Proposal for Conducting Seminar on Introduction to Social Compliance & Its Business Benefits Submitted to: Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi Table of Contents Summary..02 Seminar Objectives 02 Content Outline..02 Expected Outcomes.03 Proposed Budget 03 Annexure: Organisation Profile.04 Page 1 of 8
SUMMARY Workplace Internal Regulatory Establishment is pleased to present this proposal to The Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi for conducting a half day seminar on Introduction to Social Compliance & Its Business Benefits. Over the next decade, CSR will continue to shift from being a risk mitigation strategy to a competitive advantage in attracting business. Companies, including small and medium enterprises that commit to CSR can now use it immediately to differentiate themselves and attract multi-national buyers and investors. They will also be well-positioned when the global economy begins its recovery and with new developments & government strategies specific to United Arab Emirates. The seminar is aimed at helping people to understand social compliance issues and the importance of management systems as the key to ongoing compliance and continual improvement. SEMINAR OBJECTIVES Gain knowledge of the issues in social compliance and best practice solutions Discuss latest practical techniques to identify and manage issues in your facility and your supply chain Take advantage of networking opportunities with fellow executives and international industry experts CONTENT OUTLINE Introduction to CSR and the Socially Responsible Business Introduction to International Labor Organization & its Tripartite structure and Principles of Social Compliance Globalization and its impact on CSR Labour compliance challenges in the Middle East The UAE Federal Governments initiatives in monitoring labour standards Business benefits in Marketing & Production from improved Social Compliance Elements of Social Compliance Principles, Problems & Solutions Management Systems Developing Policies and Procedures Page 2 of 8
EXPECTED OUTCOMES Enhanced corporate CSR strategy to include scalable and measurable social performance Understanding the ILO and the UAE s commitment to ratified Conventions Creating and implementing effective social management systems Acquiring knowledge of the management system approach to CSR Improving internal and external communication Developing policies and procedures Defining scope and risk Social system auditor training Initiatives of the Federal Government of UAE to enforce Labor Standards PROPOSED BUDGET Sr. No. Particular Proposed Fee 1 Delivery of half day seminar on Social Compliance & Its Business Benefits AED 5,500.00 UAE Dirhams Five Thousand and Five Hundred. Page 3 of 8
Organisation Profile WIRE is a strategy and social change management, social risk monitoring, consulting and training firm based in Dubai. WIRE works both with local and international corporations; the Federal Government of UAE and semi Government institutions by addressing common challenges that promote sustainable economic growth and fair business practices related to social standards. Workplace Internal Regulatory Establishment (WIRE) was established in 2003 to address the challenges of Labour Law implementation and Human Rights in context of the Middle East. Moving beyond from independent social monitoring WIRE has provided solutions based on country specific requirements which are both sensitive to the needs of the nation as well as sustainable to meet global challenges. Having worked extensively in the Middle East, Asia, Far East, North & East Africa and South-East Asia, WIRE brings hands on knowledge of CSR strategy related to social performance and translates this in the Middle Eastern context while working with the public and private sectors in the Middle East. Services provided: Page 4 of 8
LABOUR LAW TRAINING Problems at the workplace can be disturbing and can have severe consequences to business in terms of brand and reputation. Knowing your legal boundaries, rights and entitlements as an employee or an employer prepares you best to deal with unforeseen challenges. WIRE conducts periodic labour law courses designed and updated regularly to provide vital insight into the requirements of the Ministry of Labour, UAE. Case studies and group discussions aligned with international trends and industry best practices of social risk management offers additional inputs to develop sound Human Resource Policies based on management systems. The training is designed for staff within companies who are responsible for implementing codes of labour practice, and for government and NGO representatives who promote ethics at the workplace. ILO MANDATED TRAINING FOR LABOUR INSPECTORS WIRE has delivered a ten week intensive training module for Labour Inspectors of the Ministry of Labour based on the principles of International Labour Organisation (ILO). The module covers every aspect of Labour Inspection combined with soft skills training for labour inspectors to deal with complicated situations. Modules covered: Labour law and inspection methodology Labour inspection in construction industry Labour inspection and major hazards prevention Occupational safety and health Labour disputes Social interaction and essential business skills Conflict management, negotiation and decision making Onsite field monitoring SA8000 CONSULTING Social Accountability International (SAI) is a global, multi-stakeholder, standards setting organisation whose mission is to advance the human rights of workers around the world. WIRE is the authorised representative of SAI in the Middle East. SAI established one of the world s preeminent social standards SA8000 a recognized benchmark among the voluntary codes and standards initiatives grounded on the principles of core ILO conventions, UN Conventions, and an ISO-style management system. Elements of SA8000 standards include Child labour Page 5 of 8
Forced labour Health and safety Freedom of association Discrimination Discipline Working hours Compensation Management systems DEVELOPMENT OF BUSINESS ETHICS CODE ON IFC/WORLD BANK REQUIREMENTS A Code of Business Ethics provides a framework for business to deal with ethical dilemmas and serves as an important communication tool for the organization to demonstrate its social commitment. WIRE brings with it knowledge of internationally accepted code of business ethics from across sectors and can help to formulate and codify organizational values and beliefs benchmarked against International Finance Corporation s (IFC) requirements and recommended guidelines. CONSULTING FOR GOOD CORPORATION GoodCorporation is recognised worldwide as one of the leading organisations working in the field of corporate responsibility and business ethics. GoodCorporation helps its clients to protect their most valuable asset good reputation. The good corporation standard addresses various stakeholders in the business environment the employees, the customers, the suppliers and contractors, the community, the environment and the management commitment. The Good Corporation also has a framework on bribery and corruption and addresses senior management, employees, suppliers, customers and public sector in this context. WIRE provides consultancy services based on Good Corporations standards and also provides assessment based on the standard. ADVISORY SERVICES WIRE provides advisory services to organisations in the region on interpretation and application of labour laws. WIRE provides expert advice in developing Employee Hand Books, Personnel Policies, Grievance Procedures and Whistle Blowing policies. SOCIAL RISK ANALYSIS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT Involvement of migrant workers, contractors and subcontractors in supply chain has become increasingly important in expansion of business opportunities, attracting foreign investments and also in mergers and acquisitions. While the intention of business is legislative compliance Page 6 of 8
and increased productivity and profits; gaps and inconsistencies in conforming to laws and regulations down the supply chain may become a threat to business growth. The need of performing a social risk analysis is to stimulate an engaging discussion with stakeholders and understanding the social consequences of an organization s current policies, programs and projects- positive or negative, intended or unintended, direct or indirect. WIRE can help in identifying root causes of non-compliance and potential risks institutional, economic, occupational, developmental and environmental. It also helps understand the adverse impact it may have to the growth of business or human population and provides need based advice on potential solutions. ACCREDITATION AUDITOR FOR SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACCREDITATION SERVICES (SAAS) Accreditation is the process by which formal recognition of competence is given to qualified organizations, known as Certification Bodies (CBs), who are then granted the ability to perform certifications. Certification bodies need to be accredited to assure stakeholders that the CBs are able to consistently, reliably and effectively perform certification audits and that these audits are carried out in a professional manner. SAAS sets strict standards and oversight procedures for accreditation of qualified organizations to certify against SA8000 and other verification codes within its scope. The accreditation process by SAAS includes documentation review, site audits and observation of auditors in the field. SAAS undertakes impartial assessment and surveillance of CBs to ensure that the SAAS-accredited certification process is functioning and meets the SAAS criteria. Sanjiv Singh, Managing Director - WIRE on behalf of SAAS, conducts accreditation audits for certification bodies internationally. SOCIAL PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND GAP ANALYSIS WIRE s evidence based assessment against country labour laws or International code of conduct provides the foundation for effective management of supply chain. A systematic approach to gap analysis ensures understanding of core issues and importance of stakeholder engagement to support strategic decision making and policy changes. The assessment process includes 1. Understanding organisation s work environment, mission and business activities 2. Understanding organisation s policies, procedures and reporting structures 3. Review of internal documentation and records 4. Focused interviews with management, employees and other stakeholders 5. Evidence based reporting of findings Page 7 of 8
CODE OF CONDUCT AUDITS WIRE conducts social compliance audits based on code of conduct of many leading brands that are committed to social responsibility throughout their supply chain. Code of conduct audits are highly professional, unbiased and confidential, and trusted in the region by leading brands and retailers it works with. Organisation Strengths Sanjiv Singh Workplace Internal Regulatory Establishment Page 8 of 8