Bsci certification

Types of BSCI certification

There are several streams of the BSCI certification, and each is unique in its way. Here are the main types:

• BSCI Corporate System certification

  This type and level of BSCI certification demonstrates that an organization has set up a BSCI-compliant corporate system. Normally, this is achieved by a company calling on various departments to deliver the certification documentation. In most cases, companies are always required to apply for this kind of certification and use it as the foundation before seeking other types.

• BSCI Production site certification

  BSCI site certification is given to production sites that have shown commitment to BSCI principles after undergoing the performance audit. Whenever production sites hold BSCI certification, it signifies that they closely conform to the required social standards of the working environment.

• BSCI branch office certification

  For large business setups with a number of branches, this certification is useful for the branches not certified at the production site level to undergo certification individually. This BSCI branch office certification is designed for offices such as sales or purchasing that have a minimal direct effect on working conditions.

• BSCI product group certification

  Such certification is useful for companies selling similar products in the same category under different names. It ensures that the criteria of the BSCI system are jointly complied with by the defined product groups. Generally, the BSCI product group certification is meant for companies that still deal with the same categories of products but do not deal with the same suppliers.

Industry applications of BSCI certification

The following are the industries where BSCI certification is applicable:

• Human resources and internal organizational culture

  When businesses emphasize the issues of worker rights and the welfare of their workers, it creates a positive organizational culture. Many BSCI certified companies experience better employee loyalty, morale, and productivity.

• Risk reduction and crisis management for compliance with ethical behavior

  It is common for clients worldwide to expect organizations to act with high levels of social responsibility.

• Minimum accepted requirements in terms of social compliance

  The BSCI code of conduct sets a minimum standard for working conditions that everybody has to comply with. It is usually applied in such circumstances when there is a need to unify working conditions or when there is a need to avoid exploitation.

• Supplier assessment/screening

  Through BSCI certification, companies can make sure that their suppliers have conformed to required ethical standards. Dealing with certified suppliers decreases the chances of any breach regarding social requirements on vendor side.

• Increased credibility with stakeholders

  Achieving BSCI certification enables companies to raise their standing with various stakeholders like NGOs, the government, and the public.

• Promoting consumer confidence and ensuring satisfaction

  Certification offers a value of trust to the consumers that the products were manufactured under acceptable ethical conditions.

Custom options for BSCI certification

There are also several customizable options to choose from as far as BSCI certification is concerned. Below are the following options:

• Voluntary commitment to BSCI system and principles

  Membership in BSCI is voluntary; thus, every organization can decide to be a member or not based on its objectives. However, it is notable that not many organizations choose to be members; those that do claim that the values and principles offered are of high significance to them and that they pursue them in their operation.

• Increasing the number of members

  The BSCI system is purposely designed not only to facilitate mutual understanding among its members but also to enable members set up organizational goals focused on social compliance. Such objectives can be explained via relevant training and information exchange.

• Assisting members in becoming BSCI certified

  The BSCI secretariat is tasked with such important functions as guiding organizations in their certification quest while at the same time promoting adherence to BSCI principles.

• Social compliance assessment and improvement of working conditions

  BSCI has its own set of policies and instruments that aid members in assessing social compliance within their business. Such instruments include self-evaluation tools like the BSCI performance indicators that organizations can use as benchmarks for their social compliance initiatives.

• Organizing collective actions to focus on social compliance at the workplace

  Taking into consideration that BSCI endorses the collective work principle among its members, it can easily organize any actions that are necessary to promote and improve conditions at the workplace. Such actions could be development and distribution of assessment methods, standard operational procedures, or organizing training sessions for the personnel.

How to select BSCI certification

• Technical specifications and requirements

  It is imperative for organizations to establish the BSCI technical requirements needed as per the certification requirements. Meaning, the organization needs to do an evaluation of how its operations relate to BSCI requirements and what certification type fits best.

• Cost and budget

  Prior to embarking on certification, organizations need to do a thorough analysis of the cost implications since these will be associated with getting the certification. Such costs include those related to audits, training, and time used on employees. How much these costs influence the decision to be certified is very much influenced by the organization’s financial status and resources available.

• Future prospects for the business

  This vision is particularly important in case there are plans to expand the organization’s scope of operations or increase the number of employees. Carrying out BSCI certification now will save an organization from the pains of social compliance later on when scaling occurs.

• Reputation of the certifying body

  It is important for organizations to choose relevant certification bodies since they influence their image in the eyes of the stakeholders. A renowned certifying body lends a hand to the certification credibility from their experience and expertise.

• Feedbacks and references

  It is prudent for organizations to gather and analyze feedback from others who have implemented BSCI certification. They may have faced some challenges or realized some opportunities during the process, which may be useful to other organizations.

Q&A

Q1: Which businesses are eligible for BSCI certification?

A1: In reality, any organization can pursue BSCI certification, but it is mostly relevant for large groups and companies with a significant intensity of international trade.

Q2: What is the minimum level of BSCI participation required for an organization to be eligible for this certification?

A3: According to guidelines, a company can have a BSCI participation level of as low as 50 percent and still be eligible for certification. Nevertheless, for better social compliance and better working circumstances, it is advised that all vendors be certified.

Q4: What does the BSCI system entail in terms of resources and time for members?

A4: The level of resource allocation and the time required for BSCI membership and certification will depend on several factors, including the size of the organization, the nature of its activities, and its current level of social compliance. According to research, organizations with mature compliance programs tend to spend less time and money on BSCI participation and certification.

Q5: Is BSCI applicable to all types of businesses regardless of size?

A5: Yes, BSCI is useful to all types of organizations as long as they query and assess the current conditions of their business.