Introduction
The Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) has developed a Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) that seeks to support stakeholders’ efforts to improve working conditions in the global apparel and footwear supply chain. The CAF consists of a Data Collection Tool, Verification Protocol and Verifier Guidance, and intends to combat audit fatigue and free resources for improvement. This is done by replacing the need for current audit methodologies through delivering one verified data set that can be used by standards and brands to decide on certification, compliance and more. The CAF can be downloaded from the SLCP Gateway: https://slcpgateway.sustainabilitymap.org/.
To ensure quality implementation of the framework and reliable data for the industry, a system has been developed serving the following functions:
- Data collection at a facility level
- Verification of collected data
- Hosting and sharing of verified data to end users
SLCP operations has been launched in the countries listed here: SLCP Gateway (slconvergence.org)
For all roll-out countries/regions SLCP seeks:
- SLCP Verifier Bodies (VBs): Organization to which an SLCP Verifier belongs (3rd party), responsible for maintaining the competence and quality of SLCP Verifiers, ensuring that the correct candidates are put forward when verification is requested, and safeguarding that high-quality verified data is uploaded to the SLCP Gateway
- SLCP Verifiers: Individuals that are employed by a VB and successfully passed the SLCP selection process, responsible for verifying facility self/joint-assessment data when verification is requested and do so with the highest level of integrity and quality
Criteria to become a SLCP Verifier:
https://slcp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019186313-Verifiers-how-to-become-one-and-maintain-an-approved-status
SLCP relies on Verifier Bodies (VBs) to ensure the quality of SLCP Verifiers over time and for each verification, therefore individual/freelance auditors cannot apply to become an SLCP Verifier at this time. You can only apply to become an SLCP Verifier if your organization has been approved as a VB. SLCP Verifier criteria are summarized in the table below.
| Criteria |
Specifics |
| Work experience |
Minimum of 3 years of conducting social and labor type of on-site audits/verifications, with robust proof of relevant experience (e.g., number of audit days etc.) |
| Education/qualification |
Post-Secondary Degree / Diploma.
Required:
- APSCA membership at CSCA or ASCA Level
- Training on at least one social auditing system: SA8000, BSCI, WRAP, RBA, ICTI.
Recommended:
- Training on at least one management systems auditing standard: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001.
- Experience in conducting management systems audits APSCA registration/certification.
- Other relevant social scheme Auditor (e.g., Lead) approval/accreditation.
- Company internal social auditor trainings.
|
| Knowledge areas |
- Thorough understanding of social and labor type of on-site verification processes, including project planning, communication, ethics.
- Excellent command of English and local language(s) in roll out country.
- Knowledge of international and local norms, laws and regulations relating to social and labor issues, e.g., local law, UN and ILO conventions.
- Knowledge of core management system requirements.
|
| APSCA |
APSCA membership is mandatory to become an SLCP Verifier. Only applicants from Certified Social Compliance Auditors (CSCA) and Associate Social Compliance Auditors (ASCA) are evaluated by the VOO. |
Preparation for application
During the application you will be asked to disclose information regarding your education and experience. We recommend having the following information available to you prior to starting:
- Copies of certificates, training logs, and other supporting documentation
- Your most current CV/Resume
Also, additional credit is provided for professional referrals. An email with a link to the referral form will be sent directly to the nominated person. Please have their information available including name, company, and email address. This email will be sent once you complete your application. The nominated person will have 3 business days to complete the form. The form is automatically linked to your application.
Next steps
After filling in the online application, all submitted materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the criteria. Note that you may be subject to an application audit.
If pre-selected (e.g. meet the above listed criteria as judged by the VOO), you will be given access to an e-learning training course. The mandatory training modules will need to be completed before taking the online proctored SLCP Verifier Exam that will determine whether the you may call yourself an SLCP Verifier. Candidates that pass will receive an SLCP Verifier certificate and be invited to create an account on the Gateway, the principal SLCP data hosting & sharing platform, that unlocks the possibility to conduct SLCP verifications.
PLEASE READ:
You must have a payment code to complete the application. You should have recieved this code from SLCP upon a successful fee payment. Failure to properly and exactly enter the code, may result in delay or invalidation of your application.
If you are currently suspended by SLCP and are attempting to re-apply under another name and VOO becomes aware of this, your SLCP approval will be permanently terminated.
Effective January 1st, 2024, the Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) has fully aligned with APSCA as part of the collaboration agreement. Please review the following APSCA/SLCP full alignment guidance in advance of submitting the application.
APSCA/SLCP Full Alignment Guidance:
Please contact the VOO helpdesk with any related questions at slcp@sumerra.com. On any questions related to APSCA membership/requirements, please refer to the APSCA website and/or contact the APSCA team for more details on initiating the membership process (https://www.theapsca.org).
Contacts: