SAI Advisory Board

In 1996, SAI convened an international, multi-stakeholder Advisory Board to develop Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000), a voluntary standard for workplaces based on ILO (International Labour Organization) and other human rights conventions. Its independent verification method uses key elements from the widely accepted quality management system certification in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) programs.

The SAI Advisory Board includes experts from trade unions, businesses and NGOs. Board members represent abroad range of expertise in human rights, child and labor rights; socially responsible investing; auditing; and supply chain management.

Reaching consensus among board members is a continuing challenge. However, this diversity adds to the strength of SA8000, making its requirements comprehensive and language clear auditable.

SA8000 Advisory Board Members

SAI's policy is to balance its Advisory Board members equally between business and non-business (non-governmental organizations, trade unions, socially responsible investors and government) members. SAI also seeks to have an international representation on the Advisory Board.

[See Founders Committee]

SAI Founders Committee

The ability of SAI to fulfill its mission depends crucially on the good advice and counsel of Advisory Board members, particularly those who have met and caucused together over the years and whose expertise and contributions proved instrumental in the founding and evolution of SAI.

The Founders Committee provides SAI the opportunity to continue to enrich its mission with the worthy counsel provided by its members by allowing retired SAI Advisory Board members, who have contributed exemplary services, to retain a generous level of participation and benefits in regards to SAI Advisory Board activities. These benefits include: 1) Attendance at SAI Advisory Board meetings as non-voting members (space permitting); 2) Membership to SAI Advisory Board committees; and 3) Access to all SAI Advisory Board materials. Founders Committee members receive no remuneration beyond SAI’s deep appreciation.