ICS Standard
Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability
The members of the French Federation of Commerce and Distribution (FCD) launched the Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability (ICS) in the fall of 1998, inspired by the SA 8000 standard. ICS is an international sectoral initiative with the aim to enhance working conditions along global supply chains of its member retailers and brands. ICS is composed of 67 multinational retailers and brands in the sectors of textile, retail, footwear, electronics and furniture. ICS members collaborate with common tools, to mutualize audits, contributing to the reduction of the ‘audit fatigue’ and share knowledge and best practices. From the beginning, ICS involved an audit questionnaire with a rating system and systematic use of external independent audit companies. The objective of ICS is to support the factories supplying its members to sustainably improve conditions for people at work. The ICS Codes of Conduct define the core requirements of its members, while their individual Codes of Conduct, which they are free to maintain, can stipulate additional or enhanced clauses. The principal conclusions of all audits initiated by ICS members are registered on the ICS database and exchanged among the ICS members in order to avoid unnecessary repetitive audits. ICS actions are based on shared tools and a common methodology applied by all ICS members and securing a complete control of the audit process by brands. ICS Social and Environmental Code of Conduct defines the core requirements that suppliers must commit to. Before being audited, the factory fills-in the ICS Factory Profile notably with production site data and the list of production processes undertaken internally and externally. This declaration helps ICS members for the mapping of their supply chains. The cornerstone of the ICS system is the audit report questionnaire used in 65 countries. After the completion of the audit, the factories and the ICS members work on the Corrective Action Plan (CAP) recommended by the auditor.
Principles
Principles of ICS Standard Audit
Management System,
Transparency & Traceability
Minimum Age, Child Labour
& Young Workers
Forced &
Compulsory Labour
Disciplinary Practices
& Harassment
Freedom of Association
& Grievance Mechanism
Working Hours
& Wages
Occupational
Health & Safety
benefits
Benefits of ICS Standard Audit
Ensures Compliance with Business, Legal, Contractual, Statutory and Regulatory Requirements.
Helps improve Social Stewardship & Sustainability Related Compliance Management.
Provides Suppliers with greater confidence thereby building Mutually Beneficial Relationships.
Provides International Reputation & Recognition, Branding, Credibility and Competitive Advantage.
Increases Stakeholder Awareness on maintaining Safe Workplaces and Healthy Working Conditions.
Better Hazard and Risk Detection and Management with Increased Supply Chain Control.
Helps monitor Social & OHS Risks throughout the Organization’s Business and Supply Chain.
Potential increase in Business due to enhanced Customer Confidence and Satisfaction.
Increases Company’s Business Revenue, Profitability and ROI by Reducing Multiple Buyers Audit Costs.
service portfolio
Our Services Related to ICS Standard Audit
PRE-AUDIT GAP ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Available across all Management Systems and Standards, Pre-Audits Gap Assessments allow you to Assess your Management System's Readiness and Save your Time and Money that would otherwise be spent on Redundant Audits. A Pre-Assessment Audit is performed with the same independence and objectivity as a Certification Audit.
ADVISORY & CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Quantum Systems has established a reputation for "Building User Friendly, Efficient and Sustainable Management Systems that incorporate Industry Best Practices and that comply with the highest International Standards. Quantum System's provides a 'One-Stop-Shop' for all Social & Technical Management System Consultancy needs.
ACM SERVICES
We can help by designing a Cost-Effective Annual Compliance Maintenance (ACM) Program to suit your Company’s Individual Needs and Expectations. The ACM Services Contract Proposal is based on Parameters like Facility Size, Production Capacity, Workforce Strength, Number of Production Sites and Standards covered in the ACM Contract.
BUYERS COC AUDITS
We provide Advisory Services on Buyers COC Audits for Global Brands like Walmart, Sears, Next, Marks & Spencers, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Levis, Esprit, JC Penny, Adidas, Nike, Carrefour, Li & Fung, Coles, Amazon, ALDI, LIDL, El Corte, Kaufland, ASOS, Bata, Armani, Muller-Meyer, Costco, Nautica, Timberland, Clarks, Inditex, Woolsworth, Clarks, Bunzl, Debenhams, Superdry etc.
TRAINING & CAPACITY BUILDING SERVICES
Our Training Courses cover International and Regional Regulatory Developments, Good Manufacturing Practices, Social & Technical Management Systems Certification, Evolving Technology & Markets etc. We impart trainings on a wide spectrum of courses through different modes like Classroom Trainings, Virtual Trainings, Webinars and eLearning.
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