Why public procurement?

Public procurement represents 14% of GDP in OECD countries. Their purchasing power and the length of contracts give public authorities considerable influence over their suppliers. However, this power remains vastly underutilised.

Why put workers at the centre?

Fundamentally, the starting point for human rights due diligence processes must be workers, and the risks they face, rather than brands, and the reputational risks they face. This paradigm shift is at the heart of our approach. Indeed, supplier self-reporting and social auditing represent the most common means of identifying risks and rights violations in global supply chains today. Although both self-reporting and social auditing can contribute to improved outcomes for workers, these tools are led by businesses to manage their own risks, rather than being driven by risks to workers. Their shortcomings often include their ineffectiveness at identifying human rights risks and abuses (e.g., due to fear of retaliation, conflicts of interest, and lack of time for auditors), and insufficient transparency. Worker-driven models overcome many of these shortcomings, and ensure that workers themselves have agency in monitoring and remediation processes.

Why electronics hardware?

The human rights risks in the electronics sector are systemic, which means that they are not confined to specific brands or products. Overlap in electronics hardware supply chains, particularly at the component level, presents a tactical opportunity for buyers seeking to drive change. While the electronics sector provides a good start to use public procurement leverage to support workers, Electronics Watch continues to expand the scope of its activities to drive positive impact for workers. The Low-Emission Vehicle Programme was the first test case for expansion into other sectors, which Electronics Watch continues to explore.

Our structure and governance

Our governance speaks to our shared service model. Our Board of Trustees has 15 members representing three blocks. It is responsible for strategic and fiduciary guidance and operational oversight. Block 1 comprises affiliated public authorities. Block 2 comprises subject experts on human, labour, trade union and environmental rights, occupational health and safety, and global supply chains. Block 3 comprises our monitoring partners, democratic trade unions and other independent civil society organisations that represent or advocate for the rights of workers. Trustees are nominated and elected by the Advisory Group, which is much larger but has the same tripartite structure.

Electronics Watch is No. 62721445 in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce Trade Register.