Stakeholder engagement is a key component of the Copper Mark Assurance Process.
STAKEHOLDERS IN THE COPPER MARK ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK
From our governance bodies, to the intended impacts of our Theory of Change, to how we develop and revise our standards and participants against those standards, stakeholders play a vital role in the decision-making, development, implementation, and goals of the Copper Mark.
The Copper Mark invites any interested party to provide input and feedback on our work and our organization at any time by emailing us at info@coppermark.org.
Stakeholders may also lodge a grievance against the Copper Mark or an existing participant using our Grievance Mechanism here. More information about the Grievance Mechanism is available here.
Specifically in the assurance process, stakeholders can engage as follows:
WHEN | ABOUT WHAT | HOW |
Before the assessment | Share background information about the participant. | |
Signal interest to be considered for an interview. | ||
During the assessment | Participate in an interview (if selected) or talk with the independent assessor(s). | |
After the assessment | To receive a copy of the assessment report. | |
Any time! | Learn more about the Copper Mark |
BEFORE THE ASSESSMENT
As part of the assurance process, assessors are required to conduct stakeholder interviews. Good planning is the foundation of good stakeholder engagement in the assurance process, and as a result, assessors are expected to conduct desk-based research, identify stakeholders, and develop an interview sampling plan for the independent site assessment.
Stakeholders are encouraged to reach out to the assessors with background information or to be considered for an interview. This information will also be available on the Copper Mark website here.
We also invite stakeholders to reach out to the Copper Mark during this time at info@coppermark.org.
DURING THE ASSESSMENT
Annex I of the Copper Mark Assurance Process defines in detail how assessors are required to engage with stakeholders throughout the assessment. Information from stakeholders is used to validate, corroborate, confirm, and/or challenge a participant’s engagement with stakeholders on important topics, including how they are engaged, when, and the outcomes.
When stakeholder feedback differs from other forms of evidence provided by the participant, assessors are expected to investigate further to understand the facts and decide on the performance of the relevant criteria.
If at any time an individual has concerns about health, safety, confidentiality, including threats or other forms of intimidation, coercion, or retaliation, they should raise them immediately with Copper Mark. Similarly, we encourage stakeholders to raise indications or concerns that anyone during the assurance process has been coached on what to say in an interview with the assessors directly with Copper Mark.
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
After an assessment, the Copper Mark publishes the summary report on the website here. Stakeholders who believe the Copper Mark processes and procedures were not followed may submit a grievance via the Grievance Mechanism here. More information about the Grievance Mechanism is available here.
Annex I of the Copper Mark Assurance Process also defines the feedback loops to inform interviewees of the outcomes of the independent site assessment. The assessor is required to share with stakeholders:
- Contact information for the Copper Mark
- Information on how to access to the Grievance Mechanism.
The assessor must also share with the Copper Mark:
- The contact information for any stakeholder who indicated an interest to receive the summary report. The Copper Mark is responsible for sharing the summary report with those stakeholders.
In addition to the above, sites may consider sharing the findings and key points from the assessment directly with their stakeholders.
WHO IS A STAKEHOLDER
The RRA 3.0 Criteria Guide defines stakeholders as “Any individual or organization and their legitimate representatives that may affect or be affected by a company’s actions and decisions. Stakeholders can be individuals, interest groups, government agencies or corporate entities. They may include politicians, commercial and industrial enterprises, labor unions, academics, religious groups, national social and environmental groups, public sector agencies, the media and communities. In this Criteria Guide, the primary focus is on affected or potentially affected stakeholders. Legitimate representatives include trade unions, as well as civil society organizations and others with experience and expertise related to business impacts on human rights.”
It further defines stakeholder engagement as “A two-way process of information sharing and decision-making that aims to simultaneously address stakeholder issues and priorities (including the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups) as well as the concerns and needs of the business. It is carried out in a manner that is inclusive and culturally sensitive: beyond listening, the aim of engagement and consultation is to ensure mutual understanding and responsiveness by all parties to enable them to discuss and manage matters with the potential to affect all concerned.”