What we can offer

 

 

 

What we can offer to members

We offer a wide range of opportunities and services.

For companies, we offer:

• Practical guidance on how to manage and implement an ethical sourcing strategy, through access to the ETI Workbook and other briefing documents, members’ roundtables covering practical code implementation issues prioritised by our members (5-10 per year), and access to Secretariat staff for specific enquiries. Soon, we will also be able to offer training on labour standards, auditing and other key ethical trade skills.
   
• A safe forum for debate. At members’ roundtables and other events we organise, we identify companies with experience of addressing a particular problem and invite them to talk about the practical solutions they have developed. Our briefing documents also focus on documenting and sharing companies’ experiences. For example, we have developed a guidance document on ethical sourcing in China, which pools the experiences and resources of those members who source from China.
   
• The opportunity to learn from the leaders. For new members who are just starting out in ethical sourcing, you will get the chance to learn from companies who have already been working for several years to improve conditions in their supply chains. Several of these more experienced members have already identified good practice in many areas, with proven results.
   
• The chance to develop new contacts with NGOs and trade unions in the UK and overseas. Being part of ETI offers the opportunity not only to meet new NGO and trade union organisations, but also to develop trusting and effective working relationship with key individuals in these organisations, within an unthreatening environment.
   
• The opportunity to join forces with other companies to strengthen your impact. Some labour issues, such as the abuse of gang labour on UK farms, have proved too difficult for an individual company to tackle alone. Through the corporate caucus groups, member companies have developed joint initiatives to tackle issues such as gang labour. By working together, they are in a better position to influence the “gangmasters” who supply such labour, and to lobby for government support.
   
• The opportunity to learn about ethical trade “hands on”, through our experimental projects.
   

For NGOs and trade union organisations, we offer the opportunity to:

• Influence the development of ethical trade standards and practice, through being part of one of the most influential labour code initiatives in the UK.
   
• Develop direct contacts with ethical trade staff working in leading UK companies.
   
• Network with other NGOs and trade union organisations working on labour rights and codes of practice.

 

 

 

What we can offer to others

ETI now has a substantial body of knowledge on ethical trade. The level of interest and activity around codes of labour practice has grown enormously over the last few years, and many look to ETI for advice and information on this subject.

As a membership organisation, our resources are focused on meeting members’ needs. Nevertheless, we try to inform and support those beyond the membership, with the limited resources that we have. We regularly provide advice and information to journalists, press officers, government departments, NGOs, retailers, suppliers, auditors, academics, students and consumers.

For these and other organisations and individuals with an interest in ethical trade, we can offer:

• A range of publications on ethical trade, many of which are available for free – click here for a list of our publications;
   
• Occasional conferences, seminars and workshops on topical issues in ethical trade – see Events;
   
• Presentations on ETI and ethical trade issues at ethical trade/CSR events;
   
• Contributions to articles or programmes for mainstream and trade press;
   
• A restricted information enquiry service at the Secretariat – see Contact ETI.