Femnet e.V.

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Navigating the German Supply Chain Act - Sustainability and Due Diligence in the Consumer Goods Industry

Progressive online course module for sustainability professionals

This FEMNET course is more than just a training: It is a stimulating journey into the world of accountability and sustainability in the consumer goods industry.

Throughout the course, the focus is on interaction between participants, group discussions and the exchange of practical experiences. Participants exchange knowledge and work together on case studies to gradually develop their knowledge and skills in the field of sustainability and due diligence in compliance with the German Supply Chain Act.

Program flyer (PDF)

Our course (divided into 5 modules) is an educational journey (not a dry consultation) in which you actively learn, reflect and put your knowledge into practice. Are you ready to take on this challenge? Become a pioneer in the consumer goods industry (clothing, agricultural or IT products) and help shape the future of the industry through education and accountability.

Each module includes:

• Live webinars:
  Interact with experts and participate in question and answer sessions.
• Interactive quizzes and tasks:
  Deepen your learning through active participation.
• Discussion forums:
  Interact with other participants and share your knowledge and common challenges.
• Access to a resource library:
  Find relevant documents, templates and additional reading material.

Our teaching methods are focused on education. While we have the most experience in the apparel sector, our courses are aimed not only at representatives from apparel companies, but also at people from other economic sectors (e.g. food, IT). We are also available for an individual consultation, please contact us directly.

The contents

Module 1: Introduction to the German LkSG and the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (‘CS3D’)

At the heart of this module is the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG). We take a critical look at its objectives and provisions and compare it to the European Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive (CS3D). You will find out in interactive exercises what the differences between the two legal frameworks are.

Module 2: Declaration of Human Rights, CoC/Ethics

The fashion industry and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights - a topic that is the focus of this module. Gradually, we guide you to the creation of a progressive code of conduct and ethical guidelines for your company. Realistic case studies show how other companies implement human rights principles.

1. Importance of human rights: Exploring the importance of human rights in the fashion industry, with a focus on the Universal Declaration of Human and Labour Rights with a focus on the core labour standards of the ILO (International Labour Organisation) as well as the UN CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) and ILO Convention 190 (Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work).
2. Establishment of a Code of Conduct: Participants will be guided step-by-step through the creation of a code of conduct and ethical guidelines for companies, starting with basic principles to a more comprehensive framework.
3. Analysis of case studies: Analysis of practical case studies in which companies have integrated human rights principles into their business activities in order to encourage participants to apply what they have learned.

Module 3: Risk Assessment - Minimum Requirements and Ambitious Approaches

Supply chain risk assessment is a key element. Here you will learn the basics, minimum requirements and even challenging approaches such as scenario analyses. In an interactive risk simulation, the participants jointly identify fictitious risks by way of example with a focus on freedom of assembly, gender equality, etc. - a step towards accountability.

1. Fundamentals of risk assessment: The basics of risk assessment (terms/concepts) are explained and analysed.
2. Minimum requirements: Minimum requirements of the LkSG and the European Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive (CS3D) for carrying out risk assessments are presented.
3. Sophisticated approaches:Advanced risk assessment methods are presented, such as multi-stage supply chain mapping, scenario analysis, etc.
4. What role do certifications, social audits and memberships play in multi-stakeholder initiatives? A critical inventory analysis
5. Interactive risk simulation: Develop a virtual risk simulation exercise where participants need to identify and mitigate risks in their own supply chain, receiving feedback and guidance along the way.

Module 4: Complaint mechanisms

Complaint mechanisms are the way to transparency and accountability. We introduce you to the legal requirements and introduce you to different, complementary complaint mechanisms for different scenarios in the supply chain in a workshop format. Experts share implementation experiences.

1. Development of complaint mechanisms: Importance of complaint mechanisms for ensuring transparency and accountability.
2. Compliance with legislation: Exploring legal requirements for complaint mechanisms under the LkSG
3. Interactive workshop: The participants jointly design effective complaint mechanisms for different scenarios in the supply chain.

Module 5: Remedial actions

This module shows how remedial actions can solve problems in the supply chain. We discuss legal obligations and sustainable approaches. In case studies, you develop sustainable remedies to promote your problem-solving mindset.

1. Remedial strategies: Overview of the concept of remedial actions and the role in solving supply chain problems.
2. Legal obligations: Legal obligations and options for the implementation of remedial measures in line with the LkSG are discussed.
3. Sustainable remedial actions: Step-by-step implementation of sustainable remedial approaches, including cooperation with local organisations and innovative solutions.
4. Case study workshop: Participants are encouraged to work on case studies concerning breaches in the supply chain and to develop sustainable remedial actions to address a problem-solving Promote mindset.

The providers:

Lavinia Muth, FEMNET member and FEMNET consultant has 15 years of experience in the field of sustainability in the fashion industry. She has conducted various advisory activities in compliance functions as well as as an auditor for social and environmental standards and has advised dealers, brands and producers worldwide for many years. She has been working as a freelancer for two years and is dedicated to various projects dealing with social justice issues in the consumer goods sector, while at the same time contributing to decarbonisation, circularity and anti-greenwashing for carefully selected customers.

FEMNET e.V. engages with political commitment, educational and advisory work as well as solidarity work for women in the producing countries of the global apparel industry. We are in close contact with partner organisations, especially in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Indonesia. In dialogue with politics and business, the association strives for the binding anchoring of corporate due diligence obligations. FEMNET is a pioneer in the implementation of eco-fair procurement procedures in public administration and has been advising municipalities on their textile tenders since 2015.

 

Costs of participation in the modules:

Package price, all modules: 999,00 EUR

Modules individually: EUR 250.00

 

Program flyer (PDF)

We are also at your disposal for a one-to-one consultation – feel free to contact us directly!

FEMNET e.V.
Kaiser-Friedrich-Str. 11
53113 Bonn
Telephone: +49 228 18 03 81 16
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.