E1. Company Commitment

Code 8.0

Participants shall establish human rights, health and safety, environmental and ethics policy statements affirming Participant's commitment to due diligence and continual improvement, endorsed by executive management. Policy statements shall be made public and communicated to workers in a language they understand via accessible channels.

Elements to Demonstrate Compliance to RBA Code

1. Policy

Ensure company's corporate responsibility policies include the following elements:

• a. An adequate and effective Code of Conduct covering all elements of the RBA Code is established.
• b. The Code of Conduct is endorsed by executive management.

2. Procedures & Practices

Procedures & Practices are in place such that:

• a. A Code of Conduct covering all elements of the RBA Code (Human Rights, Health and Safety, Environment, Ethics and Management Systems) is established.

NOTE: The words do not necessarily have to exactly match but are aligned to the principles of the RBA Code at a minimum.

• b. It also contains the following elements of
  • i. Due diligence
  • ii. Access to remedies for internal and external stakeholders where the participant caused or contributed to adverse human rights or environmental impacts.
  • iii. Continuous improvement
• c. The Code of Conduct is appropriate for the nature and scope of the facility's operations.
• d. The Code of Conduct is signed by company executive management.
• e. The Code of Conduct is communicated to workers via accessible channels in a language the workers understand.
• f. Senior management actively supports and ensures implementation of the Code of Conduct, including compliance with laws and regulations.

NOTE: If equivalent policies are used to endorse the RBA code, then they must contain all policy requirements in the RBA Code of Conduct

3. Controls & Monitoring

Controls & Monitoring should include:

• a. The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually by management and revised as needed.

4. Records

Records are maintained including:

• a. The Code of Conduct is made public.

1.0.0 (2024-01-01)

Changed

• Initial release for RBA Code of Conduct 8.0: Establishes requirements for company commitment to responsible supply chain management, including management systems, policies, and accountability structures.

Added

• Management accountability requirements: Senior management must demonstrate commitment through resource allocation, policy endorsement, and regular review of supply chain responsibility performance.

• Supply chain policy requirements: Companies must establish and communicate policies addressing labor, health and safety, environment, and ethics throughout their supply chain.

• Continuous improvement framework: Requirements for establishing objectives, tracking performance, and implementing corrective actions for supply chain responsibility.