________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why is it important to go beyond traditional supplier audits? Audits are an important tool in a company’ s supply chain due diligence system. It is critical that suppliers’ processes are checked, and potential risks are identified and mitigated. However, audits can only achieve so much. To achieve greater value, organizations need to move beyond the mindset of simply‘ passing the audit’ and focus on acting on the findings.
Many of the organizations we work with have complex supplier networks. To ensure that supplier assessments or audits are reaching all supplier tiers and business functions, organizations should start by mapping their supply chain. They can then implement the most appropriate due diligence tool and help suppliers improve by providing development plans that will fix problems and improve standards.
Of course, it’ s not just a case of fixing issues, preventing them from recurring is also key. To do this, organizations need to understand the root cause of any issues. This is something we work closely with our members on as part of our supplier assessment and certification process – our teams are on the ground working directly with suppliers to identify what might be causing an issue and providing guidance on how it can be addressed.
What is your view on the state of gender equality within global supply chains? How does the ESCP support and empower female workers? The Global Gender Gap Report 2023 indicates that it will take an estimated 132 years to close the gender gap in economic participation and opportunity at the current rate of progress. Delivering programs that empower
10