Industry Tools for Compliance Outside the Four-Walled Factory
The future of work will include homes and small workshops in ways we once never thought possible.
Amidst this pivotal global moment, Nest is offering tools for the industry as we navigate new production models outside the four-walled factory.
CREATING SYSTEMS CHANGE IN INFORMAL SUPPLY CHAINS
Nest’s bold mission to improve worker wellbeing for the estimated 300 million people who work outside the four-walled factory is only possible through industry-wide collaboration and scale. In that vein, Nest is providing access to a range of resources to support brands as they interact with non-factory, homework and artisanal supply chains.
Widespread adoption of these resources is critical to achieving our mission. Join us as we meet the future of home working and provide opportunities and protections for the millions of workers once overlooked by our global economy.
Register to Access the Tools
AN OVERVIEW OF THE TOOLS & RESOURCES
Nest launched the Nest Standards for Homes and Small Workshops at the UN in 2017. The Standards were based on a comprehensive review of existing factory auditing standards including SA 8000, FLA and Fair Trade USA and piloted in partnership with brands including Target, West Elm, The Children’s Place, Eileen Fisher and Patagonia.
In addition to the Standards, Nest is also releasing its Homeworker Guidance Toolkit which outlines the actionable steps brands can take from first identifying informal production within a supply chain to remediating against any risks. The Nest Code of Conduct, Standards and Supply Chain Definitions are also available to interested partners.
Additional tools will be released quarterly.
NEST OPEN SOURCE INDUSTRY TOOLS
Available Now
Homeworker Guidance Toolkit
The Homeworker Guidance Toolkit provides actions brands can take when home or small workshop based production is identified within a supply chain. Offers recommendations and best practices for increasing transparency around key areas of compliance while mitigating risk.
The Nest Code of Conduct
The Nest Code of Conduct provides a framework for responsible inclusion of homeworkers. Based on Nest’s Standards for Homes and Small Workshops, the CoC is adapted to decentralized supply chains and can be incorporated directly into supplier onboarding practices.
The Nest Standards for Homes and Small Workshops
The Nest Standards for Homes and Small Workshops are a robust matrix of more than 100 requirements designed to realistically address the nuances associated with home-based and small workshop production.
Supply Chain Definitions
Supply Chain Definitions outlines the scope of Nest’s work within handworker supply chains and the types of production locations that are applicable for the implementation of Nest’s Standards.
The Best Practices Guide for Implementing Compliance in Subcontracted Supply Chains
The Best Practices Guide for Implementing Compliance in Subcontracted Supply Chains helps brands to introduce these essential systems to vendors throughout the production process. Following these guidelines can enrich the relationships between brands and vendors and help lay the groundwork for better communication and stronger compliance mechanisms."
Sourcing Best Practices
Nest's Sourcing Best Practices sets parameters for brands and artisans to have sustainable long-term sourcing relationships. It offers recommendations and best practices for encouraging open dialogue on expectations to ensure a productive and mutually beneficial process.
Sample CAP
The Sample CAP provides an example of the Corrective Action Plan that is generated following Nest’s assessment process.
Vendor Diagnostic Report (Sample)
The Sample Diagnostic Report provides an example of the report generated during Nest’s Remote Compliance Risk Diagnostic and shows how risk evaluation is determined and presented as a guide for continued remediation.
Supply Chain Mapping Tool
The Supply Chain Mapping Tool was designed to conduct preliminary mapping of a handwork supply chain and to understand the scope of worker production within small workshops or homes and the number and size of any subcontracted tiers.
Time Motion Study Calculator
The Time Motion Study Calculator is an essential tool for both documenting and determining the minimum wage equivalent for piece-rate production. The calculator takes the average labor time needed to produce a product and measures the current piece rate paid against the local minimum wage rate to determine if and how much of a wage gap exists.
Available Fall 2023
Vendor Self Assessment
The Vendor Self Assessment provides vendors the opportunity to assess their current level of risk across the different topics in Nest’s Standards, as well as identify the areas of needs for remediation on the path towards an assessment.
Nest Craft Risk Matrix
The Nest Craft Risk Matrix helps brands to quickly understand the common level of compliance risk within a supply chain based on the type of craft, production and risk area.
Child Labor Resources
Nest's Ethical Handcraft program takes a sensitive and risk-based approach to assessing for and remediating for child labor, understanding the specific nuances of both protecting the health and wellbeing of children as well as promoting the continued practice of traditional craft techniques. These resources will support the goal of effectively addressing one of the most common concerns about informal and home-based production.
Compliance Webinar Series
The Compliance Webinar Series provides a high level review of Nest’s Standards for Homes and Small Workshops, as well as outlines immediate actions that can be taken to address any existing compliance gaps.
In case you missed it
Panel Discussion on Transparency in Decentralized Supply Chains
On February 22, 2022, Nest and the Good Business Lab along with Shahi Exports discussed the critical role that transparency serves as an instrument of worker voice, wellbeing, and gender inclusion. Access the key findings and the recording.
Expert Panel on Homeworking Supply Chains
On November 4, Nest and The Centre for Child Rights and Business along with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. convened an expert panel to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with homeworking supply chains. Access the key findings and the recording.
What Our Brand Partners Are Saying
Nest has worked diligently to change the narrative around the informal economy and elevate the dignity of workers. By mapping intricate handicraft supply chains, providing targeted compliance training for handicraft vendors, and building a network of responsible handicraft businesses, Nest has established the systems, tools, and expertise to guide artisans, brands, and industry organizations into a new production frontier.
—Amy Tsai, Corporate Responsibility at PVH Corporation
Nest helped Target develop a new operating model for small artisan vendors, including building an onboarding process that supports the unique needs of artisan businesses and their workers. We had a Nest team member on site for 7 months. Having Nest embedded in our team was key to making it happen.
–Ivanka Mamic, Former VP Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability at Target
The challenge with previous models is we were always reinventing the wheel. There’s benefit to having multiple retailers at the table. That’s why we were founding partners of the Nest Steering Committee.
—Jennifer Gootman, VP of Social and Environmental Sustainability at Williams Sonoma Inc.
HOW NEST CAN SUPPORT YOUR INCLUSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN
Nest is an expert partner to brands as they ensure environmental and social protections are afforded to all workers in their supply chain—even those outside the four-walled factory. From policy reviews and supply chain mapping to implementing a full compliance program in an informal supply chain, Nest is available to support you as you build your inclusive supply chain.
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THE INCLUSIVE WORK INITIATIVE
The release of these tools and resources is the first step being taken by Nest’s Inclusive Work Initiative—a coalition of brands ensuring that handworkers in the informal economy are protected and empowered through widespread industry and public recognition of their essential roles in the global economy.
Fueled by a belief in the opportunity that inclusive work structures have to advance businesses led by and employing women and BIPOC community members, Nest is leading this movement to champion the work of artisans and handworkers in informal and home-based supply chains around the globe.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INITIATIVE