ETI appoints Mary Creagh CBE as its new chair

At its meeting on Thursday 30th June, the ETI Board appointed Mary Creagh CBE as its new Chair. Mary was selected after a thorough search for a candidate to take ETI forward at a time when vulnerable workers in global supply chains need more support than ever to ensure that their rights are respected. Whether impacted by COVID, the war in Ukraine, or flooding caused by climate change, workers’ rights are under threat and the work of ETI and its members is as necessary as ever. ETI is pleased to welcome Mary to the position of Chair to lead the ETI in tackling these and the many other issues that face workers.

As a former MP Mary has led on UK government policy through 23 select committee inquiries and has a strong understanding of UK, EU and international climate change, sustainable development policy and reporting frameworks. Mary has 22 years experience as an elected politician at local, national and international levels, serving as a Government Minister, Shadow Secretary of State at three departments and Select Committee Chair. Mary now combines roles in business consultancy, charitable work and teaching at Cranfield University.

ETI has been at the forefront of improving respect for workers in global supply chains since its establishment in 1998. ETI brings together leading companies, trade unions and non-governmental organisations to understand and tackle human rights issues in the workplace. ETI’s Base Code is a set of internationally recognised labour standards used worldwide, and our approach is one of continuous improvement aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Peter McAllister, ETI’s Executive Director says, “We are delighted to welcome Mary as our new Chair at ETI. Mary’s wide experience in both the policy environment, creating and supporting inclusive initiatives, as well as wider sustainable development, will be a great asset in supporting ETI to tackle the prevailing challenges and in collaboration with our members, increasing our impact for workers.”

Mary Creagh says, “I am delighted to be appointed as ETI's Chair and am looking forward to working with the team, Board, members and wider stakeholders to improve the lives of workers around the world. With supply chains and working conditions under pressure, I’m looking forward to shaping national and international policies to ensure dignity at work for all."