P. 22

Kathmandu has created a robust grievance mechanism as

part of a wider social improvement program. The process

includes first verifying that a functioning grievance policy

and procedure exists at every factory as part of our social

audits. Kathmandu ensures there is a confidential email

channel at all facilities as part of the agreed Terms of Trade

with every supplier. The email address is displayed on every

Kathmandu Code of Conduct. In addition to this, the same

email address is displayed on business cards which are

handed out by Kathmandu or Elevate staff as part of every

assessment.

However, in recognition of the fact that most workers do

not speak English and have limited access to email,

Kathmandu realised that while the above mechanisms

ticked the “grievance mechanism box”, they were not very

effective.

Kathmandu therefore created alternate channels in the

form of links to the social media platforms used by the

workers. More than 95% of workers in China use WeChat

and the equivalent tool in Vietnam is called Zalo.

P. 54 If a Kathmandu staff member (including third party auditor) acting on behalf of Kathmandu, becomes aware of a case of child labour and/or forced labour, they must inform their manager within 48 hours.