Mothercare supplier clothing factory, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Our responsible sourcing programme is about people and the environment. Our Responsible Sourcing Code is based on the ETI* base Code and covers 10 key areas:

• No Forced labour
• Workers can choose to join a trade union
• Safe and hygienic working conditions
• No child labour
• Wages are reasonable and fair
• Reasonable working hours
• No discrimination
• Regular employment
• No physical or verbal abuse
• Environmental protection

implementation

We recognise that implementation of our code in our supply chain is a step by step process - improving conditions takes more than simply conducting factory audits. Real improvements will only be made if we understand the root causes of non-compliances and we work with our suppliers to help them see the business benefits of code compliance.

We do this by:

• Using third party audits as a starting point for engaging with our supply base.
• Holding supplier conferences and training events to provide a common sense of ownership for supply chain issues and to share best practice and the business benefits of code compliance.
• Piloting projects to understand root causes of non-compliances and working with suppliers to find long term solutions that are in the interest of the workers but also make business sense.
• Collaborating with other brands, Non-Government Organisations and Trade Unions through our participation at Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) events.

We recognise that it takes time to bring about sustainable change, but we are confident that through proper engagement with suppliers, and consultation with other interested parties, real improvements can be made in the conditions for the people who manufacture our products.

We are engaged with NGO's and other interest groups in India and plan similar initiatives in China in late 2008 or early 2009. These projects are designed to help better understand the real issues for our supply chain in the countries in which we work and the communities in which the factories we use are based. Following extensive worker interviews both at the factory and in the local communities, discussions with local NGOs, Trade Unions and Government Agencies we believe we can get a good knowledge of the real issues that affect workers in our supply chain. We agree an action plan and look into ways as to how we can help in meeting the needs of workers in their wider community. Our Responsible Sourcing team will offer support and training and monitor progress. These are long term projects which will be reported on in our annual report.