Responsible Sourcing

Unilever is aspiring to be a leading change agent in responsible sourcing. The company want to do business in a manner that improves the lives of workers across their supply chain, their communities and the environment which is inline with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. This is why Unilever has developed and implemented a Responsible Sourcing Policy (RSP).

The policy is based on 12 fundamental principles and is aligned with their business goals of reducing their environmental footprint and increasing social impact.

The 12 fundamental principles are:

  • Business is conducted lawfully and with integrity
  • Work is conducted on the basis of freely agreed ad documented terms of employment
  • All workers are treated equally and with respect and dignity
  • Work is conducted on a voluntary basis
  • All workers are of an appropriate age
  • All workers are paid a fair wages
  • Working hours for all workers are reasonable
  • All workers are free to exercise their right to form and / or join trade unions or to refrain from doing so and to bargain collectively
  • Workers’ health & safety are protected at work
  • Workers have access to fair procedures and remedies
  • Land rights of communities, including indigenous peoples, will be protected and promoted
  • Business is conducted in a manner which embraces sustainability and reduces environmental impact

To meet this goal set out by Unilever all suppliers have to be audited on the Unilever Understanding Responsible Sourcing Audit (URSA) to be approved as a supplier to Unilever.

To this end CEOCO was audited by Control Union over a 3 day period on the URSA protocol to assess compliance against all applicable laws, regulations and additional requirements as per the RSP. In completing the audit CEOCO will be viewed by Unilever as a supplier partner in continuous improvement and having a positive social impact.

It is with pride that CEOCO received mainly positive feedback in the closing meeting with only one finding and 2 opportunities for improvement. The audit therefor confirmed that CEOCO is committed to providing a safe and healthy work place and strive to have a positive social impact and a responsible supplier to Unilever.