Supply Chain Social Responsibility

Supply chain social responsibility encompasses the policies, due diligence processes, and practices through which organisations promote and ensure responsible conduct throughout their value chains.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights establish that businesses have a responsibility to respect human rights throughout their operations and supply chains. The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct provides a practical framework for supply chain due diligence. The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) makes supply chain due diligence mandatory for large companies. Key elements include supplier codes of conduct, risk-based due diligence processes, supplier auditing and assessment, capacity building and corrective action programmes, grievance mechanisms accessible to supply chain workers, and transparent reporting on supply chain performance. ESRS S2 (Workers in the Value Chain) requires comprehensive disclosure on supply chain labour practices and human rights.

Further Reading

• ISO 26000 — Fair operating practices guidance
• OECD Guidelines for MNEs — Responsible business conduct

Key Resources

• UN Global Compact Supply Chain Sustainability
• Sedex

Related Topics

• Fair Operating Practices
• Human Rights
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions