Why is Social Compliance Audit Performed?

Social compliance audit or ethical audits verify how responsible a company´s suppliers are in social, environmental and financial matters. These audits are organized to determine whether the suppliers observe ethical and social principles, occupational health and safety standards, human rights, labor laws, etc. in their operations. Social compliance audits can be carried out directly by the brand´s own auditors or through audit methodologies prepared in accordance with international standards. Today, there are many auditing standards and audit mechanisms whose results are valid at international level. We can list the most important of them as follows:

* Amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative)
* ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative)
* ICS (Compliance and Sustainability Initiative)
* SAI (International Social Responsibility) / SA8000
* SEDEX / SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit)
* WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Manufacturing)

In addition to these audits, there are also different regional or sector-based audit standards. Responsible Jewelery Council (RJC), French Trade and Distribution Federation (FCD) etc. are some of them.

The basic principles of social compliance audits also form the basis of the supplier code of conduct of many international brands. These principles are largely similar. There may be different principles and criteria according to factors such as region, sector, product or service, operation type and structure. Today, the first principles that come to mind when it comes to social compliance auditing or ethical auditing are:

* Freedom to work: Every employee´s freedom to work is reserved; No one can be forced to work under any circumstances.
* Child labor: The minimum working age is determined by local laws and/or international conventions. No supplier can employ child labor within its body.
* Occupational health and safety: Suppliers must comply with the necessary occupational health and safety rules in all work areas such as offices, factories, workshops, warehouses, etc. These rules should be determined according to international occupational health and safety standards such as ISO 45001 and local laws.
* Prohibition of discrimination: Suppliers must prevent discrimination against any employee working within their organization on the basis of religion, language, race, ethnic origin, political opinion, gender, etc.
* Environment: Suppliers should minimize the negative effects of their activities on the environment; should be aware of environmental issues. In this context, it should establish a certified environmental management system, properly manage its waste, and verify its carbon and water footprint.
* Working hours: Working hours in the workplace should be regulated in accordance with the law; daily and weekly maximum working hours should not be exceeded.
* Wage: Suppliers must not pay their employees less than the minimum wage. A fair wage policy should be established for everyone in the workplace.
* Union rights: Employees should be given the right to be a party to collective agreements and to bargain collectively with the employer.
* Business ethics: Suppliers must be transparent and accountable in their activities. Attempts such as bribery, corruption, money laundering, etc. should never be allowed.

How are Social Compliance Audits Organized?

Ethical audits are carried out by auditors´ document control, interviews with employees and on-site inspections. Auditors may request documents such as employee information, payroll records, payrolls, work instructions, etc., from the institution to which they will issue a social compliance document, and can make an assessment on these. In addition, the supplier´s facilities; may want to see areas such as office, workshop, production line, warehouse, cafeteria, showers and toilets etc. In addition, it can meet with the employees collectively or individually. It may hold meetings with managers or directly with the business management itself. After all these stages, it compiles the information, observations and findings it has obtained and publishes an audit report. According to the result of the report, the supplier´s social compliance certificate application may be rejected, conditionally accepted or directly positive.

Aşan Consulting provides social compliance audit consultancy to every company, regardless of its field of activity, size or location. Companies can be properly prepared for ethical audits by obtaining social compliance consultancy services from Aşan Danışmanlık; can make the inspection process quick and easy. You can contact Aşan Consulting for more detailed information about BSCI, SEDEX, ETI, SA 8000 and other social compliance auditing standards and consultancy services.

Social Compliance Audits We Serve As Aşan Consulting:

SEDEX Audit
BSCI Audit
INDITEX Social Compliance Audit (ZARA)
Disney Fama Audit
ILS Audit
WRAP Control
URSA Audit