04.10.24 – Navigating human rights due diligence (HRDD) implementation
Fair Wear to launch HRDD Academy
Fair Wear will launch the HRDD Academy, an online platform designed to support garment and footwear brands to navigate their human rights due diligence implementation and the demands of the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and other frameworks.
The HRDD Academy will be launched on October 9th and offers brands the support and tools they need to get to grips with evolving industry standards on HRDD. Fair Wear is the only multi-stakeholder initiative (MSI) fully specialised in HRDD within the garment and footwear industry. With over 25 years of experience connecting and convening brands, factories, workers, trade unions, and industry influencers, Fair Wear has built strong networks across the supply chain. This makes it uniquely positioned to offer expert guidance and practical resources in line with OECD standards.
According to Rachel Chuang of fashion brand Ganni, “Fair Wear has always been a visionary in improving labour conditions in the garment industry. We join the HRDD Academy to deepen our understanding of HRDD and living wage contexts. The HRDD Academy provides brands with comprehensive guides and practical tools to enhance their due diligence efforts.”
Throughout 2023 until March 2024, Fair Wear ran a pilot of the HRDD Academy with brands from Fair Wear’s member base and other brands and stakeholders in the industry. This pilot phase enabled brands to co-design the platform, ensuring a hands-on approach that works for them.
What the HRDD Academy offers
The HRDD Academy is a tailored, interactive platform that equips brands to implement responsible business practices across their supply chains. Key features include:
- Self-paced learning: pathways based on industry needs and gaps
- Expert guidance: on a range of topics from living wage to gender equity developed through Fair Wear’s experience in garment supply chains
- Action-oriented tools – such as risk scoping: to support brands conduct and manage their HRDD processes effectively
- Collaborative networking opportunities: be part of a community and connect with other brands to work on actions together