Grants for Technical and Digital Scaling of the Worker-Led Monitoring System

Deadline: 31-Aug-2026

The Centre for International Research (CIR) invites eligible non-profit organisations to apply under Lot 4 of the Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) programme to strengthen the technical infrastructure of a secure, open-source, and sustainable worker-led monitoring system. The funding supports organisations developing and improving digital tools, secure data systems, case management platforms, and reporting technologies that strengthen labour rights monitoring across multiple countries.

Selected projects can receive up to EUR 60,000 to improve Uwazi/Tella-based systems or other CIR-approved open-source solutions while ensuring data protection, worker confidentiality, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Lot 4 Grant Overview

The Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Lot 4 Call for Proposals is a global funding opportunity launched by the Centre for International Research (CIR) to strengthen the digital and technical foundation of worker-led monitoring systems.

The programme focuses on improving the infrastructure that enables workers, civil society organisations, and labour rights groups to safely collect, manage, analyse, and use worker-reported information.

The funding supports the development and scaling of an open-source, secure, and sustainable technical ecosystem that strengthens worker-led accountability in global supply chains.

The initiative aims to improve:

• Secure worker reporting systems
• Digital case documentation
• Data protection mechanisms
• Monitoring workflows
• Reporting and analytical capabilities
• Long-term technical sustainability

Purpose of the WLMS Lot 4 Funding Opportunity

The main objective of this funding opportunity is to strengthen the technical backbone of the Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) through an open-source architecture.

The programme supports organisations that can adapt, improve, and scale existing digital systems used for worker-led monitoring.

The funding aims to:

• Improve secure digital monitoring infrastructure
• Strengthen worker reporting systems
• Enhance case documentation processes
• Improve data collection and management
• Support evidence-based labour rights advocacy
• Protect sensitive worker information
• Enable long-term system maintenance and scalability

All technical improvements must support worker-centred monitoring approaches and remain aligned with open-source principles.

Technical Foundation of the WLMS System

WLMS Lot 4 requires applicants to build on existing open-source technologies rather than creating a completely new platform.

The programme supports improvements to:

• Uwazi case management system
• Tella mobile data collection tool
• Similar open-source solutions approved by CIR

The development of a separate standalone platform is not permitted.

All technical solutions must:

• Remain open-source
• Work with CIR-controlled hosting arrangements
• Follow data protection requirements
• Protect confidential worker information
• Support long-term sustainability

Key Focus Areas of WLMS Lot 4 Funding

The funding opportunity supports several technical and operational improvement areas.

Secure Technical Infrastructure for Worker Monitoring

Projects may improve the digital systems that support worker-led monitoring activities.

Activities may include:

• Strengthening system security
• Improving technical architecture
• Enhancing database structures
• Supporting reliable monitoring workflows

The goal is to create a secure and scalable infrastructure for labour rights documentation.

Case Documentation and Safe Reporting Systems

The programme supports systems that allow workers to safely report labour rights concerns.

Supported improvements may include:

• Secure case management systems
• Confidential reporting mechanisms
• Improved documentation workflows
• Worker protection features

These systems help ensure that worker-reported information can be collected safely and responsibly.

Secure Data Collection and Transmission

Projects may strengthen how worker information is collected and transferred.

Activities may include:

• Secure mobile data collection
• Encrypted data transmission
• Improved data storage systems
• Privacy protection measures

These improvements help protect sensitive worker information.

Role-Based Access Management

Funding supports systems that control access to sensitive information.

Activities may include:

• User permission systems
• Role-based access controls
• Secure information sharing processes
• Data governance improvements

Forced Labour Indicator Alignment

Projects may improve data structures to better capture information related to forced labour risks.

Activities may include:

• Aligning monitoring indicators
• Improving case classification systems
• Supporting labour rights analysis
• Strengthening evidence collection

Multilingual and User-Centred Interfaces

The programme encourages technology that is accessible for users across different countries and languages.

Supported activities may include:

• Multilingual interfaces
• User experience improvements
• Accessibility features
• Mobile-friendly designs

Reporting and Analytical Functions

Projects may improve systems that transform worker data into useful evidence.

Activities may include:

• Data dashboards
• Reporting tools
• Analytical features
• Evidence generation systems

These tools help organisations use worker-reported information for advocacy, remediation, and policy engagement.

Data Protection and Safeguarding

Protecting workers and their information is a key requirement of the programme.

Projects must support:

• Confidentiality protections
• Secure data management
• Safeguarding frameworks
• Responsible information handling

Who Is Eligible for the WLMS Lot 4 Grant?

Eligible applicants include non-profit organisations with experience in digital technology, labour rights, and secure information systems.

Applicants may include:

• Non-profit technical organisations
• Digital rights organisations
• Civil society technology organisations
• Research institutes
• Labour rights organisations with technical expertise
• Human rights documentation organisations
• Organisations experienced in secure data systems

Eligible applicants should demonstrate experience in:

• Open-source software development
• Digital tool adaptation
• Secure data management
• Mobile data collection systems
• Case management platforms
• Digital safeguarding
• Technical maintenance and sustainability

Target Groups and Beneficiaries

The programme supports organisations and communities involved in worker-led monitoring systems.

Key beneficiaries include:

Civil Society and Labour Rights Organisations

The programme supports organisations working on:

• Worker monitoring
• Labour rights documentation
• Supply chain accountability
• Human rights advocacy

Workers and Worker Leaders

The initiative benefits workers and worker leaders in garment supply chains across:

• Brazil
• Thailand
• Sri Lanka
• Bangladesh
• Türkiye
• Vietnam

Improved digital systems help workers safely report concerns and contribute evidence about workplace conditions.

Decision-Makers and Institutions

The programme also supports regional, national, and international decision-makers by providing access to aggregated and anonymised evidence for:

• Labour rights enforcement
• Policy development
• Due diligence processes
• Remediation efforts

Funding Amount

Selected third-party projects can receive:

Up to EUR 60,000 per project

Funding supports technical development, testing, adaptation, documentation, and sustainability planning.

Projects should demonstrate:

• Technical expertise
• Practical impact
• Long-term sustainability
• Ability to scale across countries

Eligible Project Activities

Applicants may propose activities related to strengthening WLMS digital infrastructure.

Supported activities may include:

Technical Architecture Optimisation

Projects may improve:

• System design
• Database structures
• Digital workflows
• Platform performance

Secure Workflow Development

Activities may include:

• Improving reporting processes
• Strengthening case management
• Enhancing information flows

Data Structure and Interoperability Improvements

Projects may support:

• Data standardisation
• System compatibility
• Information exchange capabilities

User Interface and Accessibility Improvements

Activities may include:

• Multilingual support
• Mobile optimisation
• User experience improvements

Testing and Quality Improvement

Projects may involve:

• System testing
• User testing
• Security reviews
• Performance improvements

Technical Documentation and Maintenance Planning

Activities may include:

• Developer documentation
• User guides
• Maintenance strategies
• Governance plans

Long-Term Sustainability and Funding Strategies

Projects are encouraged to develop:

• Maintenance plans
• Sustainability strategies
• Partnership models
• Future funding opportunities

How to Apply for the WLMS Lot 4 Grant

Applicants should follow a structured process when preparing their proposals.

Step 1: Identify Technical Needs

Applicants should identify the current challenges affecting worker-led monitoring systems.

The proposal should explain:

• Existing technical limitations
• Required improvements
• Target users
• Expected benefits

Step 2: Develop a Technical Project Plan

Applicants should describe:

• Proposed technical solutions
• Open-source approach
• Security measures
• Data protection strategies
• Implementation timeline

Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget

Applicants should provide a detailed budget covering:

• Software development
• Technical testing
• System improvements
• Documentation
• Maintenance planning

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications should include:

• Organisation profile
• Technical experience
• Project methodology
• Expected outputs
• Budget details

Step 5: Implement and Maintain the System

Selected organisations will develop improvements while ensuring:

• CIR compatibility
• Data protection compliance
• Open-source availability
• Long-term sustainability

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Successful projects are expected to produce technical resources and improved digital systems.

Expected outputs include:

• Upgraded Uwazi/Tella-based technical architecture
• Secure data management systems
• Role-based access frameworks
• Improved mobile reporting systems
• Multilingual user interfaces
• Enhanced reporting and analytical tools
• Security and safeguarding frameworks
• Interoperability specifications
• Technical documentation
• Maintenance guidance
• CIR-compatible hosting arrangements
• Long-term sustainability strategies
• Financing and resource mobilisation plans

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing a completely new standalone platform
• Ignoring open-source requirements
• Failing to address data protection
• Providing unclear sustainability plans
• Not demonstrating technical expertise

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate experience with secure digital systems
• Explain how workers benefit from improvements
• Highlight open-source expertise
• Include strong safeguarding measures
• Provide realistic technical plans
• Explain long-term maintenance strategies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the WLMS Lot 4 Grant?

The WLMS Lot 4 Grant supports technical improvements to strengthen the digital infrastructure of worker-led monitoring systems.

Who manages this funding opportunity?

The programme is managed by the Centre for International Research (CIR).

How much funding is available?

Selected projects can receive up to EUR 60,000.

Can applicants develop a new standalone platform?

No. Projects must build on Uwazi, Tella, or other CIR-approved open-source solutions.

Who can apply for WLMS Lot 4 funding?

Eligible applicants include non-profit technical organisations, digital rights groups, research institutes, labour rights organisations, and civil society technology organisations.

What types of activities are supported?

Funding supports technical development, secure reporting systems, data management, multilingual interfaces, testing, documentation, and sustainability planning.

Why is secure digital infrastructure important for WLMS?

Secure technology protects worker information, improves evidence collection, and strengthens labour rights monitoring and accountability.

Conclusion

The Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Lot 4 Grant provides an opportunity to strengthen the digital foundation of worker-led labour rights monitoring systems worldwide.

By supporting secure open-source technologies, improved reporting tools, data protection systems, and sustainable technical solutions, the programme helps organisations protect workers and strengthen supply chain accountability.

Through collaboration between technology experts, labour rights organisations, and worker communities, WLMS aims to create a scalable and secure monitoring infrastructure that supports stronger labour rights protection globally.

For more information, visit CIR.