The latest episode of the Industry Matters podcast by British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) delves into the promising opportunities arising from a new partnership with ethical auditor Verisio. Hosted by BFM's Marketing and Communications Manager Jo Audley-Charles, the podcast features discussions with BFM MD Phil Spademan, Verisio's Leon Reed, and Paul James, Director at One-Call Furniture, shedding light on how the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) can significantly benefit businesses within the industry.
Central to the conversation is the recognition of varying requirements for ethical health checks from retailers and the role of the BFM-Verisio partnership in shaping an industry standard to streamline and enhance ethical auditing processes. SMETA, an in-depth social compliance audit based on International Labor Organization (ILO) standards and the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) base code, serves as a vital tool for identifying areas of improvement and ensuring ethical practices across the supply chain.
One of the key takeaways from the podcast is the accessibility of this service to BFM members at a discounted rate through Verisio. Phil Spademan emphasized the importance of ethical compliance for every member, highlighting the significant value of the partnership with Verisio in providing cost-effective solutions to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines. By offering a substantial discount on standard rates, BFM aims to facilitate its members in upholding ethical standards without incurring excessive costs.
Spademan further emphasised the objective of establishing a unified industry standard for audits, informed collaboratively by manufacturers and retailers. This standardization aims to eliminate the need for repeated audits, enabling BFM members to undergo a single comprehensive test that aligns with industry-wide expectations. Consequently, this approach saves both time and resources, ensuring efficient compliance with ethical standards.
The partnership between BFM and Verisio underscores a shared commitment to promoting ethical practices within the furniture manufacturing sector. By providing access to SMETA audits at a reduced cost, the collaboration empowers BFM members to uphold ethical standards effectively, enhancing transparency and accountability across the supply chain.
Listen to the latest Industry Matters podcast here.