Edward Asscher, the incumbent Vice Chair of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), is running for a second term in the position, according to a press statement. As the voting ends in mid-May, Asscher shared some of his suggestions to make the RJC a better, more efficient and streamlined organisation, delivering supreme added value to its membership.
He listed the following objectives:
- Make the RJC a better member organisation by expanding and improving the membership service department, to help RJC members more effectively and decisively with their inquiries and questions.
- Simplify the currently too complicated and lengthy auditing process, reduce the carbon footprint of and costs incurred by the auditors, and significantly shorten the entire auditing process timeline, specifically the production of the auditing results.
- Use Artificial Intelligence to improve workflow efficiency, procedures, and processes in RJC.
- Replace the highly deterring and complicated digital election platform in use. Unfortunately, the current system effectively discourages many members from voting at all.
- Ensure that the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are proportionally represented in RJC’s Executive Committee and on the Board.
- And, last but not least, support RJC CEO Purvi Shah in streamlining the organisation.
“Since I began my public service to the industry many years ago, my motto has always been: ‘Leave no one behind.’ As such, my greatest concern is the small and medium-sized companies (SMEs). SMEs make up the bulk of our global industry and trade and our membership, meaning that the RJC has a responsibility to equitably serve these members as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Asscher stated in a letter he sent to the RJC membership in April.
Asscher urged RJC members to exercise their right to vote so he may continue to assist in streamlining the organisation. “No matter what, please vote for the benefit of RJC and the gem, jewellery and luxury industry as a whole!” he said.