When warning signs appear within your supply chain, further investigations become essential to protect against serious risks: corruption, conflict financing, human trafficking…
Ecosysmis brings its expertise in conducting audits in sensitive contexts to support your organisation.
Risk-Based Approach
The audit is based on an analysis of salient issues, identified as key human rights and environmental concerns, according to their potential severity for affected stakeholders. This approach relies on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
- Evaluation Criteria
- Document Review
- On-Site Evaluation
Audit activities are based on international regulatory frameworks, including:
- Performance Standards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC)
- United Nations Guiding Principles (UNGP)
- OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains.
These criteria serve as the foundation for evaluating the compliance of the audited organisation’s policies, procedures, and practices.
A systematic review of key documents is conducted prior to on-site visits. This step includes:
- Examining policies, procedures, and data shared by the organisation
- Creating an evaluation matrix aligned with international indicators
- Conducting an in-depth analysis to identify gaps between declared commitments and international standards
On-site visits validate the information gathered during the document review and allow for observation of operational practices. Activities include:
- Visiting mining sites, associated infrastructures, and areas of influence.
- Conducting interviews with staff, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.
- Observing working conditions, risk management practices, and environmental impacts.
Stakeholder Engagement
The audit includes in-depth consultations with affected stakeholders, including:
Local
Discussions with representatives of local communities (village chiefs, development committees, women’s groups, etc.).
Perspectives
Focus groups incorporating diverse viewpoints (youth, women, elders, etc.).
Grievance and Remediation
Analysis of available grievance and remediation mechanisms for stakeholders.
Analysis and Synthesis of Results
The collected data is analyzed to:
- Assess the effectiveness of human rights and environmental management systems.
- Identify gaps between current practices and international standards.
- Formulate concrete and prioritised recommendations to improve organisational performance.
Acknowledgment of Methodological Limitations
The audit takes into account potential constraints, such as information availability, visit duration, or site access challenges. These limitations are clearly documented to ensure the transparency of the findings.
Mobilisation of Multidisciplinary Expertise (as needed)
The audit is conducted by a team of experts in the following areas:
Human rights and due diligence
Environmental and social management
Stakeholder consultation and engagement
Deliverables
A detailed report including findings, analyses, and strategic recommendations.
- A gap assessment matrix accompanied by a recommended action plan.
- Follow-up on corrective actions through a monitoring and continuous improvement process.
This methodology relies on rigorous and thorough evaluation while providing concrete tools to guide the improvement of due diligence practices in demanding contexts.
