Supporting supplier capability building A recent engagement with a printed circuit board supplier illustrates how we can drive change through our Supplier Code of Conduct Conformance program. An initial RBA audit at one of the supplier’s key manufacturing sites revealed dozens of nonconformances across labor, health and safety, and environmental management systems. Through a lengthy corrective action process, Cisco worked through the nonconformances one by one with the supplier, helping the supplier understand our expectations and apply them within their day-to-day operations. For example, site managers understood the principles of protecting pregnant and nursing mothers from health and safety hazards, but were unsure how to implement a job hazard assessment for this risk. The Cisco team provided guidance for conducting this type of assessment that the supplier could adapt to their production context. Thanks to the commitment of the supplier’s CEO, the company overhauled its corporate social responsibility management system; integrated Code of Conduct principles into its work practices, culture, and accountability structure; and trained employees on how to contribute to these principles in their day-to-day work. Within two years, the supplier achieved RBA Silver Recognition on its next initial audit, a significant improvement from its previous initial audit. This process was instructive not only for our supplier and its workers, but also for Cisco: we’ve since developed a stronger, more systematic approach to working with first-time auditees, improving both our efficiency and our ability to achieve lasting impact with suppliers. FUTURE INTRO POWER INCLUSIVE 2021 Cisco Purpose Report | csr.cisco.com | ESG Reporting Hub 29