The CEOs of BP, Equinor, Shell and Total have joined forces to create a collaborative approach to human rights supplier assessments in the energy industry.

They aim to establish an industry framework for the assessments, with results shared with the participating companies through an independent third party, to support the improvement of working conditions in their supply chains.

The framework is expected to make it easier and more efficient for suppliers to demonstrate they respect human rights and care for their people.

The companies state: “As members of the UN Global Compact, BP, Equinor, Shell and Total believe this initiative supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 8, which is to ‘promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all’.

“The initiative does not include collaboration on selection of suppliers, which continues to remain the independent decision of each participant.”