In today’s globalized world, sustainability and social responsibility have become key concerns for businesses across all industries. Consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies are increasingly demanding transparency and ethical practices in supply chains. As a result, many companies are turning to globally recognized frameworks to ensure fair labor practices and responsible sourcing. One such framework that has gained considerable traction is the SLCP (Social & Labor Convergence Program) Audit Certification.
This blog explores what the SLCP Audit Certification is, its significance, benefits, operation, and the process for obtaining certification.
The Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) is a multi-stakeholder initiative aimed at improving working conditions in global supply chains. It provides a standardized, converged assessment framework that evaluates social and labor conditions in manufacturing facilities. Unlike traditional audits that differ in methodology and requirements across brands and standards, SLCP seeks to eliminate audit fatigue by offering a single, verified data set that multiple stakeholders can use.
Launched in 2015, the SLCP is backed by major brands, manufacturers, audit firms, industry associations, and NGOs. It does not score or rate performance; instead, it collects accurate data on working conditions, wages, hours, health and safety, and more, empowering facilities to take ownership of their improvement journeys.
A standardized digital questionnaire covering management systems, working hours, wages, health and safety, labor practices, and more.
After the self-assessment, a SLCP-approved verifier reviews and validates the data without assigning scores or corrective actions.
Verified data is uploaded to platforms like Worldly or Fair Factories Clearinghouse, where authorized stakeholders can access it.
✅ For Manufacturers:
✅ For Brands & Retailers:
✅ For Workers:
✅ For Auditors & Verifiers:
Feature | Traditional Audits | SLCP Audit Certification |
---|---|---|
Approach | Brand-specific | Multi-stakeholder, standardized |
Frequency | Repeated, per brand | One assessment, shared widely |
Outcome | Score or pass/fail | Verified data only |
Cost | High | Lower, cost-sharing enabled |
Focus | Compliance | Transparency and improvement |
Data Ownership | Held by brands | Held by facility |
SLCP certification is ideal for:
Though rooted in the apparel sector, SLCP is expanding into broader manufacturing industries.
SLCP offers training, webinars, and local support to overcome these hurdles and ease implementation.
The SLCP is a rapidly growing global movement, already used by over 10,000 facilities. With adoption from major brands like Nike, Levi’s, and H&M, it is shaping the future of social compliance in manufacturing.
The SLCP Audit Certification represents a major leap forward in how companies manage labor and social compliance. It shifts the focus from box-ticking audits to transparent, verified data sharing—creating room for real, measurable improvements. By embracing SLCP, facilities, brands, and auditors can work together more efficiently to create fairer, safer, and more equitable workplaces around the world.
If you’re part of a manufacturing facility or a sourcing brand, now is the time to consider joining the SLCP. It's not just a certification—it's a commitment to change.
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