On November 19, 2024, HQTS officially became a verification body for the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP)! We now offer professional SLCP verification services to global apparel and footwear companies, assisting clients in risk management and providing actionable improvement measures. Our SLCP Gateway ID is VB932589.
As the industry evolves rapidly with new rules and requirements, various factory audit programs have emerged. However, many audit frameworks are repetitive and similar, failing to drive meaningful change in key supply chain areas. Instead, companies end up performing redundant audits.
To address this, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) introduced the SLCP, aiming to establish a more universal, straightforward, integrated, and effective assessment framework to reduce audit fatigue in the apparel and footwear industries.
What is a SLCP audit?
Launched in 2016, the SLCP is a tool designed to integrate assessments, foster collaboration, and improve working conditions. Its integrated assessment framework supports stakeholders in enhancing labor conditions across global supply chains.
To date, nearly 300 SLCP signatories, including manufacturers, brands, retailers, industry associations, service providers, and non-profits, have adopted the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF). This framework allows factories to share verified data with all stakeholders.
Common factory social responsibility audits include SEDEX, BSCI, SA8000, and RBA. SLCP aims to consolidate social responsibility audit information in the apparel and footwear industries, reducing the burden of repeated audits on brands and factories.
Who Can benefit from SLCP Audits?
Currently, SLCP is targeted at suppliers (factories) in the apparel and footwear industries. Any enterprise in the upstream, midstream, or downstream sectors of the supply chain can apply for SLCP verification. In the future, the program may expand to integrate social responsibility audits from other industries.
The latest list of brands, retailers, and organizations that accept SLCP-verified data includes several prominent names. This means that if a factory completes an SLCP assessment, brands typically accept it as an alternative to third-party or proprietary social audits.
How to Choose an SLCP Verification Type
SLCP offers three verification types:
- Step 1: Basic Module
- Step 1 & 2: Basic Module + Management Systems Module
- Step 1, 2 & 3: Basic Module + Management Systems Module + Advanced Social Enterprise Module
Choosing a Verification Type:
- Scale: For small factories with around 50 employees, Step 1 may be the best fit.
- Policies & Procedures: If you have formal written policies and procedures, Step 2 is suitable.
- Mission & Aspirations: If your company prioritizes social responsibility and exceeds basic legal requirements for employee welfare and community support, Step 3 is ideal.
- Customer Requirements: Follow the requirements of your end customers or downstream brands.
Why Choose HQTS for SLCP Verification?
As an internationally recognized third-party supply chain quality management service provider, HQTS is a trusted SLCP verification body. With extensive experience in third-party verification, we provide one-stop SLCP verification services for global apparel and footwear companies.
For further inquiries about SLCP audits contact us today!
