IDKIDS sets up responsible partnerships with its suppliers

Production plants are controlled via the implementation of technical and HR management audits to validate the capacity of producers to manufacture products properly, meeting labour standards applied in these plants. A good communication has been done both in-house and with suppliers about the approach.

In order to reinforce the credibility of this approach, Idgroup has joined the ICS association (Social Clause Initiative), which combines 14 entities in the European mass retailing industry, and relies on the ICS system of reference of the French Federation of Trade and Distribution, based on compliance with the principles of the International Labour Organisation.

In addition to this commitment, Idkids has entered into a partnership with suppliers in Asia and with Gramenn Bank. According to this set-up, Idkids recovers and resells on-site any production surplus to microcredit beneficiary "ladies" in order to launch their activity; all profits are then used to ensure Bangladeshi children attend school.

The labour audits are completed by external organisations which are selected and trained by the ICS. Following these audits, several types of situations need to be handled: 

•  If some fundamental standards are not met, they are stated to suppliers, but partnership relations will not be resumed until these points have been remedied. An extra audit may be planned with the supplier to validate the implementation of corrective actions.
• The audit brought to light some minor standards which will be stated to the supplier, together with an action plan. Approximately three months later, a validation audit will confirm that action was taken to ensure that the plant is in conformity with these requirements.
•  Each labour audit generates an action plan which is notified to the supplier to assist the supplier with its approach towards progress and compliance with labour requirements.