GOTS Due Diligence Management Process

This Policy outlines our commitment to responsible business conduct in alignment with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) due diligence management process.

As an organization, we are dedicated to maintaining ethical practices across all areas of our operations, ensuring compliance with GOTS standards, and promoting sustainability and social responsibility throughout our supply chain.ThisPolicy applies to all employees, management, and others involved in our business operations, including suppliers, contractors, and partners. It encompasses all activities and processes related to the production, procurement, and distribution of our products. Our commitments to responsible business conduct are grounded in the following principles: 

1. Compliance with GOTS Standards  
- Adherence to GOTS certification requirements, ensuring that all organic textile products meet the stringent environmental and social criteria set by GOTS.  
- Regular audits and assessments to verify compliance with GOTS standards throughout our supply chain.

2. Environmental Stewardship  
- Implementation of sustainable practices to minimize our environmental impact, including reducing waste, conserving energy, and minimizing carbon emissions.  
- Promotion of organic farming practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. 

3. Social Responsibility  
- Upholding fair labor practices, ensuring safe and healthy working conditions, and respecting workers' rights in accordance with international labor standards.  
- Commitment to fair wages, non-discrimination, and the prohibition of child and forced labor. 

4. Transparency and Accountability  
- Maintaining transparency in our operations and supply chain through clear communication and reporting of our practices and performance.  
- Regularly reviewing and updating our policies and practices to reflect our commitment to responsible business conduct and continuous improvement. 

5. Stakeholder Engagement  
- Fostering open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, and communities, to address concerns and improve our practices.  
- Encouraging feedback and participation from stakeholders to enhance our due diligence processes and outcomes. 

Our due diligence process involves the following steps: 
1. Risk Assessment  
- Identifying and assessing potential risks related to environmental impact, labor practices, and other areas of concern within our operations and supply chain. 
- Prioritizing risks based on their severity and likelihood of occurrence.

2. Risk Mitigation  
- Implementing measures to mitigate identified risks, including the development of action plans and corrective actions. 
- Providing training and resources toemployees and suppliers to ensure effective risk management. 

3. Monitoring and Evaluation 
- Conducting regular audits and assessments to monitor compliance with GOTS standards and the effectiveness of our risk mitigation measures. 
- Evaluating our performance through key performance indicators (KPIs) and other metrics to ensure continuous improvement.

4. Reporting and Communication 
- Communicating our due diligence activities and performance to stakeholders through regular reports and updates.  
- Ensuring transparency in our reporting, including any challenges and areas for improvement. 

The implementation of this Policy is ensured by our GOTS team lead, Courtney Kelley, owner of Kelbourne Woolens.

She is responsible for:
- Ensuring adherence to this Policy and GOTS standards.
- Reviewing and approving due diligence processes and risk management strategies.
- Providing oversight and guidance to ensure continuous improvement in our responsible business conduct. 

We are committed to building the capacity of our employees and suppliers to understand and implement responsible business practices.

This includes:
- Regular training programs on GOTS standards, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
- Providing resources and support to help us and our staff and suppliers meet our expectations and compliance requirements. 

We recognize that responsible business conduct is an ongoing journey.

We are committed to continuously improving our practices by:
- Staying informed about emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in responsible business conduct.
- Seeking feedback from employees and colleagues and incorporating their insights into our policies and processes.
- Regularly reviewing and updating this Policy to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Our commitment to responsible business conduct is integral to our mission and values. By adhering to this Policy and the GOTS standards, we aim to create a positive impact on the environment, society, and our business operations.