Our Ethics
Ethical Sourcing Policy
At Gorman, we prioritise the welfare of people and animals in the production and distribution of our products. We address this through our:
CSR AUDITS:
Every year we audit all our factories. 80% are external audits and 20% are completed by our Shanghai office. See our 2023 Audit figures below:
% of CSR ISSUES FOUND (100% = NO ISSUE)
Fabrics and Raw Materials
We are working towards certifying all our fabrics according to globally recognised textile standards. This provides assurance that third parties have audited and verified compliance with social and environmental criteria from raw material processing to product manufacturing. Our Spring Summer 2023 womenswear apparel range included 75% certified fabrics, and we aim to increase this to 80% in our Spring Summer 2024 collection and 100% by 2030.
Key third-party organisations we work with include:
For more information on the certifications of our fabrics, visit Our Environment page.
We have also conducted special tests for RSL (Restricted Substances List) Substances in our products, especially for those worn close to the skin. For more information, see Our Products page.
Uzbek Cotton Pledge
Our parent company, Factory X, has signed the cotton pledge, committing not to use cotton from Uzbekistan due to allegations of the systemic use of child and forced labour in the cultivation and harvesting of cotton in the region.
Responsible Purchasing Practices
Gorman works towards a 6-month lead-time on production orders, allowing our manufacturers to plan ahead, stabilise their workforce, and manage workflows. We do not prioritise the lowest price or tender out work. We seek new suppliers only when our existing manufacturers are unable or unwilling to produce something in our range. We also understand that our production process can impact working conditions. Click here to find out more about our lead-time policy.
Worker’s Rights and Supplier Relationships
At Gorman, we believe in creating products manufactured under safe, fair, and humane working conditions. We are committed to a Living Wage for all and have adopted benchmarks set by the Anker Living Wage Methodology. By the end of 2023, we will have audited 100% of our suppliers. Our parent company, Factory X, has implemented an Ethical Sourcing Policy covering various criteria, from labour rights to environmental compliance. For more information, see our full Ethical Sourcing Policy.
We have established strong working relationships with our suppliers over 5-10 years in many cases, ensuring employees are valued and respected and issues are addressed fairly and effectively. Our ultimate goal is to create a positive and ethical working environment benefiting everyone involved, from our employees to customers.
Gorman list of Suppliers
Gorman is committed to transparency.
These supplier lists represent the factories responsible for 100% of Gorman's current final stage production (Cut, Make, Trim).
See full supplier list 2023.
Modern Slavery Policy
Gorman is dedicated to promoting awareness and minimising the risks of modern slavery and human trafficking in the fashion industry. We ensure our operations and supply chains are free from exploitation, forced labour, or child labour.
Reporting Conditions
We want to be made aware of situations where our social and ethical policy is not upheld. We have a confidential grievance procedure for employees to voice their concerns. Your complaint will remain strictly confidential unless you advise otherwise. Contact us at support@gormanshop.com.au.To view our bilingual factory poster, Click here.
Our Report and Training Modules
In collaboration with our parent company Factory X, we have submitted our 3rd and most robust Modern Slavery Statement. See our full Modern Slavery Policy . For the first time, we have included a professional training module compiled by Fairsupply, a global ESG data provider and consultancy. This training module raises awareness about Modern Slavery and how to reduce its risks in our industry.
All current suppliers have been audited for CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) by BSCI, SEDEX, WRAP, or QUALSPECS and have signed the Factory X Modern Slavery Questionnaire. New suppliers must also sign this questionnaire before doing business with us.
Living Wage Initiative
Due to our commitment to a Living Wage for All, we are ensuring our Suppliers pay their factory workers not only fair wages, but a living wage. We make professional audits on an annual basis to check, monitor and record their salaries according to the Anker Methodology.
We are cooperating with our suppliers and stakeholders to develop fairer working practices in the industry. We commit to the 5 ACT Purchasing Practices and agree that a joint approach is necessary to achieve freedom of association, collective bargaining, and a Living Wage for all.
Gorman Commits to:
- Purchasing prices include wages as itemised costs
- Fair terms of payments
- Better planning and forecasting
- Undertake training on responsible sourcing and buying
- Practicing responsible exit strategies
Anker Living Wage Methodology
Our Roadmap to a Living Wage
Safe Working Conditions
We ensure a safe and hygienic working environment is provided to all workers involved in our supply chain. Adequate steps are taken to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of work by minimising hazards in the workplace. Health and safety training is provided and practiced on-site.
Child, Forced, Bonded or Prison Labour
We ensure our suppliers do not recruit child labour or use forced, bonded, or prison labour. Workers must not be required to lodge deposits or identity papers with an employer and must be free to leave work at the end of the shift. If a worker is found employed under such conditions, corrective action is taken.
Click Here to view our Child and Forced Labour Policy and Procedures.
Freedom of Association
We ensure our suppliers recognise the right of employees to join unions or representative committees and the right of worker's associations to collective bargaining.
Ring Fencing
Protection of workers' wages is paramount to Gorman, and it is written into our terms and conditions. We provide guidance to suppliers on labour costing and reflect negotiated wage increases in costing calculations.
Social Compliance Audit Report
We request that our suppliers inform us about all places producing goods intended for supply to Gorman. We reserve the right to make unannounced visits to all places of production and assign independent third parties to conduct inspections for compliance with our ethical sourcing policy.
Ethical Recruitment
We take full responsibility for creating a workplace free of discrimination and fully support equal employment opportunities (EEO). We promote a non-discriminatory work environment and are fully committed to the principles and practices of EEO. See our full Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.
Gender Equality & Diversity Policy
We have a zero-tolerance policy for sexually intimidating, abusive, or exploitative behaviour. Gender equality means that everyone, regardless of gender, enjoys the same rights and opportunities. See our full Gender Equality and Diversity Policy.
Animal Welfare Policy
Gorman encourages higher levels of animal welfare by using certification initiatives and replacing animal products with sustainable animal-free alternatives when possible. We believe in working with suppliers, animal protection certification schemes, consumers, and producers to prioritise animal welfare.
Click here to read our Animal Welfare Policy.
We adopt a 3-step approach:
1. Supply chain analysis, including checking suppliers, country of origin, type of product, and compliance with certification schemes.
2. Assessment and identification of welfare issues according to species, researching higher animal farming practices, and potential animal welfare outcomes.
3. Identifying issues by engaging with animal welfare groups and suppliers to assist in prioritising areas of focus and long-term goals.
Wool
We do not accept mulesing and prioritise using non-mulesed merino wool in our garments. These garments are tagged with RWS (Responsible Wool Sourcing) and Non-Mulesed Wool. By 2025, we aim to use only RWS certified wool across our pure wool and wool blend programs.
Mohair & Angora
We ceased using angora in 2016 and phased out the use of mohair in 2020 in response to reports of animal cruelty.
Exotic skins and Endangered species
We do not use endangered species in our products, including exotic animal skins.
Fur
We do not include fur in our range.
Leather
All our leather is a by-product of the meat industry with full traceability to the farm and processing that complies with stringent REACH chemical standards. We also offer vegan leather options.
References:
Please see below for informative references that are distributed across this page.