This support article explains the collaboration between Better Work and SLCP, and how that collaboration differs in each country where both organizations are active.
Table of contents:
Introduction
Better Work and SLCP collaborate based on a shared vision: to promote credible and actionable social compliance data to improve working conditions within supply chains. The two organizations have been actively working together on these shared goals since 2021.
As part of this collaboration, SLCP and Better Work co-developed Step 1 of the Data Collection Tool in SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework. This part of the Tool is focused on compliance with National Labor Laws and International Labor Standards. For certain countries Better Work also provides an additional “Law Overlay” as additional guidance on national legislation and international labour standards. The Law Overlay is available to all users of the CAF within that country.
Better Work and SLCP Collaboration
Currently, Better Work and SLCP collaborate in 10 countries where Better Work is active. The collaboration varies by country, as detailed below.
The collaboration in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan
In Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan Better Work can on request by factories use the Step 1 questions from the Converged Assessment Framework’s Data Collection Tool to conduct their factory assessments.
In addition to completing Step 1, these facilities can also opt to complete Step 2 and Step 3 of the SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework, next to completing their Better Work assessment. This must be done prior to starting a Better Work assessment cycle. Better Work does not verify the information in Step 2 and Step 3 of the SLCP assessment as they include topics that are out of scope of the program. However, as this data could be useful for a facility to track for their own purposes, it is considered as “enhanced self-assessed” data.
Once their assessments are completed, Better Work-enrolled facilities in these countries can share their report and assessment data through the SLCP Gateway with other parties such as SLCP Accredited hosts, brands, third parties and other customers.
Collaboration in Jordan, Madagascar and Sri Lanka
In Jordan (where Better Work program is currently paused), Madagascar and Sri Lanka, facilities can complete an SLCP assessment through an SLCP Accredited Host, since the Better Work program in these countries does not include factory assessments. SLCP’s Data Collection Tool does not include Law Overlays for these countries.
Collaboration in Cambodia
In Cambodia, only non-apparel and travel goods/bag facilities can complete an SLCP assessment through an SLCP Accredited Host as they are exempt from participation in the Better Work program. All exporting apparel and travel goods facilities are required by law to participate in the Better Factories program. In Cambodia, Better Work use their own tool for factory assessments, and the data cannot be shared to the SLCP Gateway. SLCP’s Data Collection Tool does not include a Law Overlay for Cambodia.
Collaboration in Egypt
Facilities in Egypt that are not part of the Better Work program are able to complete an SLCP assessment through an SLCP Accredited Host. If a facility is already part of the Better Work program, they will complete a Better Work assessment. In Egypt, Better Work use their own tool for factory assessments, and the data cannot be shared to the SLCP Gateway SLCP’s Data Collection Tool does not include a Law Overlay for Egypt.