Call for Proposals: WLMS Global Development and Methodology

The Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Call for Proposals supports global initiatives that develop, improve, and expand worker-led monitoring methodologies to strengthen labour rights protection and supply chain accountability. The funding opportunity provides up to EUR 60,000 per selected project for organisations developing worker-centred monitoring systems, safe reporting mechanisms, evidence-based remediation approaches, and advocacy strategies.

The programme supports civil society organisations, trade unions, worker organisations, research institutions, and labour rights networks working to improve worker participation and accountability in global labour rights systems.

Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Call for Proposals Overview

The Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Call for Proposals is a global funding opportunity designed to strengthen worker-driven approaches to labour rights monitoring, supply chain accountability, and worker protection.

The programme supports the development, improvement, and expansion of worker-led monitoring methodologies across diverse labour rights contexts worldwide.

The initiative focuses on ensuring that workers play a central role in:

• Identifying labour rights issues
• Documenting workplace violations
• Providing worker-generated evidence
• Participating in verification processes
• Supporting remediation efforts
• Contributing to advocacy and policy discussions

The programme aims to improve the quality, consistency, and practical application of worker-led monitoring systems by strengthening methodologies, tools, and processes that can be adapted across different countries and labour environments.

The funding supports comparative, transnational, and cross-country projects that promote worker-centred, safeguarding-sensitive, and evidence-based approaches to labour rights monitoring.

Purpose of the WLMS Call for Proposals

The primary goal of the WLMS Call for Proposals is to strengthen the conceptual, methodological, and practical foundations of worker-led monitoring systems.

The programme supports initiatives that help organisations:

• Develop reliable worker-led monitoring frameworks
• Improve labour rights documentation processes
• Strengthen worker participation in monitoring activities
• Create safe reporting systems
• Improve verification and evidence management
• Support remediation through worker-reported information
• Strengthen advocacy and policy engagement
• Improve supply chain accountability mechanisms

The initiative encourages innovative approaches that allow worker-led monitoring models to be adapted across different labour rights settings.

Why Worker-Led Monitoring Matters

Worker-led monitoring is an important approach for improving labour rights protection because workers often have direct knowledge of workplace conditions and challenges.

Traditional monitoring systems may rely heavily on external assessments, while worker-led approaches ensure that workers actively contribute to identifying problems and developing solutions.

Worker-led monitoring helps:

• Increase worker participation in accountability systems
• Improve access to reliable workplace information
• Identify labour rights risks more effectively
• Strengthen remediation processes
• Support responsible supply chain practices
• Improve transparency between workers, organisations, and decision-makers

The approach is particularly important in sectors affected by risks such as forced labour, unsafe working conditions, exploitation, and limited worker representation.

Key Focus Areas of the WLMS Funding Opportunity

The Call for Proposals supports activities that strengthen the overall effectiveness and sustainability of worker-led monitoring systems.

Developing and Improving Monitoring Methodologies

Projects may focus on strengthening:

• Conceptual frameworks for WLMS
• Monitoring methodologies
• Data collection approaches
• Documentation systems
• Verification procedures
• Monitoring workflows

The goal is to create practical and consistent approaches that can be used across different labour rights contexts.

Worker Participation and Safe Reporting

The programme supports systems that enable workers to participate safely in monitoring activities.

Activities may include:

• Developing confidential reporting channels
• Supporting worker participation models
• Creating feedback mechanisms
• Strengthening informed consent practices
• Protecting worker privacy and safety

Case Documentation and Verification

Funding may support improved systems for documenting and verifying labour rights concerns.

Activities may include:

• Recording worker-reported cases
• Developing evidence management systems
• Creating verification processes
• Establishing validation and escalation procedures

Use of Worker Evidence for Remediation and Advocacy

The programme supports the use of worker-generated evidence to improve labour rights outcomes.

Projects may use evidence for:

• Workplace remediation
• Corporate engagement
• Policy advocacy
• Regulatory discussions
• Supply chain accountability initiatives

Global Mapping and Comparative Analysis

Projects may analyse existing worker-led monitoring models worldwide.

Activities may include:

• Mapping WLMS approaches
• Comparing different monitoring systems
• Identifying successful practices
• Developing recommendations for future implementation

Knowledge Exchange and Peer Learning

The programme encourages collaboration among organisations through:

• Peer-learning activities
• Knowledge-sharing events
• Cross-country exchanges
• Collaborative research

These activities help strengthen global understanding of effective worker-led monitoring approaches.

Who Is Eligible for the WLMS Call for Proposals?

Eligible applicants include organisations with experience in labour rights, worker participation, and monitoring systems.

Applicants may include:

• Civil society organisations
• Trade unions
• Worker organisations
• Labour rights organisations
• Research institutes
• Worker centres
• Global labour networks
• Organisations specialising in worker-led monitoring

Eligible applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience working with trade unions, workers, or civil society organisations
• Expertise in participatory labour rights monitoring
• Knowledge of worker-driven social responsibility approaches
• Experience in forced labour research
• Experience in transnational labour rights advocacy
• Strong methodological expertise

Target Groups and Geographic Focus

The initiative primarily supports stakeholders involved in global supply chain monitoring and worker-led accountability.

Target groups include:

Workers and Worker Leaders

The programme focuses on workers and worker leaders in garment supply chains across:

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

Civil Society and Labour Rights Organisations

The initiative supports organisations working on:

• Supply chain monitoring
• Labour rights protection
• Worker accountability
• Forced labour prevention
• Human rights due diligence

Policy and Institutional Decision-Makers

The programme also engages decision-makers involved in:

• Forced labour regulations
• Supply chain accountability
• Human rights due diligence policies
• Labour rights enforcement

WLMS Grant Funding Amount

Selected third-party projects can receive financial support of up to:

EUR 60,000 per project

The funding supports comparative, transnational, and cross-country initiatives that strengthen worker-led monitoring methodologies.

Projects should demonstrate:

• Practical impact
• Strong methodology
• Worker-centred approaches
• Potential for adaptation across different contexts

Eligible Project Activities

Supported activities may include:

Mapping Worker-Led Monitoring Models

Projects may involve:

• Researching existing WLMS approaches
• Comparing monitoring models
• Identifying effective practices
• Developing global learning resources

Developing Methodological Guidance

Applicants may create:

• Monitoring frameworks
• Training resources
• Documentation guidelines
• Verification procedures
• Safeguarding guidance

Adapting Monitoring Tools

Projects may adapt digital tools such as:

• Uwazi
• Tella
• Similar monitoring and documentation platforms

Tool adaptations should consider different country contexts and labour rights environments.

Pilot Implementation and Learning

Projects may include:

• Testing worker-led monitoring approaches
• Conducting pilot activities
• Documenting lessons learned
• Improving methodologies based on practical experience

Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination

Activities may include:

• Stakeholder workshops
• Peer-learning sessions
• Research publications
• Methodological guidance materials
• Public dissemination resources

How to Apply for the WLMS Call for Proposals

Applicants should follow a structured process when preparing their proposals.

Step 1: Identify the Project Focus

Applicants should define the labour rights challenge or monitoring gap their project will address.

The proposal should explain:

• The target labour rights issue
• Relevant countries or regions
• Current monitoring challenges
• Expected improvements

Step 2: Develop the Project Methodology

Applicants should describe how the project will strengthen worker-led monitoring.

The methodology should include:

• Worker participation approaches
• Monitoring processes
• Evidence collection methods
• Verification systems
• Safeguarding measures
• Data protection practices

Step 3: Prepare the Project Budget

Applicants should provide a clear budget explaining how funding will support project activities.

Budget areas may include:

• Research activities
• Tool development
• Training programmes
• Workshops
• Pilot implementation
• Knowledge exchange activities

Step 4: Submit the Proposal

Applicants must submit a complete proposal according to the funding requirements.

Applications should include:

• Project objectives
• Planned activities
• Expected outputs
• Organisational experience
• Implementation timeline
• Budget details

Step 5: Implement and Share Learning

Selected projects will implement activities, document outcomes, and contribute lessons learned to improve future worker-led monitoring approaches.

Expected Outputs and Deliverables

Successful projects are expected to produce practical resources and knowledge products.

Expected outputs may include:

• Global mapping reports
• Comparative analysis reports
• Worker-led monitoring toolkits
• Methodological guidance documents
• Case documentation guidelines
• Verification frameworks
• Informed consent guidance
• Safeguarding and data protection recommendations
• Validation and escalation protocols
• Monitoring workflow recommendations
• Country adaptation guidance
• Pilot learning reports
• Peer-learning materials
• Final methodology reports with recommendations

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Developing projects without meaningful worker participation
• Ignoring safeguarding requirements
• Providing unclear methodologies
• Failing to explain practical implementation
• Creating unrealistic project budgets

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain worker involvement
• Demonstrate previous labour rights experience
• Include strong protection and consent measures
• Show how evidence will support remediation
• Highlight opportunities for cross-country learning
• Provide measurable project outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Call for Proposals?

The WLMS Call for Proposals is a global funding opportunity that supports organisations developing and improving worker-led labour rights monitoring methodologies.

How much funding is available?

Selected projects can receive up to EUR 60,000 in financial support.

Who can apply for WLMS funding?

Eligible applicants include civil society organisations, trade unions, worker organisations, research institutes, worker centres, and labour rights networks.

What is the main goal of WLMS?

The goal is to strengthen worker participation in labour rights monitoring and improve accountability systems across global supply chains.

Which countries are included in the initiative?

The programme focuses on garment supply chains involving workers and worker leaders in Brazil, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Türkiye, and Vietnam.

What activities can WLMS funding support?

Funding can support methodology development, tool adaptation, pilot projects, research, knowledge exchange, and advocacy activities.

Why is worker-led monitoring important?

Worker-led monitoring ensures that workers contribute directly to identifying labour rights issues, generating evidence, and supporting solutions.

Conclusion

The Worker-Led Monitoring System (WLMS) Call for Proposals provides an opportunity to strengthen global labour rights monitoring through worker-centred approaches.

By supporting the development of better methodologies, digital tools, evidence systems, and collaboration networks, the programme helps improve worker participation and supply chain accountability.

The initiative contributes to stronger labour rights protection by ensuring that workers have a central role in monitoring, reporting, and improving workplace conditions worldwide.