Considering human rights risks in exports
  • Human rights considerations are also part of the export controls for many of the countries Nammo operates in. Nammo sees national and international regulations for export of defense material as an integral part of its work on human rights. Human rights risks are to be identified as part of the risk management process before sales are made to countries evaluated as medium to high risk outside the EU and NATO. Key risks regarding certain countries include geopolitical changes taking place after contract signature.
  • Combating human trafficking
  • Nammo will not tolerate any form of harassment based on race, colour, religious affiliation, national origin, citizenship, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other such discriminating factors. Even in countries without a legal prohibition, Nammo does not permit the purchase of sexual services in connection with work or assignments for the company. In this way, Nammo contributes to combating human trafficking. As risks may be higher in the supply chain, Nammo expects all suppliers to comply with its Supplier Conduct Principles which are supported by its Modern Slavery Act Statement. The statement is also intended to combat forced or compulsory labour, even if there is a low risk of such incidents in Nammo’s own operations.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 407-1 Operations and suppliers in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at risk corresponds to:

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Nammo, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Nammo: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Nammo respects and promotes human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Galiano respects and promotes human rights https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-galiano-respects-and-promotes-human-rights/ Mon, 18 Oct 2021 06:10:12 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=12962 Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Galiano Gold is a precious metals mining company focused on creating a sustainable business capable of long-term value creation for its stakeholders through organic production growth, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. and corporate social responsibility. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Galiano published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy […]

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]]> Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Galiano Gold is a precious metals mining company focused on creating a sustainable business capable of long-term value creation for its stakeholders through organic production growth, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. Respect for human rights is a fundamental component of Galiano’s commitment to ethical business conduct  Tweet This! and corporate social responsibility.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Galiano published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

As a globally responsible mining company, Galiano respects human rights as articulated within, among others, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In order to respect and promote human rights Galiano took action to:

  • implement a Human Rights Policy
  • combat forced and child labour
  • promote human rights among security personnel
  • use grievance mechanisms

  • use grievance mechanisms

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Galiano identified a range of material issues, such as climate change adaptation, health and safety, environmental stewardship and compliance, contributing to community. Among these, respecting and promoting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Galiano.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Galiano engages with:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Employees and contractors ·      Meetings

·      Regular briefings

·      Monthly newsletter

·      Engagement surveys

·      Grievance mechanism
Suppliers ·      Meetings

·      Contract management

·      Due diligence assessments

·      Grievance mechanism
Local / host communities ·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Company/community forums, associations, committees

·      Open-door policy at site office

·      Community information centres

·      Monthly newsletter

·      Galiano website

·      Ceremonial gatherings

·      Grievance mechanism
Ghanaian government /

public sector partnerships

 ·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Multi-stakeholder roundtables

·      Active partnerships and collaboration

·      Site visits

·      Compliance and progress reporting

·      Sustainability Reports
Labour union ·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Site visits

·      Grievance mechanism
Shareholders, investors and analysts ·      Press releases

·      Quarterly videocasts

·      Conferences

·      Site visits

·      Annual and Sustainability Reports

·      Annual General Meetings

·      Face-to-face meetings
Gold fields ·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Site visits

·      Compliance and progress reporting
Traditional authorities ·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Company/community forums, associations, committees

·      Grievance mechanism
Industry bodies ·      Chamber of Mines meetings

·      Annual Mines Safety Competition

·      Regular inspection visits to project sites
Non-governmental organisations ·      Face-to-face meetings

·      Multi-stakeholder roundtables

·      Site visits

·      Compliance and progress reporting

·      Sustainability Reports
Media ·      Press releases

·      Galiano website

·      Briefings with management

·      Sustainability Reports

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Galiano engaged with its stakeholders through surveys distributed to key internal and external stakeholder groups including employees, contract workers, union and non-unionised employees, suppliers, community members, investors, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), government representatives, and civil agencies.

What actions were taken by Galiano to respect and promote human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Galiano reports that it took the following actions for respecting and promoting human rights:

  • Implementing a Human Rights Policy
  • In 2019, Galiano drafted a stand-alone Human Rights Policy which was approved and adopted in early 2020 and in which the company makes an overarching commitment to:
    • Avoid causing or contributing to adverse human rights impacts through its business activities, and address such impacts if they occur
    • Seek to prevent or mitigate adverse human rights impacts that are directly linked to its operations
    • Ensure it has and promotes accessible mechanisms in place for stakeholders to raise concerns and seek remedy for issues related to human rights
  • Combatting forced and child labour
  • Galiano’s operations are not at risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labour and the company has strict proof-of-age requirements upon hiring, preventing anyone under the legal industrial working age of 18 from obtaining employment and its contractors and supply chain must also adhere to this requirement. While the Asanko Gold Mine is not at risk for child labour, this risk may exist in the region due to the presence of artisanal mining sites. There were no reported incidents of either forced or child labour practices at Galiano’s operations in 2019.
  • Promoting human rights among security personnel
  • Galiano undertakes the necessary precautions to protect both its people and its assets in a responsible manner that ensures the rights of host communities are respected. Galiano’s private AGM security personnel are carefully screened and, as per Ghanaian law, are not authorised to carry arms. Risk assessment and security practices are aligned with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and Galiano will train its on-site, private security contractors to further understand and meet their responsibility to respect human rights, including risk assessments, incident reporting, and the responsible use of force. Initial training in the Voluntary Principles was planned for delivery in early 2020 but has been delayed until travel and visits to site resume in the context of COVID-19.
  • Using grievance mechanisms
  • The Galiano Human Rights Policy, Whistleblower Policy, Galiano’s open-door approach and collective bargaining agreements in the workplace, and the AGM Community Complaint and Grievance Management Procedure all provide a governance foundation from which to ensure employees, contractors, and host communities all have legitimate and accessible ways to express their concerns regarding ethical practices and any social or environmental impacts.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
 

References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Galiano, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Galiano: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Galiano respects and promotes human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Valcambi promotes and protects human rights https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-valcambi-promotes-and-protects-human-rights/ Fri, 08 Oct 2021 06:12:51 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=12944 Valcambi is a Swiss-based world-leading precious metals refiner, seeking to be the global leader in gold refining and manufacturing recognised for creating sustainable value and a better gold industry for all. , and a commitment that extends beyond having a policy on human rights embedded in its Code of Conduct. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Valcambi published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s […]

The post Case study: How Valcambi promotes and protects human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Valcambi is a Swiss-based world-leading precious metals refiner, seeking to be the global leader in gold refining and manufacturing recognised for creating sustainable value and a better gold industry for all. Respect for human rights is a top priority of Valcambi  Tweet This!, and a commitment that extends beyond having a policy on human rights embedded in its Code of Conduct.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Valcambi published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Valcambi seeks to make sure that its commitment to respecting human rights is exemplified by its actions and those of each employee, supplier and business partner. In order to promote and protect human rights Valcambi took action to:

  • promote compliance
  • conduct due diligence

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Valcambi identified a range of material issues, such as governance and ethics, sustainability development in mining communities, product traceability, climate change. Among these, promoting and protecting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Valcambi.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards           

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Valcambi engages with:  

To identify and prioritise material topics Valcambi engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels:

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Shareholders ·      Periodic meetings
Board

 

 ·      Periodic meetings

·      Monthly reporting on business progress
Management ·      Periodic meetings
Employees

 

 ·      Quarterly report

·      Communications on notice-boards

·      Meetings with union representatives

·      Code of Conduct

·      Coordination meetings

·      Company events

·      Work climate survey

·      Website / Sustainability Report
Customers

 

 

 ·      Periodic customer satisfaction surveys

·      Ongoing communication

·      Interactions through industry associations

·      Client onboarding process (due diligence)

·      KYC (Know Your Client Process)

·      Website / Sustainability Report
Suppliers

 

 

 ·      Client onboarding process (due diligence)

·      KYC (Know Your Client Process)

·      KYP (Know Your Product Process)

·      Website, e-mail, telephone

·      Suppliers’ evaluation process

·      Code of Conduct
Competitors

 

 ·      Meetings with industry associations

·      Website
Local and national institutions, authorities ·      Monthly communication

·      Information meetings
Local communities ·      Website / Sustainability Report
Public services

 

 ·      Regular communication

·      Website
Trade and industry associations ·      Periodic meetings

 
NGOs national and international ·      Meetings

·      Website / Sustainability Report
Media ·      Meetings

·      Website (news) / Sustainability Report

What actions were taken by Valcambi to promote and protect human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Valcambi reports that it took the following actions for promoting and protecting human rights:

  • Promoting compliance
  • Valcambi frames its commitment to human rights in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business (ILO) and Human Rights, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-affected and High Risk Areas. Valcambi also complies with the GRI Standards and upholds the framework set by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with relevant sector standards such as the LBMA Gold Guidance and the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practice and Chain of Custody Standard. Valcambi’s Compliance Officer is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects related to human rights. He/she ensures that management and employees act in compliance with the rules and regulations of regulatory agencies and are aware of any potential risks of dealing with potential and current business partners.
  • Conducting due diligence
  • Human Rights due diligence is systematic for Valcambi when selecting a counterparty and Valcambi asks all of them to confirm their commitment to not tolerate any form of child labour. Valcambi actively cooperates with international organisations to support projects that aim to respect and support human rights. In particular, before sourcing from ASM, Valcambi conducts enhanced due diligence with a special focus on checking that there is no child labour and exposure of young workers to hazardous work and forced or compulsory labour. Valcambi looks not only at the situation on the mining site itself, but also in the mining communities surrounding the mine. Valcambi systematically conducts on-site visits to ensure the respect of human rights. In doing so, Valcambi not only complies but goes beyond the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, Fairtrade and Fairmined standards for gold and associated precious metals from artisanal mining.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor

2) Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor

 

Disclosure 408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of child labor corresponds to:

Disclosure 409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor corresponds to:

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Valcambi, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Valcambi: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Valcambi promotes and protects human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How Fiskars Group respects and promotes human rights https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-fiskars-group-respects-and-promotes-human-rights/ Wed, 06 Oct 2021 06:09:28 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=12939 With a family of lifestyle brands including Fiskars, Gerber, Iittala, Royal Copenhagen, Waterford and Wedgwood, Fiskars Group’s vision is to create, with a presence in 30 countries and products available in more than 100 countries, a positive, lasting impact on its customers’ quality of life. As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and to working against corruption and bribery. This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Fiskars Group published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ […]

The post Case study: How Fiskars Group respects and promotes human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> With a family of lifestyle brands including Fiskars, Gerber, Iittala, Royal Copenhagen, Waterford and Wedgwood, Fiskars Group’s vision is to create, with a presence in 30 countries and products available in more than 100 countries, a positive, lasting impact on its customers’ quality of life. As a participant in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), Fiskars Group is committed to mitigating adverse human rights impacts  Tweet This! and to working against corruption and bribery.

This case study is based on the 2019 Sustainability Report by Fiskars Group published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

Fiskars Group’s approach to human rights is defined in its policies, which also serve as the foundation for the implementation of targets related to the protection of human rights. In order to respect and promote human rights Fiskars Group took action to:

  • carry out a human rights assessment
  • create an action plan
  • launch an Ethics and Compliance Helpline

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Fiskars Group identified a range of material issues, such as creating a positive societal impact, improving energy efficiency, championing safety, diversity and inclusion, creating zero waste. Among these, respecting and promoting human rights stands out as a key material issue for Fiskars Group.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards           

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups Fiskars Group engages with:  

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Consumers ·      Surveys

·      Written communications

·      Social media

·      Discussions
Customers

 

 ·      Dedicated account teams

·      Joint initiatives

·      Customer care
Employees and potential employees

 

 ·      Annual employee survey

·      Town halls

·      Employee communications

·      Individual development plans

·      Fiskars Group training sessions

·      Internal and external social media
Suppliers and subcontractors

 

 ·      Site visits

·      Annual supplier days

·      Audit programme
Shareholders and investors

 

 ·      Annual General Meeting for shareholders

·      Quarterly reporting and webcasts

·      Capital Markets Day

·      Investor meetings and presentations

·      Ongoing dialogue with investors and analysts
Non-governmental organisations

 

 ·      Partnerships

·      Memberships

·      Ongoing dialogue
Media

 

 ·      Specific media events

·      Press releases

·      Connecting with media influencers, including bloggers
Research institutes, universities and vocational schools ·      Actively collaborating with universities and institutes through product development and with new business models

How stakeholder engagement was made to identify material issues

To identify and prioritise material topics Fiskars Group engaged with its stakeholders through a web-based stakeholder survey, receiving nearly 2000 responses from 42 countries.

What actions were taken by Fiskars Group to respect and promote human rights?

In its 2019 Sustainability Report Fiskars Group reports that it took the following actions for respecting and promoting human rights:

  • Carrying out a human rights assessment
  • In 2019, Fiskars Group finalised a human rights assessment and created an action plan for 2020 to close the gaps and develop a human rights due diligence. Fiskars Group has been evaluating its performance against the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and has a cross-functional project team in place to lead the work and along the way engages with key internal stakeholders and leadership teams. The assessment included a review of Fiskars Group’s current policies and practices, several risk assessment workshops, as well as gathering feedback from stakeholders utilising the employee survey and sustainability stakeholder survey conducted in 2018. Key findings from the assessment were that although Fiskars Group has many good practices in place such as a whistleblower channel and a comprehensive Supplier Code of Conduct, it still has work to do in developing its policies and processes overall. Fiskars Group gained valuable information on how it could integrate human rights deeper into its risk management processes, covering both its operations and its value chain.
  • Creating an action plan
  • Based on the human rights assessment, Fiskars Group created an action plan to develop human rights due diligence. Rather than creating a new separate process, Fiskars Group’s aim is to integrate human rights management deeper into its existing processes. One of the first steps to implement its action plan was to update its policies to include a variety of human rights aspects more comprehensively. The Community Engagement Policy and Recruitment Policy were updated during 2019 and Fiskars Group also created a new Employment Policy covering all of its employees. In 2019, Fiskars Group conducted human rights training to the human resources function and had a more deep-dive human rights discussion with the human resources leadership team. Fiskars Group also identified that it had opportunities to develop risk management to better cover salient human rights aspects.
  • Launching an Ethics and Compliance Helpline
  • Fiskars Group’s Ethics and Compliance Helpline was introduced in 2018. The third party provided platform is a confidential and anonymous whistleblowing channel for all employees to report any workplace-related issues and complaints or suspected violations of the Code of Conduct. The Fiskars Group Code of Conduct and related training provide a detailed description of its approach to doing business in an ethical way and respecting human rights, including working conditions, labour rights, anti-corruption and bribery, and safety at work. All suspected violations and occurrences of misconduct are handled confidentially by Fiskars Group’s Internal Audit and Legal and Compliance functions. Relevant other functions are engaged depending on the case, such as HR, to solve the issues. Report on the misconduct cases is provided to the Board’s Audit Committee. During 2019, Fiskars Group received in total five complaints or suspected violations through the Ethics and Compliance Helpline. The cases were related to termination of employment, information security, managerial challenge and dismissal.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 412-1 Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments

2) Disclosure 412-2 Employee training on human rights policies or procedures

 

Disclosure 412-1 Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments does not correspond to any SDG.

Disclosure 412-2 Employee training on human rights policies or procedures does not correspond to any SDG.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by Fiskars Group, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to Fiskars Group: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How Fiskars Group respects and promotes human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

]]> Case study: How PTT respects and promotes human rights https://sustaincase.com/case-study-how-ptt-respects-and-promotes-human-rights/ Wed, 21 Jul 2021 06:07:03 +0000 https://ccprowebs.com/new-sustaincase.com/?p=12755 PTT Public Company Limited, or PTT, is a national energy company that was established to ensure national energy security for Thailand. This case study is based on the 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report by PTT published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing. Abstract PTT is committed to operating on the foundations of good governance principles […]

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]]> PTT Public Company Limited, or PTT, is a national energy company that was established to ensure national energy security for Thailand. PTT is determined to operate responsibly, respect human rights and take a stand to protect stakeholders’ rights in every activity.  Tweet This!

This case study is based on the 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report by PTT published on the Global Reporting Initiative Sustainability Disclosure Database that can be found at this link. Through all case studies we aim to demonstrate what CSR/ ESG/ sustainability reporting done responsibly means. Essentially, it means: a) identifying a company’s most important impacts on the environment, economy and society, and b) measuring, managing and changing.

Abstract

PTT is committed to operating on the foundations of good governance principles and respect for human rights. In order to respect and promote human rights PTT took action to:

  • announce a PTT Human Rights Statement
  • review the PTT Group Human Rights Management System

What are the material issues the company has identified?

In its 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report PTT identified a range of material issues, such as sustainable governance, human capital development, product stewardship, climate change, research, development and innovation. Among these, respecting and promoting human rights stands out as a key material issue for MPC.

Stakeholder engagement in accordance with the GRI Standards              

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) defines the Principle of Stakeholder Inclusiveness when identifying material issues (or a company’s most important impacts) as follows:

“The reporting organization shall identify its stakeholders, and explain how it has responded to their reasonable expectations and interests.”

Stakeholders must be consulted in the process of identifying a company’s most important impacts and their reasonable expectations and interests must be taken into account. This is an important cornerstone for CSR / sustainability reporting done responsibly.

Key stakeholder groups PTT engages with:

To identify and prioritise material topics PTT engaged with its stakeholders through the following channels: 

Stakeholder Group                Method of engagement
Country ·      Consultation with public sector monthly

·      Site visit of PTT’s operational sites monthly

·      Seminar and workshops to enhance understanding with public sector quarterly
Community and Society

 

 ·      Community development activities in ‘People’ and ‘Planet’ dimensions

·      Promotion of social and social enterprises projects in 3 aspects, comprising learning centre development, local product support, and energy development for community

·      PTT Contact Centre 1365, PTT Website or email
Shareholders

 

 

 ·      PTT website under “Investor Relations” or email

·      PTT Debenture application for bond holders to review their own bond details, activity registration, points collection for special awards

·      Monthly activity for bond holders, such as PTT Group’s site visit and seminars on economic topics

·      Annual general meeting

·      International roadshow to meet and advise non-Thai investors
Customers ·      Annual customer seminar

·      Sales’ and executives’ regular client meeting according to stipulated plan

·      PTT Contact Centre 1365
Suppliers ·      Annual customer seminar

·      Grievance on corruption through email
Employees

 

 ·      Acknowledgement of employees’ feedback to develop response plan for employees’ needs, and key competencies to accommodate new businesses throughout the year

·      Business relation committee on a monthly basis

·      CEO, Managing Director and high-level executives meet with all employee levels according to plan

What actions were taken by PTT to respect and promote human rights?

In its 2019 Corporate Sustainability Report PTT reports that it took the following actions for respecting and promoting human rights:

  • Announcing a PTT Human Rights Statement
  • In 2019, PTT’s President and Chief Executive Officer announced the PTT Human Rights Statement. The statement demonstrates PTT’s strong commitment in operating businesses with full respect to human rights. It highlights right protection for all stakeholder groups, as well as disseminating human rights management to suppliers and other relevant parties. PTT has also signed to demonstrate support to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)’s CEO Guide to Human Rights. The gesture indicates PTT Group’s commitment to drive human rights performance in alignment across the entire PTT Group.
  • Reviewing the PTT Group Human Rights Management System
  • PTT has reviewed the PTT Group Human Rights Management System, deployed since 2017. The Management System’s addition includes guidelines for corporate governance, compliance, and assessment of human rights impacts towards stakeholders. The recent supplement has been approved and deployed by the Corporate Governance Committee. The scope of PTT Group’s human rights due diligence has also been adjusted to fit PTT Group Way of Conduct. There are 15 subsidiaries operating in compliance with the PTT Group Human Rights Management System, altogether accumulating to 30 areas across 14 countries. Key human rights risks identified in PTT Group’s business operations consisted of occupational health and safety, migrant workers, security, suppliers’ labour practice, community’s quality of life, and indigenous people’s lives. However, PTT Group’s human rights risk level, per the 2019 risk assessment, remains in the range of low to moderate. Such a result is due to the development of a human rights management plan and the utilisation of control measures suitable for each area. There is quarterly monitoring on the operations to make sure risks remain within risk appetite. The monitoring also ascertains that control measures are executed with maximum efficiency. Furthermore, there are seminars organised on global trends and PTT Group’s readiness to directions of human rights management at an international scale for PTT Board, Executives and relevant employees. There are also trainings on sustainability management, encompassing fundamental human rights training for employees related to human rights performance. (There was a total of 47 participants, with total training time at 11 hours.) Due to the continuous and tangible efforts and the annual performance disclosure according to the United Nations Global Compact’s 10 Principles, there were no human rights grievances filed in 2019.

Which GRI Standards and corresponding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been addressed?

The GRI Standards addressed in this case are:

1) Disclosure 412-1 Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments

2) Disclosure 412-2 Employee training on human rights policies or procedures

 

Disclosure 412-1 Operations that have been subject to human rights reviews or impact assessments does not correspond to any SDG

Disclosure 412-2 Employee training on human rights policies or procedures does not correspond to any SDG.

 

78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards

SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.

Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

  • Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
  • Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
  • Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
  • Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.
References:

1) This case study is based on published information by PTT, located at the link below. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the report’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original, please revert to the original on the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Disclosure Database at the link:

http://database.globalreporting.org/

2) https://www.globalreporting.org/standards/gri-standards-download-center/

Note to PTT: With each case study we send out an email requesting a comment on this case study. If you have not received such an email please contact us.

The post Case study: How PTT respects and promotes human rights appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

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