Join ETI

Who we are

ETI’s vision is of a world where human rights at work are enjoyed by workers, respected by business, and protected by governments.

ETI’s mission is to harness the combined power of business, trade unions and NGOs to realise that vision.

The world of work, and the context within which businesses operate, is constantly changing. But the ETI Base Code, an internationally recognised code of good labour practice founded on the conventions of the International Labour Organisation, remains a fundamental global reference standard and a benchmark for responsible, ethical business practice all over the world.

Through membership, we provide practical support to business to act responsibly and promote decent work within their supply chains. We provide a safe space to our members to discuss shared challenges and identify solutions to systemic problems that organisations cannot tackle alone.

The business case for ETI membership

Are you future-ready to manage the transitions accelerated by climate change, automation or future pandemics?

Be future-ready

Businesses are facing multiple transitions, from climate change to future pandemics. Forward-looking companies understand that investing in human capital and sustainable business models is key to building long-term resilience and future-proofing their businesses.

Legislation

The UN Guiding Principles are clear; businesses are responsible for addressing their impact on human rights. There is growing pressure worldwide to strengthen this legislation. Businesses that are ahead of the curve are better placed to adapt to these changes.

Mitigate risk

Companies typically devote up to 80% of their ethical sourcing budget on the recurring cost of audit. Audit is ineffective in picking up many human rights violations, leaving companies to carry risks they cannot see. Investing in sustainable improvements by engaging with suppliers ‘beyond-audit’ is a far more effective way to mitigate risk.

Access to finance

Finance is a powerful leverage to encourage ethical behaviour. Investment risk analysis places value on businesses having strong relationships with their suppliers, mitigating risk of disruption and disrepute, something that goes hand in hand with human rights due diligence.

Brand integrity

With unprecedented access to information, consumers are increasingly engaged. The pandemic has shone a light on how brands treat workers in their supply chains.

Demonstrating respect for human rights at work will build trust with consumers and protect brand integrity.

The benefits of ETI membership

Continual improvement, real impact...

Progression

  • ETI supports you to implement the ETI Base Code, to continually improve and to embed human rights at work into your company’s business practices and supply chains

Collaboration

  • Work collaboratively with other members to identify solutions to systemic issues
  • Access our safe space where companies and other global stakeholders come together to tackle complex problems

Impact

  • Join a trusted, impactful organisation with over 20 years’ experience in human rights at work
  • Demonstrate to customers, investors and civil society that your company is taking active steps to address human rights risks within your supply chain

Awareness

  • Stay on top of live issues and access practical guidance on how to tackle them
  • Connect with other members and learn from their experiences

What companies can expect from membership

Progression, collaboration and more...

Progression

  • 1:1 progression meetings to support progress on a member’s priority topics
  • Access to ETI’s Progression Framework, a trusted tool for gap-analysis and action planning based on 20 years of learning of effective and meaningful approaches

Collaboration

  • Dedicated safe space to convene and connect with members and other stakeholders to develop shared solutions to common challenges
  • In addition to ETI’s two priority themes of Transitions & Futures and Business Practices, ETI will lead initiatives on agreed salient issues, coordinating on policy and advocacy where appropriate

Impact

  • Opportunity to engage in ETI global initiatives, guided by clear terms of reference, requiring all participants to be actively engaged and ensuring a focus on quality and impact
  • ETI members commit to the Member Charter, which sets out the responsibilities, behaviours and expected standards of all members

Awareness

  • Access to exclusive insights, best-practice and expertise from ETI’s network of NGOs, trade unions, companies and partners
  • Access to data-driven communications and learning from all ETI initiatives

How to apply for ETI membership

Joining fees for companies, application and approval process.

How to apply