Chapter 1: Management
Introduction to Management
Rainforest Alliance wants to see certified organizations managed in an efficient, transparent, inclusive, and economically viable manner. It is essential that companies implement an integrated planning and management system, with processes and procedures for continuous improvement. This chapter includes topics related to management and responsible business conduct, following a process of assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and adjustment.
Why the Change?
The changes in the Management and Administration Requirements from version 1.3 to version 1.4 were made to provide clearer guidance, simplify processes, and ensure alignment with best practices. Some requirements in version 1.3 were considered too open-ended or overly complex, making them difficult to implement consistently. Version 1.4 addresses these issues by introducing more prescriptive language, particularly for management plans, and removing unnecessary administrative burdens. These changes simplify compliance for supply chain actors while maintaining the core elements of management and internal inspection processes.
Key Changes:
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Prescriptive Language for Management Plans: 1.1.1 (previously 1.1.3) now includes clearer instructions on what should be included in a management plan, such as control procedures and specific responsibilities. This provides more precise guidance to supply chain actors.
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Policy Requirements: 1.1.2 (previously 1.1.4) was simplified and the scope clarified, making it easier for supply chain actors to understand which policies apply to them and how to implement them.
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Removal of Gender-Specific and Farm-Specific References: 1.1.3 (previously 1.1.5) removed gender-specific and farm-specific language, making the requirement more applicable to a broader range of supply chain actors, focusing on grievance and assess-and-address mechanisms without unnecessary complexity.
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Reduced Administrative Burden: 1.2.2 (previously 1.2.16) removed the requirement to maintain a formal list of trained employees, while keeping the focus on ensuring workers have the necessary skills and training to meet certification requirements.
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Extended Record-Keeping: 1.2.1 (previously 1.2.9) extended the record-keeping period from four to five years to align with ISEAL’s best practices, ensuring better consistency in compliance tracking.
Chapter 1: Management Requirements Change Overview
|
Requirement Number |
Subject |
Changes from V1.3 |
Implication |
Explanation |
|
1.1.1 |
Management |
This was previously requirement 1.1.3 in version 1.3. It now includes clearer instructions for management plan procedures and merges requirement 2.1.4 from v1.3 for simplification. |
Provides clearer guidance for supply chain actors, ensuring that the management plan includes necessary documentation and procedures. |
The updated requirement provides more prescriptive language, addressing feedback that the previous version was too open-ended and difficult to follow. Merging with 2.1.4 reduces redundancy. |
|
1.1.2 |
Management |
This was previously requirement 1.1.4 in version 1.3. Simplified and shortened text, and clarified scope of the requirement. |
Clarifies the responsibility for implementing policies related to human rights and environmental impacts. |
Simplifying the language and clarifying the scope of the requirement helps supply chain actors understand their obligations more easily, reducing confusion and improving compliance. |
|
1.1.3 |
Management |
This was previously requirement 1.1.5 in version 1.3. Removed reference to gender-specific and farm-specific language. |
Removes unnecessary complexity by focusing on the grievance and assess-and-address mechanisms applicable to supply chain actors. |
By removing references to gender and farm-specific committees, the requirement becomes more streamlined and easier for supply chain actors to implement. This also aligns with broader supply chain practices. |
|
1.2.1 |
Administration |
This was previously requirement 1.2.9 in version 1.3. The record-keeping period was extended from four to five years to align with ISEAL best practices. |
Extends the record-keeping period, allowing for more thorough compliance tracking and record retention. |
Extending the record-keeping period aligns with ISEAL’s best practices, ensuring better tracking of compliance and making the system more consistent across different standards. |
|
1.2.2 |
Administration |
This was previously requirement 1.2.16 in version 1.3. Removed the requirement to maintain a formal list of trained workers and farm-specific language. |
Reduces the administrative burden on supply chain actors while still emphasizing the importance of training and skill development. |
Removing the requirement for a formal list of workers reduces complexity and makes it easier for supply chain actors to comply with training expectations, while still ensuring that the necessary skills are in place. |
|
1.3.1 |
Internal Inspection |
This was previously requirement 1.4.1 in version 1.3. Simplified and shortened text; removed farm-specific language. |
Simplifies the requirement to focus on the supply chain without unnecessary references to farm-specific issues. |
The change reduces complexity by removing farm-specific language, ensuring that internal inspections focus on supply chain actors without unnecessary references to farm management practices. |
|
1.3.2 |
Internal Inspection |
This was previously requirement 1.4.3 in version 1.3. Removed farm-specific language. |
Aligns the internal inspection requirements more closely with supply chain operations. |
By removing farm-specific language, the requirement becomes more relevant and streamlined for supply chain actors, focusing on their unique operational needs. |
|
1.4.1 |
Grievance Mechanism |
This was previously requirement 1.5.1 in version 1.3. Removed the reference to the grievance committee as this is covered in 1.1.3. |
Reduces redundancy by removing references to committees already addressed in previous requirements. |
This change eliminates unnecessary repetition regarding the grievance mechanism, focusing only on key aspects of grievance handling that apply specifically to supply chain actors. |