'What "good" looks like: Engaging suppliers'

GBI's guidance briefing on Engaging Suppliers shares practice-based insights on how companies can work with suppliers as partners in human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD). It sets out what "good" looks like across the supplier lifecycle - from pre-qualification and tendering through contracting - and how to build capacity (including for SMEs), move beyond audits, enable safe worker voice, use leverage to prevent and mitigate harms, and support effective remedy when impacts occur.

"When companies treat suppliers as partners, it can lead to stronger human rights outcomes for workers and ensure more resilient and long-term supply chains." — Anita Ramasastry, GBI Senior Advisor

As companies implement risk-based due diligence, many of the most severe risks lie beyond tier one. Early, consistent engagement — grounded in clear expectations, practical incentives and two-way learning — helps companies identify, prevent and address adverse impacts while strengthening resilient, long-term supply relationships.

GBI podcast featuring Anita Ramasastry, Rishi Sher Singh and Sophia Areias