Creating Checks and Balances
To ensure compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct and supply chain standards, we have implemented an audit process. To identify and evaluate the potential risks of human trafficking, slavery or violations of other local labor standards and/or those that may be unique to Bath & Body Works and our business, we conduct our own ongoing, internal verification of our product supply chain.
Announced and Unannounced Audits
We use a combination of both announced and unannounced audits to ensure compliance. Audits are conducted for facilities that produce:
Our branded products sold in stores, including those that are promotional
Non-merchandise items such as gift bags, boxes, price tickets and hangtags
Branded store fixtures
Branded components for our core products that are produced by key tier 2 and tier 3 facilities
Our audits typically include a meeting with facility management, a factory tour (including warehouses and dormitories) and a review of relevant documents, including information on wages, benefit deductions, working hours, labor contracts, termination documents, recruitment agency contracts, training and grievance records.
Trade Audits
In addition to monitoring labor standards and workplace conditions for all factories, we conduct trade assessment audits that enable us to identify any instance where unauthorized subcontracting has taken place at our factories. Unauthorized subcontracting is considered a major violation; therefore, we monitor factories to ensure production is taking place at the factory named on the purchase order.
Third-Party Audit Firms
Our third-party audit firms have developed, and continue to develop, standard operating procedures for auditors that provide explanations for additional processes, including (but not limited to) how to handle certain situations or extenuating circumstances that may occur during an audit. Assessors must review and become familiar with all SOPs and are responsible for staying aware of any updates. Auditors are trained on labor standards and ILO forced labor indicators when they start working. They also receive video training focused on forced labor and foreign migrant workers with an online assessment test. Local offices hold regular meetings and trainings on labor standards and ILO forced labor indicators.
Auditors are registered with APSCA (Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors) which is an industry association whose members represent a substantial majority of the social compliance audit industry. Our internal auditors are also trained on labor standards and ILO forced labor indicators when they start working. Updates on labor standards and ILO forced labor indicators are also discussed during regular team meetings.
Maintaining Audit Standards
To ensure both the Compliance Guidebook and audit tool are up-to-date with industry standards, we evaluate audit tool and the Compliance Guidebook annually, taking into consideration new laws and regulations as well as benchmarking with other auditing firms.
Ensuring Accountability
Bath & Body Works takes compliance with the law and all policies listed in the Compliance Guidebook seriously. As such, suppliers are required to comply with all laws and with the policies listed in the Compliance Guidebook and promptly respond to all Bath & Body Works requests regarding any legal requirement or Bath & Body Works policy. Failure to do so may result in any or all of the actions below: