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Social Systems Foundation Training Course

Course Background Consumers, investors, and NGOs are more aware and publicly concerned about corporate social responsibility (e.g. Oxfam reports). Retailers, and brand owners may be publicly exposed and should be able to demonstrate their social policies, supplier election and management (e.g. Gap 2003 report). In this general environment, norms such as SA 8000, Ethical Trade Initiative Base Code, WRAP, FLA, ICTI or specific Codes of Conduct have been developed.
Participants This course is an introduction for anyone involved in the development, implementation and management of a social accountability system based on SA 8000.
The course will benefit those planning to complete other social systems training, for internal auditing and the Lead Auditor Training Course, as it provides a strong basis of knowledge and understanding of SA 8000 upon which to build auditing skills.
This course comprises lectures and workshop exercises. Participants are not expected to possess knowledge of social systems or SA 8000 before attending the course.  
Work Design A combination of group and individual work with the practical application of knowledge gained during the workshop.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • describe the potential range of social issues that face organisations and auditors, and the range of conventions, specifications, codes of conduct and other initiatives.
  • describe the fundamental purpose of a management system and explain the purpose, content and interrelationship of SA 8000, local industry practice, the relevant legislative framework.
  • Review some other Code of Conducts criteria and various other standards such as Business Social Compliance Initiative, Initiative Clause Sociale.
Topics
  • Background to social accountability.
  • Introduction to SA 8000.
  • Interpretation of SA 8000: child and forced labour.
  • Interpretation of SA 8000: health & safety, freedom of association, discrimination, disciplinary practices; working hours, remuneration.
  • Interpretation of SA 8000 management system.
Prework No pre-work required
Pre-
requisites
 No specific pre-requisites required. A brief review of ILO conventions will be an advantage on the course.
Assessment No assessment
Award Certificate of Attendance
Duration One day
Tutors Approved Lead Assessors and Tutors from SGS.

Contact

SGS (Mauritius) Ltd
SGS House
Valentina Phoenix
Mauritius

t: +230 696 88 08
f: +230 696 70 88
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