A Verifier is a person qualified to perform an SLCP verification to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the data collected through self/joint-assessments of facilities using the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF).
The Verifier application process ensures that Verifiers have the skills, knowledge and experience required to conduct consistent and reliable SLCP verifications.
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.
To become an SLCP-approved Verifier, applicants must:
- Be APSCA ASCA or CSCA in good standing and
- Be associated with an SLCP-approved APSCA Full or Provisional Member or APSCA Applicant Member Firm. Detailed info on the APSCA requirements for candidates Verifiers can be found on 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
- Pay a mandatory application fee. If the Verifier application is denied by SLCP’s Verification Oversight Organization (VOO) Sumerra after review, a new application must be filed, paying the applicable fee again.
Detailed information on SLCP application fees and payment process can be found here.
Table n.1- Eligibility Requirements to become an SLCP-approved Verifier
| Criteria | Specifics |
| Employment contract with an approved VB |
Employee of a Verifier Body with “active” SLCP status – or – Part-time or subcontracted individual who works on a subcontracted/part-time basis exclusively for one active VB for the purpose of SLCP verifications |
| Work experience | Minimum of 3 years of conducting social and labor onsite audits/verifications, with robust proof of relevant experience (e.g., number of audit days etc.) Records of last 36 months auditing experience. See below APSCA CSCA requirement to apply an exception to the 3 year experience rule. |
| Education/ qualification | Post-Secondary Degree / Diploma |
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Required: Independent* lead auditor training on at least one generally recognized social auditing system, e.g., SA8000, BSCI, WRAP, RBA or IETP Recommended: > Lead auditor training on at least one management systems auditing standard: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 > Experience conducting management systems audits > Other relevant social scheme auditor (e.g., Lead) approval / accreditation > Company internal social auditor trainings *Independent generally means provided by external entity with no conflict of interest (i.e., no business interest in the outcome) |
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| Geographical location (In-country experience) | Robust proof of relevant experience with social and labor auditing in country/region being applied for (provide audit log). |
| Knowledge areas | Thorough understanding of social and labor onsite verification processes, including project planning, communication, and ethics. |
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Proficiency in English and local language(s) in the country where verifications will be conducted** **Preferred but not required. If candidate has sufficient experience with social and labor auditing in country/region, translators are permitted. The VOO has discretion to determine if experience is sufficient to allow for this approval. |
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| Knowledge of international and local norms, and national laws and regulations to social and labor issues, e.g., local labor laws, UN, and ILO conventions | |
| Knowledge of core management system requirements | |
| APSCA |
APSCA membership is mandatory to become an SLCP Verifier.
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