3D Business

What To Include In An Ethical Trade Policy

An ethical trading policy relates to working conditions and rights of those in global supply chains. It states publicly the standards that a company expects its employees, suppliers and contractors to abide by. Issues covered typically include child labour, health and safety, discrimination and living wages. Companies can use codes such as the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code for guidance on what to include. Fair Trade criteria appear in several policies, determining how trade is conducted, with standards for buying practices, lead times and pay.

Policies in general

Policies and procedures bring structure to a business, no matter how large or small. They provide direction and give an insight to the company’s values and standards. They also provide a framework that ensures staff and suppliers are clear about what to do and how to measure success or failure.  To cover an issue in a policy, the company should state what clearly what it will or will not tolerate as part of its business, what measures it takes to enforce this, and what it…

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Author
Clare Lissaman

Head of Oxfam Advisory Services at Oxfam and 3 others