Assurance In Action

Improving Sourcing Standards within the UK Apparel SectorIn this episode, special guests Alistair Knox and David Camp discuss trending issues in UK apparel sourcing. Alistair Knox is the Chairman for the Association of Suppliers to the British Clothing Industry and David Camp is the Chief Executive of allianceHR Ltd.Links:ASBCIallianceHR 

In this episode of Assurance in Action’s Supply Chain insights, Intertek supply chain experts Justin Bettey and Mary Osterman discuss changes in the cotton industry, increased traceability measures by large retailers and brands and more. Intertek’s Supply Chain Assurance Newsletter offers monthly updated on trends and topics related to the global supply chain. LINKS:View the Supply Chain Assurance NewsletterSign up for the newsletter

In this episode of Assurance in Action’s Supply Chain insights, Intertek supply chain experts Astrid Walstra and Jenna Pires talk about how the food supply chain has been affected by COVID-19 and what food manufacturers are doing to protect their workers and their customers, in addition to ensuring their products are safe. Intertek’s Supply Chain Assurance Newsletter offers monthly updated on trends and topics related to the global supply chain. Links:Article – Tyson FoodsArticle – PPE shortageSign up for the Supply Chain Assurance Newsletter

In this second edition of Assurance in Action's Supply Chain Insights, Intertek supply chain experts Elma Christian and Johnny Sandhu discuss the effects of Covid-19 on supply chain workers and Modern Slavery efforts, workplace legislation, and strides brands are taking to address workers' rights. If you would like to stay up to date on supply chain news, Intertek's Supply Chain Assurance Newsletter offers monthly updates on trends and topics related to the global supply chain.Links:Article - TescoArticle - Central American WorkersArticle - India Labour LawsSocial Media - Linkedin - Twitter

As the tourism and hospitality industry grows year over year sustainability and resilience have become a major focus by hoteliers globally. Now more than ever sustainable business is needed for continued industry growth. In this episode of Assurance In Action, Intertek's Rajesh Balakrishnan discusses key focus areas for sustainable hospitality management, including ISO 21401, Sustainability management system for accommodation establishments. Rajesh also discusses trending topics and successes from organisations globally.Links:ISO 21401 successIntertek ProtekIntertek SustainabilityAbout ISO 21401

In a rapidly changing world, up to date information is important for any decision maker in the supply chain, which is why Intertek has started the Ethical Sourcing Forum series on Assurance in Action. Once a month, Intertek's Supply Chain experts will share their highlights from the previous few weeks and how it relates to an ever-changing, ever-growing global supply chain. This episode features Intertek's Catherine Beare and Justin Bettey discussing supply chain resilience and more. Links for these articles can be found below. To subscribe to our newsletter which features these stories and more, please visit our sign up form.SOURCES/LINKS:Clothing makers in Asia give stark coronavirus warningSedex with &Wider launches worker reporting programmeModern slavery and COVID-19: Guidance Note sets out increased risk from pandemic on global supply chain workersNestlé partners with IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative to increase food securityLab beef specialist Aleph Farms pledges to achieve net zero emiss

In this episode of Assurance in Action, Richard Cowlishaw, Group HR Director of Clipper Logistics, a supply chain solutions provider, discusses the need for governance through a third party audit, the tangible improvements and benefits seen from utilizing Intertek’s auditors, and Clipper’s motivation for implementing the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) 3 Pillar audit programme. SMETA is an audit methodology designed to help auditors conduct high quality audits that encompass all aspects of responsible business practice, covering Sedex’s four pillars of Labour, Health and Safety, Environment and Business Ethics. Links:Clipper Logisticssedex.comSMETA AuditsTOTAL SUSTAINABILITY ASSURANCE

Cyber risk has been a growing concern for businesses globally over the past decade. In order to mitigate cyber risk companies are prioritising the necessary measures and training to make sure that their intellectual property and private information don’t fall into the wrong hands. In this episode of Assurance in Action, Intertek’s Tatiana Dragolova, Information Security Management Systems Lead Auditor discusses the importance of data protection, training, and key trends that businesses are capitalising on to make sure they are prepared for cyber-attack.

The global supply chain is becoming more complex everyday. Since our first episode of Assurance in Action in 2018, discussing trends in the supply chain, technological advancements and industry trends have shaped the way brands and suppliers do business. In this episode of Assurance in Action, Intertek’s Catherine Beare discusses key trends in the supply chain covering topics such as climate action and risk visibility and more.Links:Intertek Supply Chain AssuranceIntertek InlightSocial Media - Linkedin - Twitter

In this episode of Assurance in Action, Sabrina Cescolini, Program Manager, Climate Change & Sustainability Services, Jeff Eves, Program Manager, Green Services, and Eric Saigeon, Global Sustainability & Energy Manager discuss what organisations need to look for as they become more sustainable, the steps companies can take to protect the environment, and the standards Intertek offers to help organisations with their sustainability goals.To learn more about sustainability and to listen to more episodes like this one, please check out the Total Sustainability in Progress podcast!Social Media: LinkedIn | TwitterLinks: Corporate Sustainability Risk Management Certification | Operational Sustainability

Business risk includes any potential threat that could prevent your organisation from achieving its goals. Managing that risk is integral to your organisation’s overall sustainability objectives. Businesses need risk management processes in place that verify its insurance coverage, risk processes, controls and reporting, in addition to verifying a plan for business continuity and disaster recovery. From issues such as continuity and innovation, organisations are faced with challenges and potential business interruption every day. Learn how organisations can face those challenges to maintain their business and thrive in an ever changing world. In this episode of Assurance in Action, David Muil discusses key sustainability factors that businesses must consider when addressing how they manage risk. This episode was originally released through Total Sustainability in Progress, the podcast for organisations looking to create a more sustainable future. To listen to more of Total Sustainability in Progress, visit in

In this episode on Assurance in Action, Supply Chain Assurance Senior Director, Catherine Beare gives an overview of ethical supply chains in the fashion industry. The fashion industry supply chain can have issues with forced labour, harassment issues, and health and safety hazards. Production can also affect the environment through energy usage, wastewater, emissions to air, and more. These days, brands and buyers alike are demanding transparency in supply chains. Catherine discusses how big brands are working to understand the problem and what steps they are taking to improve workplace conditions and ensure a more sustainable supply chain.LINKSSustainable Apparel Coalition Fashion Revolution Ellen MacArthur FoundationThe United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion Intertek Workplace Conditions AssessmentSocial Media - Linkedin - Twitter

In this episode of Assurance in Action, Julie Press, Programme Manager for Intertek's Business Assurance Innovation team, discusses sustainable practices for Quality and Safety in an organisation.This episode was also released on our new podcast Total Sustainability in Progress.Quality and safety are an important part of the sustainability of your organisation. They factor into the planning and principles of every successful business, ensuring transparency in your operations and manufacturing, allowing you to measure business risk, capacity and capabilities, workplace conditions, product quality and safety, security and environmental sustainability. security and environmental sustainability.Social Media: LinkedIn | TwitterLinks: Corporate Sustainability Risk Management Certification | Operational SustainabilityListen to all of Total Sustainability in Progress and share your thoughts on sustainability!

In this episode of Assurance in Action, our guests discuss food fraud in the supply chain, and the actions organisations have taken to mitigate it. From vigilance, to out-of-the-box thinking, there are various methods that organisations take to protect their products, and verify the products they receive. Listen to this episode of Assurance in Action recorded live from Alchemy Systems in Austin, TX.Links: Full Session Social Media - Linkedin - Twitter

In the pilot episode of Total Sustainability in Progress, André Lacroix, Group CEO of Intertek, Intertek's new sustainability solution, Total Sustainability Assurance. Total Sustainability in Progress is a podcast for organisations who are dedicated to a more sustainable future. Listen to the first episode of Total Sustainability in Progress as André Lacroix discusses the need for global action in order to create a more sustainable future.Follow the weekly Total Sustainability in Progress podcast series on Wednesdays at intertek.com/blog.Follow Intertek Sustainability on social media: LinkedIn | TwitterLearn more about Intertek Sustainability

In this episode of Assurance in Action, returning guest Robert Trimble discusses the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). REACH is a major factor for organisation globally who sells products in the EU. Robert discusses the effects of REACH throughout the supply chain and best practices for a company to stay compliant.Links:About REACHREACH - IntertekWebinar on REACHSupply Chain Auditing Services

In this episode of Assurance in Action, food industry experts from Intertek and Alchemy Systems discuss the topic of Food Fraud and Food Defence. Food producers and processors are facing emerging risks of product adulteration in the food chain. During this episode, experts Bill Muil, David Muil, and Jorge Acosta discuss actions that organisations can take to mitigate Food Fraud and protect their business from associated risks. Related Links:VIEW THE FULL RECORDINGIntertek.comIntertek AlchemySocial Media - Linkedin - Twitter

In part two of this episode of Assurance in Action, Silvia Mera, Program Director for The Mekong Club, speaks on the technological and strategic innovations that the Mekong Club and organisations globally are using to combat slavery. Silvia discusses the use of Artificial Intelligence, Block chain technology, and information sharing to more adequately prevent human trafficking and forced labour. "The Mekong Club is a leader — uniting and mobilising the private sector for a common cause — to disrupt and end modern slavery." Learn more about the Mekong Club here.Related Links:Labor Provider Auditing - IntertekIntertek and Mekong Club partner to address forced labourOur Tools - The Mekong ClubMekong Club Social Media - Facebook | Linkedin | TwitterIntertek Business Assurance Social Media - Linkedin | Twitter

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, or RoHS, was adopted by the European Union in 2003. Since then, the RoHS directive has been implemented by countries globally. Learn from Intertek Expert Bob Trimble what companies need to know about compliance with RoHS and where he sees the directive going in the future. In this episode, Bob discusses what the directive entails, how companies manage compliance, and what products raise the most issues with the restricted substances.Helpful Information and LinksFrom the EUWebinar on RoHSWhite Paper Download: Taking Control of Restricted Substances in your ProductsFact SheetPreparing for RoHS Compliance in 2019 - BlogRoHS Infographic

The Mekong Club is an NGO which works with companies to eradicate Modern Slavery in the supply chain. In this episode of Assurance in Action, guest Silvia Mera, Program Director for The Mekong Club, discusses her background in social compliance, as well as how The Mekong Club helps industry to fight modern slavery. Silvia also discusses the effectiveness of training, advocacy, and facilitation of discussion in publicising and preventing unethical labour practices. You can follow The Mekong Club on Facebook and LinkedIn at the links below.Links:The Mekong Club - TrainingThe Mekong Club - Get InvolvedThe Mekong Club - Social Media - Facebook - LinkedInIntertek Business Assurance LinkedIn