Country activities

Country programmes typically combine independent enterprise assessments with enterprise advisory and training services to support practical improvements through workplace cooperation. This is done through creating industry-based schemes designed to work at the enterprise level. Using STAR, Better Work’s information management system, enterprises can share factory information with their buyers. This in turn allows buyers to reduce their own auditing and redirect resources to fixing problems and focus on sustainable solutions. The key to success is the support of the relevant employers’ and workers’ organizations, the national government and international buyers.

Better Work programmes are designed to work closely with existing IFC and ILO initiatives, particularly those focusing on capacity building in the private sector, public sector labour administration, and employers’ and workers’ organizations. Each Better Work programme will consider in detail how it can support the work of the ILO and IFC in these areas during the design stage.

A reputation for quality and positive impact is the basis of success. The skills of trainers and enterprise advisors are critical. They will need to be well trained and supported including continuous professional development opportunities. Better Work will establish certificated training programmes for trainers and enterprise advisors, a support network, an interactive web-based community of practice to support practitioners and a professional development programme for these target groups.

Country programmes are designed to be sustainable and of a significant scale. The objective is to build sustainable independent organizations that will continue after funding has stopped. Within five years the projects are expected to become self-financing. ILO and IFC work together to mobilise necessary resources for country projects. The global programme will be responsible for ongoing quality control once country programmes become independent.