SA8000

The Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000) standard is governed by Social Accountability International (SAI) and overseen by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS). It is the first globally recognised social compliance standard available for certification. Dedicated to improving working conditions, SA8000 is applicable to all companies regardless of scale, industry and location.

SA8000 certification addresses issues including forced and child labour, occupational health and safety, freedom of association and collective bargaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation, and management systems. As well as setting workplace standards worldwide, SA 8000 also embraces existing international agreements, including conventions from the International Labour Organization, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

SA8000 is a voluntary social compliance standard that demonstrates your commitment to a humane working environment and represents responsible production. Adhering to the standard will help to reduce risks, enhance the reputation of your factory and brand, meet customer requirements, improve supplier relationships, create better labour conditions and a safer work environment, and provide clear and credible assurance for ethical purchasing decisions.

These audits have gained popularity as brands and retailers seek to partner with suppliers that participate in SEDEX to ensure ethical trading and corporate social responsibility. Our expert auditors conduct on-site SMETA audits at factories around the globe to assess how labour, health and safety, environmental and business ethics standards are being met. Sedex members are then allowed to store, share and report on this information in a secure, online database in an effort to improve working conditions in the global supply chain.

  • Saves Cost through greater productivity and lower turnover.
  • Increases Efficiency - Rework is reduced and efficiency is increased.
  • Saves Time - in your supply chain work processes through improved communications between management and employees.
  • Minimise Risks - with safer working conditions, eliminating the chance of harm to employees and damage to your business reputation.
  • Gain a competitive edge - through improved working conditions, leading to a highly motivated workforce and superior quality products.
  • Demonstrate full transparency - to external parties with regard to your working conditions, safety and remuneration. This helps to assure stakeholders about the quality of your company.
  • Reduced Audits - Reduce the number of second party audits of suppliers.
  • Improved Relations - Enhance long term relationships between the company and its stakeholders
  • Effective Labour Practices.
Preparation
  • Management Commitment
  • Nominate responsible personnel
    • Self-assessment
    • Consider appointing a consultant or a local NGO to help setting up a social accountability management system
  • Implementation
    • Write documentation
    • Train the staff
    • Implement the system
    • Maintain records
  • Audit
    • Pre-audit
    • Formal audit
    • Certification
  • Continuous Improvement
    • Surveillance audit (every 6 months to one year)
    • Renewal audit (every 3 years)