The structure of German Round Table Code of Conducts reflects the process of negotiating social standards. Members include enterprises, unions, non-governmental organisations and Federal Government agencies.

The Round Table was set up in 2001 with the intention of helping to improve social standards in developing countries. The Round Table members aim to reach a consensus on how voluntary codes of conduct can be introduced and implemented in an effective, transparent and universally binding manner. The Round Table promotes the introduction of voluntary codes of conduct in German businesses that have production plants or suppliers in developing countries. It produces recommendations concerning the introduction, monitoring and verification of such guidelines for enterprises detailed in the Round Table's first joint publication “Codes of Conduct on Social Standards”. The document can be downloaded from the Round Table's web site (see link below).

In joint pilot projects, the members gather further experience and test possible solutions. The Round Table is currently implementing a pilot project to enable dialogue between management and employees of the textile and sportswear industry in Romania.

The Social Standards component of the Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards manages the Secretariat of the Round Table Codes of Conduct in Germany.

www.coc-runder-tisch.de