When they join ETI, companies commit to implementing the ETI Base Code in all or part of their supply chains. But how exactly have companies put this commitment into practice? Has their work on implementing the Code actually made any difference to workers in their supply chains?

Last year, we launched the ETI impact assessment to establish whether implementation of the ETI Base Code is improving workers’ conditions, and to find out how to strengthen that impact. This year, we finalised terms of reference for this study, and following an open call for proposals and a rigorous selection process, we contracted the Institute of Development Studies (University of Sussex), an independent research organisation, to conduct the study. We agreed a broad programme for the research, which will have three phases:

Phase 1, to be completed in December 2003, will synthesise members’ perspectives on where codes have had an impact and where difficulties remain, and produce a working model characterising the different types of management systems used by companies for code implementation.

Phase 2, to be completed in December 2004, will look in detail at the impact of code implementation at a cross-section of supplier sites in three countries (two industries per country). This will involve intensive fieldwork with workers, suppliers and other local stakeholders in these countries, and will explore possible negative as well as positive impacts.

Phase 3, to be completed in September 2005, will bring together findings from Phases 1 and 2, and produce some conclusions on the nature and level of impact of code implementation, and guidance on how to monitor and improve impact in the future.

Progress and preliminary findings will be shared with members and key external audiences throughout the three phases of the project.

Objectives of the ETI impact assessment

• To establish the impact of implementing the ETI Base Code on the lives of workers, including the effect on their poverty status and recognition of their rights, and the indirect impacts on workers’ families, communities and wider society;
   
• To identify how the impact of implementing the Base Code can be improved;
   
• To develop a strategy and tools for on-going monitoring and assessment of impact;
   
• To share learning gained from the study with those involved in implementing ethical sourcing.
   

See also:
Activities: Research projects: Impact Assessment 

Picture:
Smallholders put questions to ETI members at a tea-buying centre, Kenya, 2003.