Social & Labor Convergence Program
Improving working conditions across the apparel and footwear supply chains is imperative, and social audits are now much adapted to assess the ethical performance of manufacturing sites. Over the past two decades, different social and ethical audit standards have been set up, creating unnecessary duplication and audit fatigue for both the buyer and supplier sides. In view of this, the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) has been established.
What is SLCP?
The Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) is an initiative designed to streamline the auditing of labour standards in apparel and footwear facilities and improve working conditions by using a Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) Version 1.5.
SLCP signatories commit to replacing their proprietary social audit tools with the Converged Assessment Framework to reduce audit fatigue and free up resources, which can be redirected to improving working conditions.
Conforming to the Social and Labour Convergence Program involves a three-stage process:
- A self-assessment is conducted by the facility, or a joint assessment with the aid of a third party
- The data is then independently verified by SLCP-approved verifiers, and this includes an on-site visit
- This verified data is uploaded to the secure gateway and accredited host where authorised SLCP users can review the data
What are the benefits of SLCP?
The main benefit of an SLCP audit is that companies that have been verified are not required to be assessed multiple times by different bodies. This allows them to:
- Reassign time and resources towards improving labour conditions within facilities, making informed decisions using the comparable data they now have access to.
- Avoid duplication of work and improve transparency
- Implement corrective measures that result in real change.
Why Choose Eurofins Assurance as your approved Verifier Body?
The Eurofins Consumer Product Assurance network of companies has been approved as one of the Verifier Bodies by SLCP, showcasing our capability and commitment to delivering social and labour compliance assurance to consumer product supply chains.
Our approval covers key manufacturing countries. Buyers and suppliers can leverage our auditing expertise to achieve SLCP compliance goals and facilitate continuous improvement.
To meet the requirements of hectic sourcing schedules, we can complete the final verification of data four working days after your on-site visit. Our efficiency gives customers a competitive edge when it comes to sourcing and supply chain management.