About Us
In recent years, the wider business community has evolved. It has developed an increased awareness of corporate responsibility issues and assumed its share of responsibility and accountability for maintaining standards of ethical, social and environmental performance.
The developing awareness of the industry has grown in step with an increase in communities’ and society’s expectations across all sectors.
The Council recognises that there is a need for a more integrated approach to responsible business practices within the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain. In this way, the industry can be proactive in meeting challenges to consumer confidence in the diamond and gold supply chain, or can respond, if and as appropriate, in a coordinated and consistent manner should issues arise.
The Council believes there is a need for an open and transparent approach that produces tangible results.
The Council believes that by working in collaboration with society and governments it can promote responsible business practices throughout the diamond and gold supply chain, from mine to retail.
The Council is distinct from other sectoral or single issue corporate responsibility initiatives because it aims to promote responsible ethical, social, human rights and environmental business practices across every step of the Diamond and Gold jewellery supply chain, no matter how large or small the business, in all geographies.
The Council is still in its infancy and a large amount of work will be required over the coming years to achieve its ultimate aims. In view of the importance the Council places on this initiative, it has set an ambitious timeframe to develop the building blocks with which to realise its mission.
On May 2nd 2006, the Council held its first Annual General Meeting in London, UK. New Board members were elected at this meeting, increasing industry representation at Board level and formalising the Council’s governance structure and processes.
In terms of Industry standards, the table below summarises progress to date:
| Document | Status | Notes |
| Mission Statement | Complete | |
| A Statement of Principles ('Principles') |
Complete (consultation ended March 2006) | Principles set out the fundamental ethical, social human rights and environmental standards that the Council believes are indispensable to maintain consumer confidence in the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain. Principles consultation ended in March 2006. Download the consultation feedback report here. |
| Draft Code of Practices |
Available for public consultation until end of July 31st 2006 | The Code of Practices defines responsible ethical, social, human rights and environmental practices for organizations working in the Diamond and Gold jewellery supply chain. The Code of Practices is intended as a base code applicable to all businesses that are Members of the Council throughout the entire supply chain, from mine to retail. There will be additional modules for specific Sectors of the supply chain. These additional modules are yet to be developed. |
These documents form the basis of the Council’s Responsible Practices Framework through which the Council will promote continuous improvement in responsible business practices throughout the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain.
During an initial period, the Council will focus on further development of the draft Code of Practices, with an Implementation Model through which the Principles and Code of Practices will be applied throughout the Diamond and Gold supply chain.
During this period, the Council will also seek to engage the industry and promote the benefits of membership of the Council. The Council will also seek to explore ways in which it can support the industry in raising standards of business responsibility through education and partnership initiatives that will help companies develop the capability to meet higher standards.
