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

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AUgust 2010 - GSCP DRAFT REFERENCE TOOL ON COMPANIES' MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - CONSULTATION NOW OPEN

The GSCP is opening a general consultation with companies and stakeholders on the draft reference tool on Companies' Management Systems.

The draft tool aims at describing the key elements that characterise companies’ current good practices in the management of social compliance programme. The purpose of this reference tool is to:
- identify and gather good practice for establishing and operating companies’ supply chain social compliance management systems;
- allow companies to assess and compare the quality, solidity, integrity and sustainability of their systems.

Following this consultation process, the Expert Working Group will review and analyse all contributions received and revise the draft reference tools accordingly. The final draft reference tools will then be shared with the GSCP Advisory and Executive Boards for final consideration and publication.

You can now comment on the draft reference tool on Companies' Management Systems - we will welcome and value all you comments and suggestions! You can access the draft tool here and use this form to comment (please return to us by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). The consultation will run until September 30th 2010. Thank you!

AUgust 2010 - GSCP summer newsletter

The Summer 2010 edition of the GSCP newsletter is now available for download. Happy reading!

JUNE 2010 - GSCP REFERENCE CODE VERSION 2 Now open for REVIEW
A second review protocol has been launched on the GSCP website for the 2nd version of the Reference Code. This will  ensure it constantly reflects existing best practices and represents a wide consensus among stakeholders. This review will run until late December 2011, with publication of Version 3 planned mid-2012. To contribute, please share your suggestions via the website review page. Thank you!
MAY 2010 - GSCP REFERENCE CODE - VERSION 2 PUBLISHED

The GSCP is happy to announce the completion of the Reference Code's first review and therefore the publication of the Reference Code Version 2!

This review was undertaken - as will be further reviews - to ensure that the GSCP Reference Code constantly reflects existing best practices and represents a wide consensus among stakeholders. We thank all of those of you who contributed to this review with comments and suggestions for improvement.

As per GSCP methodology, a further review of the Reference Code will take place on the GSCP website – this review will open end of May 2010 and will run until end of December 2011. You can access the consultation in the right hand side column of any page of this website. Thank you again for your participation!

APRIL 2010 - GSCP spring NEWSLETTER

The Spring 2010 issue of the GSCP Newsletter is now available for download.

APRIL 2010 - GSCP Draft Reference Tools for ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY - consultation NOW OPEN

The GSCP is opening a general consultation with companies and stakeholders on the draft reference tools on environmental Audit Process and Methodology.

These drafts aim at gathering best practices for each step of the environmental audit process in order to bring consistency to the way environmental audits are prepared, led and followed-up. They are based on identified best practices drawn from existing systems and processes.

Following this consultation process, the Expert Working Group will review and analyse all contributions received and revise the draft reference tools accordingly. The final draft reference tools will then be shared with the GSCP Advisory and Executive Boards for final consideration and publication.

You can now comment on the Environmental Module’s draft reference tools on Audit Process and Methodology - we welcome and value all you comments and suggestions: access the webform here to contribute. Thank you!

MARCH 2010 - THE GSCP WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO THE ADVISORY BOARD

The GSCP is happy to announce that its Advisory Board has seen the addition of 4 valuable new members: Suzanne Apple from the WWF, Alke Boessiger from UNI Global Union,Caroline Rees from Harvard Kennedy School and David Schilling from the Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility. Go to the Advisory Board page to view their profiles, and learn more about the role of this group within the Programme and its views on progress.

february 2010 - GSCP Draft Reference Tools for Auditor Competence - consultation closed
The GSCP launched in December 2009 a consultation process on the first set of GSCP draft reference tools for Auditor Competence.
The objective of the reference tools for Auditor Competence is to ensure the relevant level of competencies is established for auditors and will enhance the professionalism of individuals carrying out the assessment of suppliers. With the establishment and collective acceptance of these competencies, this will help minimise any inconsistency between individual auditors and the audit results, which in turn will lead to increased confidence for the supplier and buyer alike.
The consultation applied to the first set of draft reference tools:
- Draft reference requirements for the recognition of individual auditors
- Draft reference requirements for the recognition of auditing bodies
The consultation was open to any company or organisation that wishes to share best practices and ran until 29th January 2010.
We thank all participants for their contribution, and are compiling all comments which will be reviewed by the Expert Working Group and GSCP Boards.
DECEMBER 2009 - GSCP Draft Reference Tools for Audit PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY now open for REVIEW
In order to ensure that the GSCP reference tools for Audit Process and Methodology constantly reflects existing best practices and represent a wide consensus among stakeholders, the tools will be reviewed on a regular basis. The first review process will run from December 2009 until October 2010, the next review will take place in 2011 and then every three years.
All suggestions, based on best practices, to strengthen the tools can be shared via the website review page.
october 2009 - GSCP Reference Tools on Audit Process and Methodology published

The GSCP has just completed Step 2 of its working plan which resulted in the publication of a set of reference tools on Audit Process and Methodology.
The reference tools on audit process and methodology detail the requirements that should be met by buying companies and auditors in order to conduct best practice social audits. It covers all steps to be taken prior, during and after an audit and includes where relevant templates to complement the audit process. It applies to auditing of sites of employment from all sectors, categories and countries.
These reference tools are part of the GSCP set of reference tools designed to provide a common interpretation of fair labour requirements and their implementation. They are part of the GSCP set of reference tools designed to provide a common interpretation of fair labour requirements and their implementation. They are based on the GSCP Reference Code but can be adopted and tailored to other codes of conduct.
The GSCP reference tools are not a substitute for existing audit process or existing systems.
These reference tools are openly available and can be:
-    Used by buying companies or initiatives as a reference against which to compare their existing tools.
-    Integrated in part or in full by buying companies into existing auditing processes and systems.

july 2009 - GSCP Newsletter

The Summer 09 issue of the GSCP Newsletter is now available for download.

may 2009 - Note from the Advisory Board on the Experiences from the first 20 Months of participation in Developing the GSCP
The GSCP Advisory Board has been actively involved in the development of the Global Social Compliance Programme over the last 20 months. Their involvement has been reviewed in a note the Advisory Board issued after the GSCP Spring General Meeting in Paris on May 6th & 7th. In this note, the Advisory Board reviews the evolution of its role and responsibility, the effectiveness of the GSCP governance model, the publication of the GSCP Reference Code and the role of the Programme in promoting sound labour relations.

Download the full text here