Activities and Plans

The RJC Core System Documents set the foundations for the RJC’s certification system.

The following table highlights the priority work programs for the Council, to increase the impact and value of the RJC’s system. Please contact consultation@responsiblejewellery.com if you are interested in any of these programs.

Key work programs for 2010-2011 are as follows:
Grading, appraising and assaying Standards Supplement review	Target: December 2011.	A review of the RJC Member Certification System will be undertaken to identify any gaps in the Code of Practices requiring additional standards and/or guidance development.
Chain of Custody	Timeframe: February 2010 to December 2011.	This program will seek to engage with Members and stakeholders to: Investigate feasibility of voluntary chain of custody component to RJC System; and Engage key stakeholders in dialogue on this issue; and Identify options for Standards work program, as appropriate.
RJC Standards and Guidance review	Timeframe: Ongoing: Formal review in 2012	Increase clarity of applicability of the RJC System to lab-grown diamonds and formally include Platinum Metals within the RJC Certification Scope. Monitor any issues as they may arise on interpretation of standards and/or guidance. Continue multi-stakeholder engagement on key mining issues, including mercury, Indigenous Peoples, and mining in conflict zones.
ISEAL Associate Membership application	Internal reviews commenced August 2008. Target: Application to be submitted for 2011	The RJC aims to achieve membership of the Initiative for Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labelling (ISEAL) Alliance. As a first step, the RJC has joined ISEAL’s Emerging Initiatives program. The RJC is reviewing its governance and standards development processes in preparation for an application for ISEAL Associate Membership. It is also contributing to the dialogue on the ISEAL Code of Good Practices revision and the new Impacts Code. www.isealalliance.org

2009 Work Programs

Mining Supplement - The Mining Supplement has now become part of the RJC’s system for certifying responsible business practices for the diamond and gold jewellery supply chain. Click here to find out more about the standards development process.

Auditor Accreditation – The RJC has opened applications for auditor accreditation and welcomes further enquiries. Click here to find out more.