The TMS Group is a long standing member of the United Nations Global Compact, and fully embraces its policies and principles. The TMS organization remains committed to aligning operations, strategies and our complete supplier network with the ten universally accepted principals in the core areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
Our focus for the past years has been continuous improvement in the supply chain, which is a gradual and sustained progression toward achieving and maintaining total compliance. Continuous improvement plans are developed from long-term strategies which include suppliers’ input, while simultaneously taking into consideration the reality of operational limitations, and economic parameters.
The Communication on Progress will highlight the actions and framework we have strengthened and maintained in our internal processes and throughout our supplier network. All of the combined efforts are consistent with upholding the United Nations Global Compact mission and charter.

Joerg Kornblum
Chief Financial Officer

Principle 1 - Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
Our Commitment - Our social compliance program combined with our business standards (signed by all suppliers), and practices throughout every facet of the supply chain, ensures our suppliers and their workers’ rights are protected. This protection addresses all aspect which are consistent with the Global Compact, applicable international laws, and the respective country’s legal framework. The core theme and focus is preserving the respect for human dignity.
Principle 2 - Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses
Our Commitment - The TMS Group supports and upholds to the fullest extent the protection and enforcement of human rights. This extends to our suppliers and our employees. TMS Group employees who are in constant contact with our suppliers are made aware of their required adherence to the TMS Group policies, and United Nations Global Compact principles. This is incorporated in their initial employment agreement and through annual refresher training.

Principle 1 - Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
Processes and Systems:
The Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) remains the cornerstone of our social accountability standard for the TMS Group, and all suppliers. Our internal program incorporates key elements, and best practices of BSCI, SA8000, and ILO codes of conduct. The combination of these standards ensures all members of our supply chain network are measured at the highest standards possible. This measurement includes a transparent system to review, verify and improve supplier performance in these following areas which we address annually:
(1) Establishing and maintaining the highest levels of work place safety and health conditions
(2) Supporting collective bargaining and labor unions
(3) Non-discriminatory employment practices based upon universally accepted norms for human dignity
(4) Zero tolerance with respect to child labor and forced labor practices
(5) Providing access to adequate health care
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
Our strategy for the entire TMS Group’s social compliance programs includes continuous education and training, and verification with all suppliers.
For our supply chain partners, we continued to introduce and mandate their participation with Better Work organizations, in regions where appropriately available. This remains part of our of continuous improvement efforts. This improvement process is augmented by our own Group-wide unannounced surveillance audits process, second and third tier suppliers remain included in the process.
Principle 2 - Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses
Processes and Systems:
As stated in each annual CoP, our TMS Group Business Standards are executed with 100% of suppliers/factories within our network, prior to commencing any business relationship. Furthermore, we have re-engaged suppliers with a follow-up annual signing/execution of these initial agreements. As with each annual revision, all aspects of changing Corporate and international standards are included. Consequently, these agreements (and the changes they capture and highlight) remain an integral part compliance program which consists of social compliance and verification audits.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year:
As we introduced in 2012 our quarterly supplier education and training via web based seminars remains as a key element of this process improvement and education for suppliers.

Principle 1 - Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights
Measurement of outcomes:
For calendar year 2014 and since our participation in the Global Compact, there have been zero reported issues within our supply chain - either informally or formally.
Principle 2 - Make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses
Measurement of outcomes:
Directly attributable to education, training and surveillance audits, we have had zero cases of any actual or perceived human rights abuses within our supplier network.

Principle 3 - Businesses should uphold freedom of association & effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
Our Commitment - This is a clear and continuing part of our commitment in the area of labor rights. Our annually renewed Business Standards, combined with our adoption of BSCI standards and principles ensures a legally binding commitment from our suppliers. Furthermore, independent 3rd part y audits ensure transparency, sand adherence on a moral and ethical level too.
Principle 4 - The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour
Our Commitment - The abolition of forced and compulsory labor is clearly delineated within our Business Standards, and renewed annually with all suppliers. Transparency is ensured by 3rd party audit verification and surveillance audits conducted by the TMS Group.
Principle 5 - The effective abolition of child labour
Our Commitment - The upholding of zero tolerance for child labor practices is clearly delineated within our Business Standards which also incorporate the Global Compact’s 10 principles.
Principle 6 - Eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
Our Commitment - The TMS Group has demonstrated a firm commitment, and put forth concrete and verifiable polices against discriminatory employment practices based upon, race, gender, creed or religion. The TMS believes in and subscribes to the elements contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as defined by the United Nations General Assembly.

Principle 3 - Businesses should uphold freedom of association & effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
Processes and Systems:
The continued long-standing adoption of the BSCI standard and utilization of our TMS Compliance system serves for surveillance and verification of suppliers’ actions.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
Our policies, programs and actions are aligned with a “continuous improvement” strategy for our suppliers. The approach is three-fold and incorporates unannounced audits, training and education, combined with a mentoring approach with our suppliers. The collective efforts have yielded sustained results of zero infractions or abuses in these areas. Transparency for these issues is enhanced through accredited third party regulatory audits.
Principle 4 - The elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labor
Processes and Systems:
The TMS Group continues to leverage upon its internal corporate social compliance program, renewal of corporate business standards annually with all suppliers, and the BSCI standards throughout all operational regions.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
Continuous improvement and education remains our strategy for our suppliers. In previous years reporting , we have outlined the three-fold process with our suppliers. The collective efforts have yielded sustained results of zero infractions or abuses in these areas. Transparency for these issues is enhanced through accredited third party regulatory audits.
Principle 5 - The effective abolition of child labor
Processes and Systems:
Through transparent 3rd party audits, coupled with BSCI criteria for supply chain partners, an effective system exists.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
Our policies, programs and actions are aligned with a “continuous improvement” strategy for our suppliers. The approach is three-fold and incorporates unannounced audits, training and education, combined with a mentoring approach with our suppliers. The collective efforts have yielded sustained results of zero infractions or abuses in these areas. Transparency for these issues is enhanced through accredited third party regulatory audits.
Principle 6 - Eliminate discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
Processes and Systems:
Our corporate Business Standards are reviewed and revised annually, and 2014 was no exception. In order to ensure they remain consistent with changes in BSCI initiatives, international and local/regional law, a thorough review in conducted internally. The reviews and annual acknowledgments required by suppliers provide an added layer of transparency and adherence. These reviews do not just address legal issues, but also look at moral and ethical standards.

The TMS Group uses internationally accepted criteria to validate the adherence of its supply partners. This includes but not limited to BSCI, SA 8000, and customer Codes of Conduct.

Principle 7 - Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
Our Commitment - The TMS Group continues to develop and seek partnerships with suppliers whom will promote Eco-friendly technologies and practices in their workplaces.
Principle 8 - Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
Our Commitment - As a conscientious, global corporate citizen, The TMS Group understands the requirement to seek out and promote environmentally "friendly" processes within every aspect of the supply chain.
Principle 9 - Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Our Commitment - As part of a continuous improvement strategy, The TMS Group drives collaborative efforts with key suppliers to enhance their understanding, and access to low cost, eco-friendly technology which have proven to reduce carbon footprints and operating costs.

Principle 7 - Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
Processes and Systems:
Our audit verification processes requires all suppliers to provide environmental risk assessments and minimizing measures, consistent with their local and national laws. These risk assessment meet or exceeds local laws and requires structured and verified processes to address these issues.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
For 2014, we again achieved all targets for supplier training for environmental safety and sustainability.
Principle 8 - Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
Processes and Systems:
In 2014 we continued to introduce new eco-friendly processes within our suppliers operations.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
In 2014 we continued our challenges to our suppliers for development of plans for reduction of energy consumption and carbon footprints.
Principle 9 - Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Processes and Systems:
Continue to create supplier awareness and generate programs that promote the usage of alternatives to fossil fuel sources, and the reduction of energy consumption within supplier operations.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
In 2014, we continuously expanded the pilot program of alternative energy sources to include solar, wind and bio-fuel. Measurable results were achieved.

Principle 7 - Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges
Measurement of outcomes:
In 2014, for the sixth consecutive year, 100% of suppliers met or exceeded local environmental standards.
Principle 8 - Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility
Measurement of outcomes:
In 2014 we reviewed our participants own developed “Green Campaigns” and plan to create an exchange of best practices among our supplier network. With this we will introduce a qualitative approach and proof of concept to reinforce the promotion of environmental responsibility.
Principle 9 - Encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies
Measurement of outcomes:
In 2014, we continued collaborating with several key suppliers that introduced new production processes and chemical alternatives in both finishing and the laundry process of garment production cycles.

Principle 10 - Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery
Our Commitment - The TMS Group has a zero tolerance policy towards all forms of corruption. Polices and regulations are clearly stated in our Business Standards executed by all suppliers. The combined versions cover all provisions set for in the adopted BSCI Code of Conduct.

Processes and Systems:
The TMS Group Compliance and BSCI audit standards are implemented and rigorously address this principle.
Actions implemented in the last year / planned for next year
Annually, our policies, programs and actions are reviewed and aligned with a “continuous improvement” strategy for our suppliers. This comprehensive approach continues to incorporate the cornerstone of unannounced audits, training and education, combined with a mentoring approach with our suppliers. The collective efforts have yielded sustained results of zero infractions or abuses in these areas. Transparency for these issues is enhanced through accredited third party regulatory audits.

Principle 10 - Businesses should work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.
The year 2014 marked a long continuation of zero instances of infractions or allegations in these areas from our employees and suppliers. 100% of employees and suppliers have participated in training and education in this area, and acknowledged their role in eradicating corruption.