Download the GSCP reference tools

GSCP Reference Code (Version 2)

GSCP Reference Tools on Audit Process and Methodology

GSCP Environmental Module: DRAFT Reference Requirements and DRAFT Implementation Guidelines for Suppliers

Participate in web-based consultations

Public consultations on draft reference tools

Companies' Management Systems - consultation on draft reference tool:
- download the comments form and return to us by email

GSCP Reference Tools: Purpose & Use PDF Print E-mail

To drive convergence, the GSCP is building a set of reference tools that describe best practice, uphold relevant International Standards - where these exist - and provide a common interpretation for fair labour and environmental requirements and their implementation.
It will enable buying companies around the world, in whatever industry, to work towards mutual recognition of audit results.

This set of reference tools comprises of a reference code, reference audit process and methodology, reference guidelines for auditing competence and reference tools on companies' and schemes' management systems. Each tool will be developed by an expert working group whose role is to identify and build consensus around best practices, and to ensure it upholds international labour standards and site-specific environmental requirements.

These tools are openly available and can voluntarily either be:

  • integrated in part or in full by companies into their respective systems
  • used by companies or initiatives as a reference against which to compare, or otherwise review, their existing tools through an equivalence process
It is important to note that improving labour and environmental practices is incremental.
While reference tools aim at showing what good looks like, it is understood that requirements can differ in nature. Some are straightforward and can be swiftly implemented, while others are more complex and require progressive implementation. This is especially the case where they exceed the minimum required by the law of a specific country.