- Ensuring the quality and integrity of their Verifier's SLCP verification
- Training Verifiers on SLCP, technical and social skills needed for verification, and integrity
- Assigning Verifiers when a verification is requested by the facility
To be able to become an approved Verifier Body and/or maintain an approved status, APSCA membership will now be mandatory. The transition plan runs for 18 months: VBs and Verifiers must start their APSCA affiliation by June 30th, 2024, and Verifier Bodies must reach APSCA Provisional Member Firm status by March 1, 2025.
Detailed info on the APSCA requirements for Verifier Bodies can be found in the Technical Bulletin here.
The table below highlights the key criteria that candidate VBs must meet.
SLCP VB criteria are:
Criteria |
Specifics |
Organization type and experience |
3rd party with minimal 3 years’ track record in auditing of social and labor conditions in textile, apparel or footwear facilities. |
Geographical Location |
Experience with social and labor auditing in SLCP roll-out country/region |
Internal management system |
Management system in place to select and monitor SLCP approved Verifiers, and assure quality of verification process including:
|
APSCA | A VB candidate must be an APSCA Full Member Firm |
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.
Once approved, a VB is subject to review by the Verification Oversight Organization. Regular VB System Checks ensure that VBs uphold their commitments to developing and implementing policies and procedures on SLCP approved Verifier competence, training, ethics, integrity, impartiality, and internal quality management. All VBs are subject to a Check at least once every three years. For more information about VB System Checks, read our QA Manual.