Request for Proposals: HR Framework and Process Audit

Request for Proposals: HR Framework and Process Audit

Applications Deadline: 7th March 2025

Location: Remote (Online)

Start Date: 24th March 2025

End Date: 6th June 2025

Description

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability programme. Our mission: to help cotton communities survive and thrive, while protecting and restoring the environment. In difficult times, we are meeting the challenge head on. Through our network of field-level partners we have provided training on more sustainable farming practices to more than 2.9 million cotton farmers in 26 countries. More than a fifth of the world’s cotton is now grown under the Better Cotton Standard and our membership network includes more than 2,400 members.

Background

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, we seek to conduct a comprehensive audit of our Human Resources (HR) policies and processes. As a rapidly growing organisation, our HR policies and systems have not evolved at the same pace, resulting in a fragmented and complex HR landscape. We currently lack a formal HR framework and operate with multiple standalone policies that require integration, standardization, and alignment with best practices.

Better Cotton conducted an Organisational Development (OD) project last year, which provided key insights into structural and operational needs. The final report from this project is available as an input for this HR audit. Additionally, recent staff survey results will serve as a valuable input to understand employee perspectives and highlight areas for improvement in HR processes and strategy.

We invite proposals from experienced HR consultancy firms or independent consultants to conduct this audit and provide recommendations for designing and implementing a robust HR framework that aligns with best practices and supports our strategic objectives.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are to:

•Assess the effectiveness, consistency, and efficiency of Better Cotton’s existing HR policies, procedures, and governance structures.

•Identify gaps, inefficiencies, or risks arising from rapid organisational growth and evolving HR needs.

•Develop recommendations for a structured HR framework that consolidates policies and streamlines HR processes.

•Design and propose a robust HR framework that enhances organisational effectiveness and supports Better Cotton’s Employer of Choice ambition.

•Benchmark current HR practices against industry best practices and Employer of Choice standards.

•Ensure alignment with Better Cotton’s strategic direction, workforce planning, and long-term organisational sustainability.

•Map out a clear 'Road to Employer of Choice' strategy, identifying key milestones and improvements needed to position Better Cotton as a top employer and achieve recognition such as the 'Best Place to Work' award.

Better Cotton is committed to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human and financial resources. All applications will be reviewed under the principles and subject to Better Cotton’s policies on equal opportunity, non-discrimination, anti-bribery & corruption and conflict of interest.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. Better Cotton is committed to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human and financial resources. All applications will be reviewed under the principles and subject to Better Cotton’s policies on equal opportunity, non-discrimination, anti-bribery & corruption and conflict of interest.