Overview
Transparentem is a non-profit investigative organisation founded around 2015. It works globally to uncover human-rights and environmental abuses embedded deep within supply chains. Transparentem’s purpose is to promote meaningful, systemic change, driving labour and environmental justice for workers and communities often overlooked by traditional corporate oversight.
Mission and focus areas
Transparentem aims to reveal and eradicate exploitation such as child labour, forced labour, hazardous working conditions, and environmental degradation across manufacturing supply chains. Its core activities include in-depth, evidence-based field investigations, supply-chain mapping, engagement with brands and suppliers, and public disclosure or advocacy where necessary. For the sustainability and ESG sector, Transparentem’s work aligns with responsible sourcing and sustainable value creation by exposing hidden risks and compelling companies to adopt ethical and transparent supply-chain practices.
Structure and governance
Transparentem operates with a global team comprising investigators, analysts, programme managers, directors and staff across multiple functions. Leadership includes a founder and president, along with an executive director and board of directors that bring diverse expertise in human rights, sustainability and corporate accountability. The organisation is funded philanthropically by foundations and individual donors and is registered as a tax-exempt non-profit under US law. Transparentem maintains strict independence from the companies it investigates, with formal conflict-of-interest policies to protect the integrity of its investigations.
Programs and offerings
Transparentem publishes detailed investigation reports and special-project research, often exposing exploitation in apparel, textile, agricultural, and mineral supply chains. Its work has prompted remediation by companies — including reimbursement of recruitment fees, restoration of migrant worker rights, improved working conditions, and enhanced corporate sourcing policies. It also produces thought-leadership reports aimed at investors, regulators and sustainability practitioners, highlighting systemic risks such as unethical labour recruitment and audit deception. These outputs offer valuable resources for finance and ESG professionals seeking to understand and manage human-rights and environmental risks in global supply chains.
Mission and Vision
Transparentem transforms industries by allying with workers and communities to uncover abuses in global supply chains and drive labor and environmental justice.
We envision a sustainable world that is just and equitable for all workers and their communities.