Guide

The Responsible Supply Chain Management Portal provides different types of content, cross linked and cross referenced, to enable easy and fast access to relevant information. The Portal is a simple yet content rich resource for both buyers and producers.

Using the Portal

You can browse content on the Portal by certain criteria, search by a keyword or explore pre-defined key-words on the front page. The quick search is located on the front page on the top right panel. You can find the list of keywords on the left hand panel below the browse options. Only the most commom keywords are displayed on the front page but you can access the full list by clicking «View All».

Whichever way you search, you will see a list of resources currently available on the Portal. When you click on any of the resources from the list you will see a brief description (of a key topic, standard, supply chain programme or a reference material), appropriate links (or a possibility to donwload the file) as well as links to other relevant materials on the Portal. Such links are displayed on the left hand panel of the portal.

Terminology

Key Topic
The key topics give an overview of the risks and opportunities to understand and seize related to responsible supply chain management. Globalisation has increased the number of actors and intermediaries along supply chains, spreading the information, the added value and the risks over the world. To face new challenges, dialogue between actors along and around the supply chain is crucial. Today’s management processes integrate new environmental and social issues to contribute positively to sustainable development and to the shared social responsibility of all actors involved.

Standards
Standards help monitor a supply chain from A to Z and increase its social and environmental quality through a systematic and comprehensive approach. This list on the Portal is a non-exhaustive and non-exclusive selection of internationally recognised tools and standards in the area of responsible supply chain management.

Reference Material
This section of the Portal provides examples of material that can be used by buyers to promote responsible supply among their suppliers.From a presentation to a questionnaire, from an audit template to standard training on key RSCM issues, the reference materials’ section is a repository of an extensive know-how for any interested party along the supply chain.

Supply Chain Programmes
This section of the Portal shows examples of integrated approaches to responsible supply chain management. Each of these cases illustrate the complete journey to explain how to tackle RSCM from the introductory phase up to the procedures, training, audit, dialogue and monitoring.