James McMichael brings more than 20 years of expertise in social and labor issues to his leadership of UL Solutions Responsible Sourcing. Throughout his career, James has sought to find solutions to labor and human rights issues that benefit both the workers around the world and their employers. He has extensive experience leading global social enterprises and has worked with multistakeholder and industry initiatives such as the Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety, the Responsible Business Alliance, the Fair Labor Association and many more.
Responsible sourcing auditing and advisory
As global director of Responsible Sourcing, James develops and helps implement strategy for UL Solutions’ portfolio of responsible sourcing services. These offerings include auditing and advisory services that support manufacturers, brand owners and retailers in advancing their sustainable business practices within global supply chains. James’ team provides advisory services that help customers meet the evolving needs of the marketplace and navigate the accelerating regulatory landscape, as well as demonstrate their commitment to the social component of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting. The team also conducts assessments of labor conditions for companies and their suppliers around the world and provides internal auditing services for UL Solutions’ business operations. Often deploying to newly emerging markets, the team represents more than 30 nationalities and languages and serves more than 120 countries.
Mandatory human rights due diligence
Voluntary human rights due diligence has long been a way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices to potential investors and customers. With the rise in global labor regulations, James and his team help organizations navigate the transition from voluntary programs to mandatory compliance. James leads his team in helping customers fulfill their pledge to exercise adequate oversight, meet international human rights obligations and promote the rule of law. In cases where human rights violations have occurred, James and his team facilitate remediation efforts by working with organizations to support factory and supplier improvement. His team also offers customers and their suppliers a spectrum of employee training services addressing human rights.
“I've always been intrigued by how our consumer society impacts the workers around the world who make the products we eat, wear and use. Responsible sourcing makes it possible for businesses to drive improvements in those workers’ lives.” – James McMichael
