Become a signatory to the UN Global Compact  

Being a signatory to the UN Global Compact communicates to your stakeholders that you understand the importance of going beyond business as usual, and value the fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human and labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption.

 

What is the UN GLOBAL COMPACT?

The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.  It is a framework that is both a policy platform and a practical framework for companies that are committed to sustainability and responsible business practices.

The UN Global Compact’s ten principles are derived from the: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

A signatory/participant to the UNGC must ensure they are not implicit in any human or labour rights abuses and for this to be extended to their sphere of influence. For product manufacturers this includes incorporating the 10 guiding principles into business strategy, initiating policies and procedures and then addressing potential human and labour rights issues in their supply chain. 

What are the 10 guiding principles?

We have created a quick guide to explain the 10 guiding principles from the UN Global Compact. 

 

What DOES this bring to my business? 

It helps:

  • you meet Ecolabelling requirements

  • by setting a framework to address human and labour rights

  • by demonstrating an ethical approach to business

  • by giving you a distinct marketing and competitive advantage

  • as your clients, (Banks, Telcos, Insurance companies) are also likely to be signatories to the UNGC.

Most product manufacturers have worked with environmental management for over 10 years, achieving Ecolabelling and ISO14001 EMS certification. They may also have policies and procedures around anti-discrimination, equal opportunity and workplace health and safety. Most are lacking when it comes to additional human and labour rights, particularly potential risks within their supply chain. Becoming a signatory to the UNGC is the obvious next step in a company's commitment to sustainability.

 

HOW CAN WE HELP?

Getting started on any new initiative can be daunting and a little tricky. But it doesn't have to be. We can guide you through the whole process or help you get started. We can do a risk assessment of your company and supply chain and we can also help you plan your company's commitment to addressing the 10 guiding principles.

We can offer your organisation different levels of support.

OPTION 1- We help in the initial stages. We do a risk assessment and make recommendations for implementation.  We then set objectives and actions for the year ahead.

OPTION 2 –  We do a full assessment, implementation and reporting to address the UNGC’s 10 guiding principles. This includes development of policies and procedures, staff training and development of the company's annual 'Communication on Progress' (CoP).

OPTION 3 - We advise you on the UNGC guiding principles as needed.

OPTION 4 - We help you implement a sustainable supply chain concerning human and labour rights, the environment and anti-corruption.

 

What are our methods?

Step 1 - Initially we meet with the client to understand their business, and associated activities to further understand the motivation behind becoming a signatory to the UNGC. 

We discuss how the UNGC framework is structured, explain the 10 guiding principles and expectations of the UNGC, to ensure the client is aware of the commitment required to be a signatory of the UNGC.

Step 2 – Initiate the application process and conduct a risk assessment of their business with KEY internal staff, reviewing existing procedures (environmental and social) to understand where the gaps are and what is the appropriate course of action. We would also review their supply chain to gauge potential risks.

Step3 – Meet with senior management to review the outcome of the risk assessment, set the action plan and allocate responsibilities for documenting any policies and procedures that may be required.

Step 4 - Implementation - Document internal polices, procedures, grievance mechanisms and work with internal staff to assist with supply chain management as required.

Step 5 – Conduct training sessions with staff on the 10 guiding principles and hold one-on-one session withstaff with specific responsibilities tied to the UNGC's 10 principles.

Step 6 - Assist with writing the company’s annual Communication of Progress, if needed.

 

What type of companies are signatories?

The UN  Global Compact (UNGC) will be appealing to companies that want to differentiate themselves from their competitors. They see the value and understand the importance of human and labour rights issues and would like to contribute the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).

Lots of multinational and medium sized enterprises are signatories to the UNGC. It's possible that your clients are signatories, for example;

  • Banks -ANZ, Westpac, NAB and the CBA

  • Construction companies - Lendlease, The GPT Group and Stockland Corporation

  • Other - Allens, GHD, Australia Post, Deloitte Australia and KPMG

For smaller companies that are signatories to the UNGC, they will be seen as the sustainability innovators. It's a little more challenging for smaller companies, though the UNGC provide plenty of resources to assist you along the way, or we can help you with implementation and guidance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. WOW, there are a lot of principles it seems like a lot of work. Yes, you’re right, there are a lot of Principles, but you might be surprised as to how many of them you are already addressing as an organisation.

2. What RESULTS can we expect?  UNGC is not an ‘auditable ’standard, it’s all based on self-disclosure.