Understanding RBA Membership Types

Table of Contents

Membership Types 1.    Partner Members 2.    RBA Members Membership Levels and Requirements Supporter Requirements: Support the overall mission/vision of the RBA. Affiliate Regular Member Full Member Membership Benefits How to Join

When considering membership in industry organizations, it's essential to understand the different types of memberships available and the benefits each offers. Here, we'll explore the membership types and benefits for Partner Members and RBA Members, focusing on their eligibility, dues, and the advantages they provide.

Membership Types

1.    Partner Members

•    Description: Individual companies that use or transact in raw materials.

•    Eligibility: Open to companies involved in the raw materials supply chain.

•    Annual Dues:

•    $10,000 USD per year for companies with annual revenue under $9 billion.

•    $20,000 USD per year for companies with annual revenue over $9 billion.

2.    RBA Members

•    Description: This includes current RBA Members, with dues including RMI membership.

•    Eligibility: Open to any organization that manufactures electronics, electronic components, or incorporates electronic elements in their products.

•    Annual Dues:

•    $35,000 USD per year for companies with annual revenue under $9 billion.

•    $45,000 USD per year for companies with annual revenue over $9 billion.

•    New members also pay a one-time application fee of $5,000 USD.

Membership Levels and Requirements

RBA Membership Requirements Application & letter of commitment Should be on Company Letterhead, templates are available as part of the application For Supporter Members, any company representative can sign, for other categories it should be CEO or CEO — I level signer. Sign an AECI (RBA's approved version of a mutual NDA) Pay annual dues ($35,000 - $45,000 depending on company size) Publicly Acknowledge Your company's inclusion in RBA membership Guidelines for Public Acknowledgement available as Appendix 3 in RBA Membership Compliance document. Optional for Supporter level Members Submit a Corporate SAQ through RBA-Online Sample question set available by request Adopt RBA Code of Conduct Throughout your organization and progressively through your supply chain. Alterative Codes are accepted, if deemed equivalent Complete risk profile & audit plan For facilities owned & operated by your company, and your major suppliers Meet audit sharing requirement Accept VAP audits as valid alternative to other audits, if supplier provides as proof of compliance to Code. Complete annual member compliance report Through RBA-OnIine, consisting of RBA-managed data and/or Member provided data Verify all requirements RBA Staff undertakes rigorous process of data verification Publish corporate responsibility data Supporter x x x x x x x x Affiliate u u x x x x x x Regular u u a x x a 17

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) offers four membership levels, each with specific requirements and benefits. These levels ensure companies adhere to responsible business practices within global supply chains.

Supporter

  • Requirements: Support the overall mission/vision of the RBA.

  • Application & Letter of Commitment: deliver completed Supporter Member Application & accompanying documents.
  • Benefits: Align with RBA’s mission and access basic resources.
  • Sign an AECI: (RBA's official version of a mutual NDA)
  • Pay Annual Dues: ($35,000 - $45,000 depending on company size)

Affiliate

  • Requirements:
    • Senior executive commitment to the RBA Code of Conduct.
    • Public commitment on the company website.
    • Submission of a corporate Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).
    • Fulfill "Supporter" requirements.
  • Benefits: Enhanced commitment and public acknowledgment.

Regular Member

  • Requirements:
    • Complete a risk profile and audit plan.
    • Meet sharing requirements.
    • Accept VAP audits from other members.
    • Close all disqualifying priority findings.
    • Fulfill "Affiliate" requirements.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive risk management and audit compliance.

Full Member

  • Requirements:
    • Verify all requirements.
    • Publish corporate responsibility data.
    • Fulfill "Regular Member" requirements.
  • Benefits: Full verification and public reporting of responsibility data.

Membership Benefits

RBA Members benefit from:

  • Access to Responsible Business Code of Conduct and ESG Tools: Includes risk assessments, social auditing programs, code of conduct, emissions management, Learning Academy, worker voice initiatives, and more.
  • Automatic Membership to RBA Initiatives:
  • Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI): Focuses on the responsible sourcing of raw materials.
  • Responsible Labor Initiative (RLI): Aims to prevent, detect, and mitigate forced labor conditions in global supply chains.
  • Responsible Environment Initiative (REI): Concentrates on GHG emissions, chemical management, water, and waste management.
  • Exclusive Events and Networking Opportunities: Access to member-only events and networking opportunities.
  • Support and Guidance: Assistance on various Code of Conduct and ESG topics through newsletters, publications, webinars, and live events.
  • Training and Capacity Building Programs: Programs for internal operations and suppliers.
  • Use of RBA Logo: Available for Affiliate and higher members, with applicable guidelines and restrictions.


RMI Partner Members Benefits:

  • E-Learning Academy: Access to educational resources.
  • Facility Database: Comprehensive database of facilities.
  • RCOI Data: Responsible Country of Origin Inquiry data.
  • RBA Online: Access to online resources and tools.


How to Join

For more details on joining and the specific benefits of each membership level, visit the Responsible Business Alliance website.

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