Through our participation, we hope to promote some of the good practice of our members. But we will also highlight that much more still needs to be done to improve working conditions in global supply chains.

In this introduction to our 20th Anniversary series of opinion pieces, The Leadership Series, ETI's Chair Philip Chamberlain reflects on some of the business and human rights issues that will be a key part of the ethical trade agenda in 2018 and beyond.

SMEs get government-subsidised consultancy to advance ethical trade & human rights work. The challenges and opportunities that small businesses face in getting to grips with the business and human rights agenda.

The government will continue to rely heavily on voluntary principles, guidance and codes of conduct, the promotion of good practice, and an expectation that the private sector will itself do more to ensure respect for labour rights in its supply chains.

ETI’s Executive Director, Peter McAllister said that reported cuts, particularly to orders that have already been agreed, are “totally unacceptable within responsible business practice”.