SLCP to accelerate further convergence and expansion
GIZ funding to pursue supply chain due diligence through use of the Converged Assessment Framework
Strategic priorities for the SLCP Council in 2022 include advancing convergence of the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) with social standards, expanding use of the CAF into other sectors, and linking the CAF to upcoming supply chain due diligence legislation. In this context, we are pleased to announce that SLCP, in collaboration with several other like-minded organizations, successfully applied for funding from the Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS), a program implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The approved consortium proposal includes two sub-projects: one focused on environmental convergence, that will be delivered by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), ZDHC, Implementation Hub and the Apparel Impact Institute (aii), and the other focusing on social convergence, to be delivered by SLCP. In this article, we provide more information about the objectives of the sub-project on social convergence that SLCP will be leading. Further information about the wider project proposal can be found on the SAC’s website.
SLCP and GIZ: shared vision of a better future
In anticipation of German and European due diligence legislation, GIZ has launched the “Initiative for Global Solidarity” (IGS). The project emphasizes the shared responsibility of purchasing and producing companies to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address their actual and potential adverse impacts, creating a more sustainable industry. With this aim IGS aligns closely with SLCP’s vision and mission to drive a more collaborative and effective approach to the collection of social and labor supply chain data to shift resources from auditing to improving working conditions. IGS is therefore supporting the work of SLCP by funding a project to further convergence of the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) particularly with social standards, and to pilot the CAF in a second industry.
Project aim 1: Further convergence of the Converged Assessment Framework
With funding from IGS, SLCP will continue its work to expand use of the Converged Assessment Framework by furthering convergence with existing schemes and standard holders. SLCP is already in productive dialogue with several standard holders, including SAC’s FSLM, amfori and FairTrade USA. Successful convergence can only be achieved through a detailed mapping of data points, quality assurance mechanisms and technology systems between SLCP and each standard holder. The other component to driving convergence is clear communication and support materials for users of the tools. Both require significant time and resources. With this additional support from IGS, SLCP can accelerate these convergence efforts.
Project aim 2: Pilot SLCP in a second industry
While scaling adoption in the apparel & footwear sector remains SLCP’s top priority, the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) has the potential to be of enormous benefit to other industries, and the long-term strategy has therefore always included sector expansion. We currently see the use of the CAF already picking up in adjacent sectors like hometextiles and distribution centers. With IGS funding, SLCP can start to explore the opportunities for and feasibility of use of the CAF in other industries. SLCP aims to implement a pilot in ten producing companies of a second industry and to raise wider awareness of SLCP within this industry by the end of the funding period, in mid-2024.
SLCP: Key player in expanding the use of open data standards
SLCP is excited to be playing a leading role in the wider project in collaboration with SAC and the Apparel Alliance to create and expand the use of open data standards for social and environmental performance. The project has the potential to make a substantial impact towards transparency and greater sustainability in the textile and garment industry and beyond.
About the Initiative for Global Solidarity
The Initiative for Global Solidarity (IGS) is a program implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). IGS addresses purchasing and producing companies to collaborate as partners, share responsibility for compliance with human rights and environmental due diligence, and gain greater awareness of these issues. In doing so, they contribute to more sustainable and resilient supply chains.
IGS supports companies in pilot countries and in Europe by advising them on topics such as transparency, data management and complaints mechanisms, networking them with one another and other stakeholders, and promoting dialogue throughout the sector. Bangladesh, Vietnam, Cambodia and Serbia are pilot countries, with a focus on the textile and electronics sectors. Learn more: Initiative for Global Solidarity
