Solution
Bureau Veritas has the expertise and resources to support companies throughout the process of developing an effective social compliance program, performing independent audits of compliance-related processes and controls, and reporting on results.
Compliance Advisory Services
Bureau Veritas has extensive experience in designing and implementing programs for organizations of varying sizes and operational perspectives that takes into consideration the critical elements of compliance. In addition, Bureau Veritas has a proven methodology that covers all elements of supply chain social compliance programs, and is designed to instill confidence that key issues and challenges for the design, development and implementation of the program have been met.
Independent Auditing of Working Environments
With over 700 laboratories and offices in over 140 countries, Bureau Veritas is strategically positioned to provide independent social compliance audit services utilizing local auditors who are familiar with complex issues related to social compliance, including local social conditions, cultures and languages of workers, standard industry practices, and the applicable laws and regulations.
Bureau Veritas evaluates supplier compliance with a variety of social compliance standards, including various corporate codes of conduct, a Bureau Veritas-developed code of conduct containing standard industry compliance elements, and a range of industry standards established by organizations such as the International Council of Toy Industries (ICTI), Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), and the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX).
OUR APPROACH
The Bureau Veritas approach to social compliance recognizes that working conditions can be managed in a manner consistent with other elements of quality. The most effective compliance programs are comprised of three essential elements:
1. an objective, measurable code of conduct standard that clearly defines expectations and requirements;
2. processes and controls at the company and manufacturing facility to manage activities and ensure compliance; and
3. independent on-site monitoring to ensure compliance and the operation of compliance-related processes and controls.
Bureau Veritas utilizes recognized protocols for on-site monitoring, including confidential employee interviews, record testing, observations and management feedback. With a multipronged approach, monitors are able to consider various sources of information and utilize proven investigative techniques to corroborate evidence.
Many multinational companies have adopted Bureau Veritas’ standard social compliance service offering which includes evaluation and reporting of the following compliance elements in a proprietary scorecard format: Laws and Regulations; Child Labor; Forced Labor; Harassment; Wages and Benefits; Hours of Work; Health and Safety; Non-discrimination; Women’s Rights; Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining; Environment; Subcontracting; Communication; and Monitoring and Compliance.
Why Choose Bureau Veritas?
• In-depth knowledge of, experience with, and core competencies in - compliance monitoring, manufacturing issues, labor standards and local practices and customs.
• Years of experience developing and implementing solutions for high-profile multinational companies.
• Web-based solutions for real-time access to audit status, audit results, and supply chain trends.
• Architects of comprehensive code of conduct programs for the most sophisticated organizations.
• The knowledge and understanding of important issues of concern to stakeholders.
• Proven ability to deliver seamless global services – with rapid response capabilities.
• Proven ability to provide collaborative visits for multiple clients to share costs and remediation efforts.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of monitoring my suppliers for social compliance?
By having Bureau Veritas perform independent audits, multinational companies are able to determine if their products are being manufactured under safe, lawful and humane conditions. Having a code of conduct process that is supported by an independent auditing program strengthens brand image and allows companies to respond to critics and customers in good faith by articulating their process and having relevant information about conditions in their supply chain.
Is there a globally recognized code of conduct or set of standards?
Unfortunately, there is not one widely adopted code or standard that fits every organization or industry sector. Since many codes contain very similar fundamental requirements, there are several efforts underway to develop mutual recognition schemes. Bureau Veritas supports efforts to reduce audit redundancy by performing collaborative visits for multiple clients, enabling cost sharing and coordination of remediation efforts.
Do you have an online portal so I can track the status of my audits and receive results online?
Yes, in recognition of the importance of receiving real-time information, Bureau Veritas offers clients a secure online portal to track the real-time status of audits and to view audit results and reports.
Do you certify factories for code of conduct compliance?
As an independent auditor, BV does not certify factories for compliance with code of conduct standards. Bureau Veritas does perform audits for certification under several recognized certification programs.
