Responsible Subcontracting Overview & Guidelines

Helps buyers understand the benefits and best practices of responsible subcontracting and how they can enable it in their supply chains. 

Responsible subcontracting allows established suppliers to grow their business in a responsive way without having to maintain large workforces that they cannot sustain during all seasons. It also gives small businesses access to work and a chance to grow and connect with buyers. However, problems arise when subcontracting is unauthorized and done illicitly to avoid labor or other regulations. This situation is not helped when buyers prohibit all subcontracting—these policies do not end the practice, but further reduce the amount of oversight. The Responsible Subcontracting Guidelines will help buyers understand how they can support ethical subcontracting in their supply chain.