This article explains how SLCP collaborates with stakeholders to maintain high quality data and match industry standards for social auditing. It also explains the role of brands and manufacturers in our Data Quality and Integrity (DQI) program.
- How we collaborate with a Verification Oversight Organization (VOO)
- How we collaborate with APSCA
- The role of brands in maintaining data quality
- Collaborating with us through the Stakeholder Quality Assurance (QA) Program
- How facilities contribute to high quality data
How we collaborate with a Verification Oversight Organization (VOO)
SLCP works with a Verification Oversight Organization (VOO) to help maintain data quality and integrity. The VOO is SLCP's operational partner, and is responsible for implementing SLCP’s Data Quality and Integrity (DQI) policies. SLCP's VOO is Sumerra.
In this role, the VOO selects, approves, and monitors the performance of Verifier Bodies and Verifiers. It conducts the majority of quality assurance activities, including handling complaints and managing corrective action requests and plans. The VOO also collects and presents performance data and independently enforces SLCP’s DQI program policies and standards.
How we collaborate with APSCA
SLCP partners with the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) to promote the professionalism of social auditors and to ensure the integrity and compliance of VBs and Verifiers with APSCA’s code of conduct and competency requirements. SLCP also serves on the APSCA Advisory Board.
Since January 2024, APSCA membership has been mandatory for all VBs and Verifiers, marking the full implementation of SLCP’s alignment with APSCA. This alignment is now a core component of SLCP’s integrity and quality assurance framework. Through shared oversight mechanisms, joint investigations, data exchange, and follow-up actions, SLCP works closely with APSCA to ensure adherence to SLCP policies and protocols and to strengthen the reliability of SLCP data.
This collaboration supports the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) as a recognized source of social compliance, helping streamline data across platforms and standards. It is designed to reduce redundant, resource-intensive audits and support the transition toward a universal social assessment tool.
The role of brands in maintaining data quality
As key users of SLCP data, brands play an important role in ensuring the credibility and quality of verified data. They can contribute by:
- Reviewing and submitting complaints on assessment data: If a brand finds gaps or has concerns are found, they can submit feedback via the SLCP Complaints Form.
- Engaging in SLCP’s Stakeholder QA Program: Brands may join the program to contribute to oversight of Verifier Bodies and Verifiers.
- Conducting Shadow Verifications: On-site shadow verifications enable a brand to observe Verifier performance firsthand.
- Staying informed and using available resources: Brands should access updates and tools on the DQI webpage, review VB quality indicators on SLCP's list of Active VBs and our public Quality Assurance Dashboard, and signatories may consult regional calibration materials on the Signatory Portal.
By engaging in these activities, brands help strengthen SLCP’s credibility while ensuring that the data they rely on is accurate, consistent, and trustworthy.
Collaborating with us through the Stakeholder Quality Assurance (QA) Program
The stakeholder QA program is a collaborative initiative designed to strengthen SLCP data quality and integrity through active engagement, feedback sharing, and on-site quality assurance activities, including mandatory Shadow Verifications. It enables ongoing data sharing, allowing Stakeholder QA members to systematically report identified quality issues which are reviewed and analyzed by SLCP and the VOO to identify potential concerns that may require further investigation.
If you are a brand interested in joining the Stakeholder QA Program, read more here.
How facilities contribute to high quality data
Facilities play a central role in maintaining data quality and integrity within the SLCP assessment process. As owners of their verified assessment data, facilities are responsible for completing an accurate and honest self or joint assessment, selecting and engaging a Verifier Body, and ensuring sufficient time and resources are allocated for a high quality verification.
Facilities review and submit final verified reports and support the VOO quality assurance activities, such as counter, duplicate, and shadow verifications, helping to ensure the reliability and credibility of SLCP data.
If facilities have concerns regarding VBs, Verifiers, or the verification process, they should submit it via the facility feedback form.