The audit process has been a catalyst for driving sustainable change in the global supply chain for a number of years as the number of workplace violations have been reduced through the principle of driving continuous improvement. The completion of audits on farms, packhouses, processing facilities and in the workplace in general have provided an objective measurement to benchmark progress. Auditing, however, is not the only solution.
The online SIZA Best Practice programme provides producers with the opportunity to showcase areas where they feel they have exceeded compliance through the creation and implementation of sustainable practices above and beyond the audit process and minimum requirements. This programme ensures producers can tell two sides of the story by not just being penalised for non-compliances during audits, but by also being able to indicate practices that go beyond the audit process and illustrate additional care for neighbours and/or environment. Buyers viewing a producer’s profile on the MySIZA platform will receive a balanced view of the business as it will show the producer’s intentions to care for their workforce and/or environment. Examples of best practices include the following: Providing a Provident Fund, Health Clinics, Sport Facilities, Crèches, Aftercare Facilities, Training and Development Initiatives and Wellness Programmes to working staff, in addition to, the implementation of Renewable Energy initiatives (solar panels, wind turbines) and Water-Saving initiatives.
After the producer uploads the details of the best practices onto the MySIZA platform, SIZA will review each best practice and, if approved, it will reflect as an official Best Practice in the producer’s member listing on the platform. Best Practices (and other applicable data) will then be visible to linked members of choice (exporters, importers and retailers).
If you have any questions related to best practices, please feel free to contact Clio Borman at clio@siza.co.za.
