AI systems depend on complex global supply chains of human labour. From data annotation and content moderation to model evaluation and data enrichment, millions of workers contribute to the development and deployment of AI technologies.
Yet organisations often have limited visibility into the labour conditions under which this work is performed. As AI supply chains become increasingly fragmented, labour risks can remain hidden across multiple tiers of suppliers, platforms, and contractors.
At the same time, organisations face growing expectations from regulators, investors, customers, and business partners to demonstrate responsible sourcing and effective human rights due diligence throughout their AI supply chains.
Fairwork provides an independent, research-backed framework to help organisations understand labour conditions, identify risks, and strengthen accountability across AI supply chains.
Fairwork’s methodology is developed by researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute and the WZB Berlin Social Science Center and is grounded in more than a decade of research on digital labour, platform work, and global supply chains.
Unlike conventional compliance exercises, Fairwork combines worker interviews, documentary evidence, policy analysis, and independent evaluation to provide organisations with a robust understanding of labour conditions across their AI supply chains. Our approach is designed not simply to assess current practice, but to support meaningful and measurable improvement over time.
Our principles are endorsed by governments, recognised by global NGOs, and grounded in ongoing academic research, making Fairwork a trusted partner for responsible AI.
Fairwork’s evaluation and certification framework is built on five globally recognised principles: Fair Pay, Fair Conditions, Fair Contracts, Fair Management, and Fair Representation.
Learn More About the Principles
These principles guide every stage of our evaluation process and provide organisations with a structured framework for identifying risks, strengthening labour practices, and improving accountability across AI supply chains.
Fairwork works with organisations that rely on digital labour directly or through suppliers, including:
If your organisation relies on AI, it relies on workers. Fairwork helps ensure those workers are treated fairly.
Our evaluations provide an evidence-based understanding of labour practices across AI supply chains, supporting stronger governance, more informed due diligence, and continuous improvement in working conditions.
Grounded in the Fairwork Principles and informed by worker experiences, our framework enables organisations to assess labour practices consistently, identify priorities for improvement, and demonstrate a credible commitment to responsible AI.
Whether you are seeking an independent assessment or a structured programme of continuous improvement, Fairwork offers two levels of engagement.
A one-time independent evaluation designed to help organisations understand labour conditions, identify risks, and establish priorities for improvement across their AI supply chains.
Pathway
What You’ll Receive
Recognition
Fairwork Onboard is awarded following completion of the Discovery & Risk Assessment and Action Planning phases, recognising an organisation’s commitment to understanding labour risks and establishing a structured programme of improvement.
Best Suited For
Organisations seeking a baseline assessment, benchmarking exercise, or support for human rights due diligence.
A structured programme supporting organisations to assess, improve, and demonstrate fair labour practices across their AI supply chains over time.
Fairwork Endorsed is awarded following successful implementation and follow-up evaluation, recognising sustained progress and alignment with the Fairwork Principles.
Organisations seeking long-term improvement, independent verification, and public recognition of responsible labour practices.
Whether you are beginning to map your AI labour supply chain or looking to strengthen existing responsible sourcing efforts, Fairwork provides a credible and collaborative framework for improvement.
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