loader

Our Work

Embode has had the privilege of working on a number of important projects with a diverse array of client and partner organisations, from corporate to non-profit. In an increasingly interconnected world, all types of organisations are coming together to work on social issues because they impact us all.


Our growing portfolio of work includes initiatives that called for the integration of experience and expertise across child and social protection, responsible business and organisational analysis. The following are a few of our current and past projects.

logo3.png

Supporting an innovative child labour and child protection strategy

July 2022 - Ongoing

Embode is supporting Cocoa Life in innovating their child labour and child protection strategy.

ProctorGamble.jpg

Worker Well-Being Consultation and Recommendations - Migrant workers in Malaysian palm oil estates

March 2021 - September 22

Embode has undertaken extensive face-to-face Worker Well-being Consultations with migrant workers across palm oil estates, in partnership with FGV and FELDA. Findings are informing strategic and practicable recommendations for improving worker well-being and labour standards.

Aim_Progress_Logo.png

Secretariat for Asia Pacific Hub

March 2022 - Ongoing

Embode has been commissioned to provide secretariat and faciliation support to the Asia Pacific Hub of AIM-Progress. AIM-Progress is an industry membership organisation supporting responsible sourcing and human rights for over 45 Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies. In our role as APAC Faciliator, we ensure the APAC Members network meet regularly, host and deliver learning events, convene collaborative projects, as well as support AIM-Progress' broader efforts in the APAC region.

logo3.png

Child Labour Consultant - Indonesia

November 2021 - Ongoing

Embode has embedded a technical child labour consultant in Mondelēz International's Cocoa Life Indonesia team. Cocoa Life is Mondelēz International cocoa sustainability program, embedding community based child labour monitoring and remediation systems in communities where Mondelēz sources cocoa. Embode's child labour consultant provides technical expertise and supplier focused engagement to the program.

Tik_Tok.png

Advisory Services to Create a Safe Online Platform for Users

May 2021 - July 2023

Embode is providing advisory services to TikTok with regard to safeguarding of users in line with their Community Guidelines. The key purpose of the advisory services is to support TikTok in maintaining a safe space for its users.

ASEAN-ACT_RGB_logo.png

Capacity Development Needs Assessment for the Protection of Child Rights in the Justice System in ASEAN

January 2021 - April 2022

Embode undertook a Capacity Development Needs Assessment for the Protection of Child Rights in the Justice System in ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) within the context of child trafficking in seven countries in ASEAN. These included Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam. The research involved a qualitative and quantitative assessment of duty bearer's capacity across all seven countries. This culminated into a detailed and extensive 10-part report which is due for publication in the future. The findings and recommendations were validated through national validation workshops and resulted in a Capacity Strengthening Action Plan, to be approved by the ASEAN Working Group on Women and Children.

IOM_logo.jpg

Feasibility Study on Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms for Migrant Workers in Malaysia

June - November 2021

Embode was commissioned by IOM Malaysia to undertake a Feasibility Study on an Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanism for remediation for migrant workers in the palm oil and electronics industries in Malaysia. This consisted of a rapid desk review, consultations with stakeholders (including migrant workers, civil society representatives, industry and government). The Feasibility Study encompassed an assessment of current migrant workers remediation services in Malaysia, proposed essential elements of an independent ADR Mechanism, recommendations on independent administrators as well as partnerships, as well as a detailed proposed pilot project framework. IOM intend to publish the detailed report in the future.

logo3.png

Needs assessment of cocoa growing communities in South India

2020 - 2021

Embode was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment of cocoa growing communities for Mondelēz India. The objective was to understand the key needs, perspectives and opportunities for community development and labour standards across the Indian cocoa supply chain. Embode carried out a quantitative in partnership with Sutra, across the four southern states of India conducting face to face interviews and consultations with farmers and workers. Embode also undertook a qualitative assessment involving consultations with farmers, workers, children, community actors involving both men and women. The findings informed a comprehensive design of a tailored Cocoa Life India programme.

IOM_logo.jpg

Assessing stigma and social norms in relation to human trafficking in Indonesia and Ethiopia

2019 - 2021

To support IOM’s ‘Assessing Stigma for Prevention, Improved Response and Evidence Base (ASPIRE)’ project in Indonesia and Ethiopia, Embode was commissioned to undertake an assessment into how social norms and stigma can be drivers of vulnerability to human trafficking and barriers to the effective recovery and reintegration of survivors. The project included conducting field research in multiple states in both countries and delivering a detailed report on the findings and recommendations. Validations workshops were held with government and civil society counterparts in both Indonesia and Ethiopia.

ipsos_logo.png

Child safeguarding for conducting research into online child abuse and exploitation

2019 - 2021

UNICEF commissioned Ipsos to undertake quantitative research on children’s experiences of online dangers in 13 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa and South-East Asia. Embode provided direction and guidance to Ipsos on child safeguarding to be integrated throughout the research process. This included the development of child protection protocols, delivering training to trainers as well as field researchers and the setup of reporting and referral processes across multiple countries. This involved an assessment of local child protection service providers and focal points. Embode further provided case clinics for IPSOS researchers to be able to receive advice about any specific cases of child safeguarding identified and how to ensure they were appriopriately responded to.

BarryCallebaut_Logo.jpg

Strategic direction and advisory on child labour to Barry Callebaut

2019 - 2021

Barry Callebaut has a long-standing commitment to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and communities through Forever Chocolate, Barry Callebaut's plan to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025. Embode has provided strategic direction and advisory for Barry Callebaut in their commitment to achieving zero child labour in their supply chains.

BungeLodersCroklaan-Logo.jpg

Assessing accountabilities in relation to migrant labour in the palm oil sector in Malaysia (Phase 2) - Nepal

2018 - 2020

This project is jointly commissioned by Cargill and Bunge Loders Croklaan. Embode is conducting phase 2 of a situational assessment of migrant labour in Malaysia’s palm oil sector, with a particular focus on the Nepal-Malaysia labour migration corridor.

ILO-logo.jpg

Conducting a training workshop on ‘Responsible Labour Practices in Business’

2019

As part of the Responsible Supply Chains in Asia Programme, and jointly with Sedex, Embode delivered a one-day workshop on 5th November 2019 to enterprises and other relevant actors from the business sector on socially responsible labour practices, child labour and forced labour.

SafeChildThailand_logo.jpg

Facilitating a workshop for the Alternative Care Working Group in Thailand

2019

The Alternative Care Thematic Group focuses on driving care reform in Thailand to move from institutional care to supporting families and family-based care alternatives. Embode was engaged to facilitate a strategic planning workshop for the development of their action plan.

Cargill_logo2.jpeg

Assessing child labour issues and risks within Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate Asia Pacific supply chain - Indonesia

2018 - 2019

Embode conducted an assessment of risks and issues of child labour along Cargill’s cocoa supply chain in and through Indonesia. The assessment included desk-based risk assessments of child labour from other source countries. Detailed recommendations were provided on developing a tailored due diligence process focusing on identification, monitoring and remediation.

Institut_de_Recherche.jpg

Developing and recording an online module on ‘Business and Human Rights and Social Sustainability’ – France

2019

Embode developed and recorded an online module on Business and Human Rights and Social Sustainability for the Institut de Recherche et D’Études Supérieres du Tourism, as part of the TRIANGLE (Tourism Research Innovation and Next Generation Learning Experience) Programme.

20-50_logo.jpeg

Supporting field assessment for a corporate human rights impact assessment – Thailand

2019

Embode supported twentytfifty’s field assessment as part of a broader human rights impact assessment (HRIA) for a multi-national corporation with operations in Thailand.

Hivos-logo.jpg

Conducting a market study and business case for fundraising - Thailand

2019

Embode conducted a market study and business case for fundraising in Thailand in support of Hivos’ global strategy and continuing work in Southeast Asia. This involved stakeholder consultations and a SWOT analysis of the context of Thailand as a regional hub.

logo3.png

Conducting a situational assessment of the cocoa value chain and communities in India

2018

Embode conducted a situational assessment of cocoa growing in the Indian context for Cocoa Life India. This included an assessment of community needs, gender and child labour in cocoa growing regions and a list of key recommendations. Following a one day workshop presenting and discussing the findings, Cocoa Life India agreed to move forward with all the recommendations in order to upgrade their on-going efforts in social and labour sustainability in cocoa.

Conducting an assessment of labour conditions in the garment value chain in Vietnam

2018

Embode conducted an assessment of labour conditions in the garment and fashion value chain in Vietnam. This assessment was published by Anti-Slavery International and supported their EU Advocacy Project to improve corporate human rights due diligence processes.

Developing a guide to child-centred labour policy for businesses and corporations

2018

Embode developed a guide to child-centred labour policy for business and corporations. The paper outlines ten sustainable business approaches and provides a set of promising practices already being implemented in around the world from different business sectors. As part of this work, Embode also designed and co-facilitated an Action Lab at the Global Child Forum in Stockholm in April 2018, with corporate, UN, government, NGO and academic participants from all over the world.

Fairagora.jpg

Expert Social and Labour Monitoring Group for shrimp farms and fishery supply chains

2016 - 2018

Embode is a member of the Expert Social Monitoring Group for shrimp farms and fisheries developing a set of integrative indicators for social and labour monitoring to be piloted using an electronic data gathering system. The group is headed and hosted by Fairagora and includes experts from across sectors.

logo3.png

Analysing the gaps and opportunities to women’s empowerment efforts across the Cocoa Life programme in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia

2018

Embode provided an analysis of gaps, opportunities and recommendations for Cocoa Life’s Women’s Empowerment efforts throughout its programme in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia. This involved a desk-based review of all programme documentation, visits to cocoa growing communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Indonesia as well as providing technical input to workshops with all programme partners in Abidjan, Accra and Jakarta.

UNICEF_Logo.png

Reviewing and assessment national advocacy strategies for child wellbeing in Thailand

2017 - 2018

In partnership with Influence Global (as lead agency), Embode reviewed and assessed the relevance and effectiveness of UNICEF Thailand’s advocacy strategies over the 2012 to 2016 Country Programme. This involved a comprehensive evaluation process and a series of workshops and consultations.

CIPE_Logo.jpg.png

NGO Governance and Strategic Planning - Cambodia

2017 - 2018

Embode supported CIPE’s (Center for International Private Enterprise) NGO partner, Silaka, in Cambodia, in developing an organisational Governance and Strategic Plan, and a Business Sustainability Plan. This involved consultation with Silaka leadership and staff, a review of their activities and specialisations, an assessment of income and projected revenue, as well as a one-day Training and Consultation Workshop. The outputs included a set of recommendations, a work plan in close cooperation with Silaka.

mondelz-logo-vector-download.jpg

Assessing accountabilities in relation to migrant labour in the palm oil sector in Malaysia (Phase 1)

2017 - 2018

Embode undertook an assessment of accountabilities in relation to migrant labour in the palm oil value chain and sector in Malaysia. The objective of this assessment, and resulting recommendations, is to contribute to the increased understanding of the situation and to help forge a pathway for the sector to respond to risks.

Developing a guiding manual on good practices in adolescent participation in Cambodia

2017 - 2018

Embode developed a Guiding Manual and Good Practices on Adolescent Participation in Policy Dialogue and Programme Development in Cambodia. The manual includes an overview of national and international frameworks, policies and legislation.

logo3.png

Contextual scoping of Cocoa Life India

2017

Embode provided programmatic consultancy to Mondelēz International’s Cocoa Life initiative in relation to the specific Indian context and implications for sustainability standards.

STC_Logo_Horiz_ColPos_RGB-01.png

Facilitating Education Week 2017 for Asia and Middle East

2017

Embode provided facilitation and design support to Save the Children’s Education Week 2017 for technical staff from across Asia and the Middle East. The conference took place in New Delhi, India.

STC_Logo_Horiz_ColPos_RGB-01.png

Systems leadership development for senior management teams - Thailand

2017

Embode delivered two systems leadership workshops for the Senior Management and BEST/PREPS programme teams in Save the Children in Thailand. A bespoke report analysing organisational leadership and recommendations was also drawn up.

logo3.png

National situational assessments of child labour and child slavery in the cocoa sectors of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia

2015 - 2017

Embode has been conducting a broad-scale assessment of child labour and child slavery in the cocoa sectors on Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Indonesia. This has included the development and refinement of methodological tools for each country assessment, a comprehensive literature review, field visits to each country encompassing stakeholder consultations with cocoa-growing communities, government, private sector, UN and NGOs and international experts, data analysis, report drafting and publication. Embode has also provided ongoing advisory consultancy to Mondelēz International relating to the implementation of the recommendations.

ConnectingFoundersLogo.png

Power mapping and stakeholder analysis of ESG integration across the Asian financial sector for Oxfam Novib

2017

Embode provided analytical and technical support to a power mapping and stakeholder analysis of ESG (environment, social and governance standards) integration across the Asian Financial Sector for Oxfam Novib.

lovefrankie-mc-green.png

Scoping and public sentiment review of top campaign-able issues across East Asia for Lush

2017

Embode scoped top campaign-able issues and public sentiment across human rights, animal welfare and the environment for Lush, the handmade cosmetics brand, in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, The Philippines and Thailand.

british-Council.gif

Delivered a change management session at East Asia regional conference

2017

Embode delivered a session on ‘Transforming Experience in Managing Organisational Change’ to the British Council East Asia Regional Conference.

STC_Logo_Horiz_ColPos_RGB-01.png

Facilitation of #EdTech Roundtable - Asia Pacific

2017

Embode facilitated Save the Children's #EdTech Roundtable held in Singapore, bringing together their Global Education Team and leading Tech Industry participants Vodafone, Huawei, Frog Design, Toladata, Cognizant, Accenture, Microsoft and Standard Chartered. Our consultancy also included preparation for the Roundtable and facilitation of pre and post meetings.

Cargill_logo2.jpeg

Webinar on ‘child protection in cocoa communities’

2017

Embode delivered a webinar on ‘child protection in cocoa communities’ to the Cargill Cocoa Promise (CCP) Sustainability team.

STC_Logo_Horiz_ColPos_RGB-01.png

Facilitation and organisational consultancy to child basic education programme - Thailand

2016

Embode provided organisational consultancy to Save the Children International in Thailand and their consortium partners in reviewing and renegotiating terms of the partnership. This included the design and facilitation of partnership meetings in order to enable optimal communication and renew agreements between the organisations.

FHI_360_logo_horizontal_0.jpeg

Co-design of and technical consultancy for an Asia Regional Counter Trafficking in Persons Programme

2016

Embode co-designed and provided technical advisory to FHI 360 and collaborators for an Asia Regional Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) program. This included focused project design and drafting on private sector engagement as well as partnership brokering with other organisational stakeholders in the region.

logo2.png

Evaluation of the Safe SEAs programme (a 5-year national programme responding to child sexual exploitation and abuse) in Cambodia

2015

Embode designed, coordinated and conducted an evaluation of the Safe SEAs (Keeping Children Safe from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) programme which included the development of evaluation tools, training and coordination of evaluation data-gatherers, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, report write up, and provision of clear recommendations to World Vision International in Cambodia.

logo4.png

Institutionalisation of child safe tourism capacity in Lao PDR

2015

Embode delivered ‘child safe tourism’ training-for-trainers to LANITH (the Lao PDR National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality) and provided coaching and technical backstopping in their inaugural child safe tourism training event in Champasak province.

logo2.png

Development and preparation of a project proposal for an initiative against child trafficking in Ghana

2015

Embode scoped, designed and developed a project proposal for an international donor for World Vision US and Ghana. This included facilitating a project development workshop with staff personnel in Ghana as well as devising and writing up a technical design and project proposal for submission.

logo1.png

Review of key emerging social causes in Thailand

2015

Embode conducted a brief review of key emerging social causes in Thailand for Love Frankie, as part of a scoping assignment for an international socially-progressive confectionary brand who were seeking to commence operations in the country.