This article explains what SLCP verification is, who carries it out, and what rules apply. You will also find information on the different types of verification and what happens to the data after verification is complete.
SLCP verification is a process through which facility's self-assessment data is checked and validated by an SLCP Verification Body. This is an important step in the SLCP assessment process. After a facility completes its self or joint assessment, an SLCP-approved Verifier reviews and verifies the data the facility submitted in the Data Collection Tool (the Tool). Both facility's input as well as verification findings are captured in the SLCP report.
The purpose of verification is to ensure the accuracy of the facility's assessment data, identify any legal non-compliances, and provide a credible foundation for the final SLCP report. With the exception of Better Work assessments shared to the SLCP Gateway, all SLCP assessments should be verified before it's shared with interested third parties to ensure it's quality and accuracy.
- Who carries out the verification?
- Verification rules and guidance
- Types of verification
- What happens after verification?
Who carries out the verification?
Verification is carried out by SLCP-approved Verifiers who work for an accredited Verifier Body (VB). The facility selects its Verifier Body from a Verifier Body list on the Accredited Host platform before verification begins. You can find a list of active and accredited Verifier Bodies here, as well as more information about the selection process in this support article.
Verifiers are trained and examined on both the Verification Protocol and the Verifier Guidance before they are approved to conduct SLCP verifications. This ensures that all verifications follow the same rules and standards. You can find more about how this is managed in the SLCP's Data Quality and Integrity Program Overview.
Verification rules and guidance
The rules for SLCP verification are set out in two main documents:
- The Verification Protocol — explains the procedures, rules, and processes that Verifiers must follow when conducting an SLCP verification
- The Verifier Guidance — helps Verifiers interpret and answer the questions in the Data Collection Tool
Both documents are publicly available on the SLCP Helpdesk. To understand more about other relevant documents that govern the Verifier's work, visit Policies: Robust Systems and Protocols.
Types of verification
In general, SLCP verifications include an onsite visit to the facility. There are three types of verification, based on how the verification date is communicated to the facility:
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Announced | The date of the onsite visit is communicated to the facility in advance |
| Semi-announced | The Verifier communicates a wider timeframe — usually 10 days or more — in which the verification will take place |
| Unannounced | The facility does not know when the Verifier will arrive for the onsite visit |
The facility decides which type of verification it prefers. We recommend checking with your brand partners to understand which verification type they prefer for acceptance of SLCP reports.
In exceptional cases, a full virtual verification may be possible. This is only available in force majeure situations where the facility is unable to undergo an onsite verification.
For more information, see:
What happens after verification?
Once verification is complete, the Verifier Body submits the verified SLCP report on the Accredited Host platform. The facility must review the report in full before it is finalized. The facility has 30 days to review the report and ensure all important data is included.
Once the report is finalized, the facility can share it via the SLCP Gateway with brands, other Accredited Hosts, or other interested parties. The facility owns its data and controls how it is shared.
It is important to note that SLCP does not apply any code of conduct or audit standard to the verified data. The Tool collects only raw factual data describing the actual situation at the facility. Each brand or standard then compares this data against its own code of conduct or audit standard and draws its own conclusions.
The one exception is legal non-compliance. Because legal requirements go beyond any individual standard, SLCP does highlight non-compliances with national labor laws and International Labor Standards (ILS) when they are found during verification. These are included in the Verification Summary of the final SLCP report.
Accredited Host partners can use SLCP data to provide additional services such as scoring or comparison against codes of conduct. You can reach out to Accredited Hosts to understand better what services they provide and at what cost
For more information, see:
- Guide: Connecting to SLCP Accredited Hosts and sharing data
- Sharing SLCP Data and using the SLCP Acceptance list
- Guide: Finalizing SLCP Report