SUBMENU
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 GOVERNANCEThe Better Cotton Initiative is a not-for-profit membership association, under Swiss law and is committed to good governance. Membership categories In order to ensure a balanced representation between Members, membership categories have been defined. Organisations falling into the following categories are eligible for membership: Civil Society: any organisation that runs not-for-profit activity related to the cotton supply chain. Civil society commonly embraces a diversity of spaces, actors and institutional forms, varying in their degree of formality, autonomy and power e.g. registered charities, development non-governmental organisations, community groups, trade unions, consumers associations, etc. Producers: any organisation that engages with and aims to represent cotton producers. Producer organisations can be local, national, regional, or international, only focused on cotton cultivation or not. They must be legally registered organisations. Retailers and Brands: any for-profitorganisation selling goods or commodities directly to consumers. Suppliers and Manufacturers: any organisation that runs for-profit activity within the cotton supply chain beyond the farm-gate and up to retail, from buying, selling, and financing to processing. This category includes the sub-categories of Cotton traders, Cotton ginners, Other intermediaries (e.g. spinners, mills, cut and sew), and Financial institutions. Each of these 4 sub-categories is differentiated in the Membership Principles of Participation and Obligations, and therefore has individual membership application forms. Associate members: any organisation that has an agreement with the Association but does not fall within the above categories; or represents the interests of organisations from the Civil Society, Retailers and Brands, Suppliers and Manufacturers categories. This category may include trade associations, implementing partners, intergovernmental organisations, etc. Organs All the Members of the BCI Association form the General Assembly which is the supreme authority of the association. Only the General Assembly can approve modification to the Statutes or decide on the dissolution of the Association. Each member has one vote at the General Assembly. The General Assembly meets at least every three years and elects the Council of the Association to whom it delegates operational activities and strategic decision making. Members will receive each year activity and financial reports from the Council. Other organs of the BCI Association currently include the Council and the Advisory Committee. The Statutes of the association are available to download. Antitrust The Better Cotton Initiative intends to conduct its affairs in compliance with the applicable antitrust/competition laws of the United States, the states within the United States and other countries and jurisdictions. Accordingly, BCI has adopted an Antitrust Policy for itself and its members, advisors, and participants, in connection with participation in BCI’s activities. The Antitrust Policy is available to download. Grievance Should a Member/Partner have a grievance in relation to the BCI’s activities, this can be raised and managed through the BCI grievance management process. This aims to provide:- a clear focal point for grievances raised; - a transparent and impartial process and mediation to address grievances, with respect for sensitive information; and - a credible, efficient and solution-oriented arbitration. The Grievance Management Process is available to download. last update: 10 June 2010 |
DOWNLOADS & LINKS Association Statutes Antitrust Policy Grievance Management Process |
