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Our Work

A Glimpse Into Our Portfolio

Embode has had the privilege of working on a number of projects with a diverse array of client and partner organisations, from corporate to non-profit.  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.

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The Ganapati Initiative is a supplier-centric systems-building programme dedicated to strengthening labour standards and responsible recruitment across supply chains. The programme provides direct capability building support to suppliers one-on-one and also provides a shared learning platform for suppliers to join up and learn from each other. The Ganapati Initiative is being implemented across Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore and will soon launch in Indonesia. The programme works across all sectors of Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturing, from food and other fast-moving goods, to packaging, electronics, and more. Technical expertise imparted is fully aligned with international and national HRDD requirements. The Ganapati Initiative was originally designed under Nestlé’s Human Rights Fund, in collaboration with Cargill (2022 to 2023) and was formally piloted under AIM-Progress ( 2023 to 2024). It was launched as Embode’s flagship programme in 2024 and is expanding in scope and geography. Learn more here. 

Commissioned by Bonsucro, the global sustainability platform for sugarcane, Embode is delivering tailored and contextualised Human Rights training on Responsible Recruitment and Grievance Mechanism across six key countries: Brazil, Colombia,  El Salvador,  India, Mauritius and Thailand This initiative is designed to equip sugarcane mills and farms with the tools and capabilities to identify and eliminate forced labour risks within the sector. The training events are delivered in-person and in local languages and are contextualised to reflect local realities. The training events aim to strengthen internal systems for grievance mechanisms to support ongoing human rights due diligence. Read more here.

Embode provides the secretariat and faciliation function 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. 

Embode, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), is a key implementing partner for the AIM-Progress Supplier Capability Building Programme. This comprehensive initiative is designed to provide suppliers in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in Malaysia and Thailand with the critical knowledge and tools to build and implement effective human rights due diligence systems. Sponsored by leading corporate brands including Nestle, Mars, Danone, Unilever, Hershey’s, Mondelez, Heineken, Carlsberg, and Kerry, the programme runs from November 2025 to September 2026. Through our role, we facilitate a curriculum of virtual training and collaborative in-person events in both countries, empowering suppliers with expert insights and practical guidance.

Embode was commissioned by the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI), a global coalition for responsible and sustainable mica supply chain, to assess social risks in two key extracting countries: Brazil and Malaysia. The desk-based assessments were carried out by conducting in-depth literature and expert stakeholder views,   traceability mapping, investigation of all potential social risks, specifically focusing on labour conditions, the environment,  health and communities. The preliminary findings have laid the groundwork for field visits and tailored supply chain assessments in 2026 and beyond. It will continue to inform RMI’s discussions and decisions on due diligence activities in  Brazil and Malaysia. Read more. 

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Embode delivered  the Forced Labour and Responsible Recruitment in-person training in the Thai language. The training curricula was design by  the Mekong Club, an NGO that focuses on addressing modern slavery through private sector engagement. The half-day curricula  was translated, adapted and delivered by Embode, in Bangkok. Members of supply chain businesses from the retail, garment and electronics sectors came together to receive practical knowledge and tools on identifying and mitigating labour risks across the supply chain. The analytical framework and strategies on implementing responsible recruitment, especially in regards to migrant workers from neighboring countries, namely Myanmar and Cambodia, were delivered. The training delivery included post-training evaluation through the administration and analysis of participant surveys. Read more here. 

Embode conducted forced labour risk assessments for Unilever across five sectors in India and Indonesia. These included Unilever’s manufacturing suppliers in both countries, as well as key supply chains across the tea, sugar, dairy and coconut sectors. In undertaking the assessments, Embode undertook both desk based and on-the-ground research interviewing stakeholders face-to-face. Findings of the assessments were presented in detailed reports along with elaborated recommended actions and strategic focus. A summary of the finding were published in Unilever’s 2025 Modern Slavery Statement. Our findings on key forced labour risk indicators and technical consulting have helped shape Unilever’s strategic priorities and informed sector-specific collaborations in both countries.

Cargill

Embode conducted a series of human rights assessments across five countries in Asia to identify and prioritise human rights risks based on saliency in two of Cargill’s business levels. Commodities and sector focus areas covered seaweed, cassava, fishmeal, and guar. The assessment included primary data gathering and comprehensive analytical insights. The findings were presented with actionable recommendations to manage, address, mitigate, prevent, and remediate any identified adverse impacts.

Cargill

Awarded under Nestlé’s Human Rights Fund, managed by Winrock, Embode supported Cargill Malaysia to upgrade its human rights due diligence approach with its suppliers to foster systemic reform to constitute enhanced ethical recruitment practices and systems within selected suppliers’ operations. The Ganapati Initiative, designed by Embode, was used as the basis to test a new, collaborative and consultative approach to work with suppliers. 

Cargill

Embode appraised selected accreditation body certification standards, Cargill’s Cocoa Promise Program and Cargill’s Triple STM certification scheme against the SMETA 4-pillar audit protocol to assess commonality among the human rights and social principles of each standard, program or scheme in order for Cargill to mutually recognise audits performed as part of the accreditation body certification process.

 

Cargill

Embode undertook a series of desk based human rights assessments in four countries to support Cargill’s compliance with Norway’s Transparency Act. The assessments covered the supply chain sectors of fish oil, rapeseed oil, linseed oil and wheat gluten. The reviews involved gathering data from multiple sources with data analysis into prioritised salient risks and systems-based recommendations. 

Embode assessed the level of compliance of a global leading chocolate producing company “Community Approach to Child Labour” with the proposed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The assessment involved a critical analysis of how their system-based approach to reducing child labour risks complied with the EU CSDDD’s forthcoming requirements to identify, prevent, mitigate and remediate child labour and other related risks and instances. Recommendations were also provided on ensuring compliance that fits within a child-centred and long term sustainable approach for cocoa-growing farming communities.

Embode was commissioned to undertaken country-sector specific child labour desk reviews to identify key risks and existing responses to child labour in the sectors of minerals in the DRC and informal waste in Vietnam. The assessment included data gathering from multiple sources and data analysis to delineate the most salient dynamics that enabled risk. A set of recommendations were also shared for further action. The findings seek to enable a global leading electronics brand to ensure that decision making with supply chain partners is integrated with a systems strengthening child protection approach for respective countries.

Embode was commissioned to set out an upgraded Human Rights Due Diligence process and support Constellium’s ongoing compliance with, and application of, its ASI Certifications. As a result, Embode carried out a Human Rights Scoping Review of Constellium’s organisational operations at global level and across 6 production sites in China, Czech Republic, France, Mexico, Spain and the USA.

Embode supported a leading jewelry brand with their human rights and supply chain processes in Thailand. This commenced with an ‘Introduction to Human Rights’ training for the sustainability team. Thereafter, Embode directly engaged with a selected supplier to analyse root causes of identified social sustainability related non-conformances, elicit supplier insights and best practices, develop collaboratively agreed action plans, and provide tailored technical coaching.

Embode seconded specialists consultants on child labour and supplier engagement with 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 consultants provided technical expertise to support the development of strategies, roadmaps and guidelines, approaches, and partnerships to progress child labour responses and response systems within the Cocoa Life Indonesia Program.

Embode seconded specialists consultants on child labour and supplier engagement with 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 consultants provided technical expertise to support the development of strategies, roadmaps and guidelines, approaches, and partnerships to progress child labour responses and response systems within the Cocoa Life Indonesia Program.

Embode supported Mondelēz Internationals Cocoa Life global strategy on child protection strategy called ‘Strategy to Help Protect Children’. The strategy takes a system’s strengthening approach to child labour and also integrates with community development, education and remediation mechanisms.

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.

 

Embode provided 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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.