The AIM-Progress Grievance Mechanism Project Summary, encapsulates the lessons learned, recommendations, and early successes from AIM-Progress Grievance Mechanism project finalised end of May 2024.
The project aimed to improve suppliers’ implementation of grievance mechanisms in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
The project initiated in early 2023, was designed and implemented by the Oxfam Business Advisory Service (OBAS) and involved 19 tier-one suppliers from 15 countries.
The executive summary outlines the project’s core objectives, methodologies, and key findings, emphasizing the importance of robust grievance mechanisms at site level in protecting workers’ rights.
This summary emphasizes three key points:
- Active involvement of workers and vulnerable groups in the design and implementation of grievance mechanisms is key. For many of the participating suppliers, the project resulted in a shift in the mindset of management to engage with and listen to workers.
- The importance of robust support systems, including dedicated tools, resources, and long-term initiatives, to ensure the sustainability of grievance mechanisms. To support the participating project companies, the project used the Grievance Mechanism Toolkit designed by Oxfam Business Advisory Service (OBAS) for AIM-Progress member, Reckitt, and a self-assessment tool in implementing effective grievance mechanisms.
- Recommendations from the project include: the need for tailored solutions to common challenges in designing and implementing grievance mechanisms, long-term support for suppliers, senior management buy-in, strong support from brands, and tools for establishing grievance mechanisms that are adaptable to different contexts and maturity levels.
The AIM-Progress Grievance Mechanism project executive summary showcases successful improvements in grievance mechanisms through robust support, active worker involvement, and tailored solutions, setting good practice for global supply chain human rights initiatives.