Responsible Factory Initiative

In 2021, the RBA enhanced its Responsible Factory Initiative (RFI) tools, programs and services for individual factories seeking to improve labor conditions, environmental practices, and align with the standards set forth in the RBA Code of Conduct. The RBA also launched a standalone website for the RFI to serve as a central repository of information and make it easier for factories to interact with the Initiative.

RFI programs support factories regardless of their level of maturity related to corporate social responsibility. By joining the RFI, nonRBA member facilities receive specialized tools, tailored trainings, and expert guidance to advance responsible business conduct. Key programs include: • Factory Engagement Program (FEP): The FEP focuses on factories that are not yet ready to successfully complete an audit and includes access to the RBA Learning Academy and RBA-

Online. Participating factories complete a Validated SAQ followed by the development of a Factory Improvement Plan supported by

RBA staff.

• Factory Lead Certification Program (FLCP): The FLCP is designed for the individual(s) at a factory responsible for implementing the RBA Code of Conduct and includes 30 hours of courses that can be taken on-demand in the RBA Learning

Academy. Factories that have Certified Leads have average VAP audit scores that are approximately 26 percent higher than those that do not.

• Factory of Choice (FoC): The FoC program is intended for factories with ambition to go beyond audits. FoC recognizes factories that commit to the RBA Code of Conduct and worker engagement. To be recognized, a factory must complete a highscoring VAP audit, with no open priority findings, have a Certified

Factory Lead on staff, and have an active worker management forum that can drive changes to factory policies or procedures.

The RBA is updating several elements of the Factory Engagement Program to better support factories seeking to align their operations with the RBA Code of Conduct. Enhancements that began in 2021 and will continue in 2022 include: • Integrating the Factory Engagement Program into RBA-Online, including the Self-Assessment Questionnaire and Continuous

Improvement Plans. • Enhancing the FEP’s Self-Assessment Questionnaire by revisiting the questions and modifying the weighting and scoring of key questions. We are also clarifying the types of evidence that can be submitted in response to certain questions.

In addition to program enhancements, the RBA will be adding staff in 2022 to support the RFI program and service offerings globally.

For more information on the RFI,

visit ResponsibleFactory.org