A Verifier Body (VB) is an organization for which a Verifier works.
The VB is responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of their Verifier's SLCP verification by:
- Following all requirements detailed in the Verification Protocol, Verifier Guidance, QA Manual and VB requirements,
- Training Verifiers on SLCP, technical and social skills needed for verification, and integrity,
- Assigning Verifiers when a verification is requested by the facility, and
- Conducting internal quality review of all SLCP verified assessment reports.
To be able to become an approved Verifier Body or Verifier and/or maintain an approved status, APSCA membership will now be mandatory. This is to ensure greater integrity and accountability within our processes.
Detailed information on the APSCA requirements for Verifier Bodies can be found in the Technical Bulletin- SLCP Full Alignment with APSCA n.3 – Actions after June 30, 2024-.
To become an SLCP-approved VB, an applicant firm must:
Be a third-party auditing firm
- Become an SLCP signatory and
- Sign the VB Terms of Use (Information on how to become a signatory can be found here).
- Be an APSCA Full Member Firm (Detailed information on the APSCA requirements for the Verifier Body can be found in the Technical Bulletin - SLCP Full Alignment with APSCA n.3 – Actions after June 30, 2024.
- Fulfil SLCP eligibility requirements displayed in the table n.1 below including experience conducting social audits, policies and procedures on Verifier competency, ethics, impartiality, conflict of interest, and anti-corruption.
- Pay the mandatory application fee. Detailed information on SLCP application fees and payment process can be found here.
Once approved, a VB is subject to review by the Verification Oversight Organization.
Table n.1: Eligibility requirements to become an SLCP-approved VB
| Criteria | Specifics |
| SLCP Signatory | All VB candidates must be an SLCP Signatory. |
| Organization type and experience | All VB candidates must be 3rd party SLCP signatory |
| Geographical location |
All VB candidates must have a 3-year track record in auditing of social and labor conditions in textile, apparel, or footwear facilities. Experience with social and labor auditing in SLCP operational country/region. Note: VB candidates cannot claim 3-year track record in social auditing by hiring Verifiers who have prior social audit experience. |
| Internal Management System | All VB candidates must have an effective management system in place to ensure the competency of Verifiers (including any sub-contracted Verifiers), including policies and procedures on competence, training, ethics, integrity, impartiality, and internal quality assurance. |
| Commitments | All VB candidates must commit to meet all Verifier Body requirements and sign the applicable Terms of Use. |
| APSCA |
All VB candidates must be APSCA Full Member Firms* *APSCA Membership alone does not guarantee approval. All other SLCP requirements, such as the 3-year track record in auditing social and labor conditions, are also considered by the VOO when approving VB's. |
View the list of SLCP approved Verifier Bodies.
Additional requirements and criteria are outlined in SLCP’s Verifier Body Requirements, including processes to maintain SLCP competence, conduct SLCP trainings, monitor Verifier SLCP performance, uphold ethics and integrity requirements, and more.