How to use the Code

The Code is a shared standard, not a single platform. It can be adopted gradually through industry assurance programmes, certification schemes, buyer requirements or export-supply-chain standards. The framework places adoption alongside identity infrastructure and assurance, while Participation Needs Incentives explores what makes participation durable.

What adoption should demonstrate

Participating organisations should be able to show, in a proportionate way:

• workforce traceability to a responsible employer, agreement and worksite;
• declared labour supply relationships, including subcontracting;
• verifiable identity, right-to-work, time and payroll records; and
• durable records that support appropriate assurance and investigation.

A practical adoption pattern

1. Assess current records and contractor visibility, as described in Labour Supply Chains Are Not Linear.
2. Identify gaps against the ten rules.
3. Agree minimum evidence and data-sharing arrangements, using the privacy-resilient approach in Share Claims, Not Copies.
4. Test assurance using a defined supply-chain pilot and proportionate assurance.
5. Publish findings, improve the standard and expand participation.

Keep the standard alive

The Code should be maintained through a transparent process: clear ownership, version numbers, consultation for material changes, implementation guidance and a public changelog.

Related reading

• From Compliance Activity to Assurance Infrastructure — moving from compliance snapshots to durable assurance.
• Transparency Must Work for Workers — ensuring adoption includes voice, challenge and remedy.
• Workforce Traceability Is Governance Infrastructure — the maturity path for implementation.