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Published on: June 16, 2025

Understanding SLCP Audit Certification: A Path to Transparent and Responsible Supply Chains

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.

What is SLCP?

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.

Why SLCP Matters

→ Consolidating audit efforts: Facilities complete one common assessment shared with multiple brands.
→ Reducing duplication and costs: Less time and money spent on overlapping audits.
→ Fostering ownership: Facilities get a clearer picture of their performance, encouraging proactive improvements.
→ Encouraging transparency: The verified data set provides a trusted, credible foundation for collaboration.

Key Components of SLCP

Data Collection Tool (DCT):
A standardized digital questionnaire covering management systems, working hours, wages, health and safety, labor practices, and more.
Verification:
After the self-assessment, a SLCP-approved verifier reviews and validates the data without assigning scores or corrective actions.
Data Hosting Platforms:
Verified data is uploaded to platforms like Worldly or Fair Factories Clearinghouse, where authorized stakeholders can access it.

Benefits of SLCP Audit Certification

✅ For Manufacturers:

→ Fewer audits: One SLCP assessment can serve multiple clients.
→ Lower audit costs: Save money and resources.
→ Actionable insights: Use verified data to drive improvements.
→ Enhanced credibility: Demonstrates commitment to ethical practices.

✅ For Brands & Retailers:

→ Reliable data: Access accurate, verified social & labor data.
→ Supply chain visibility: Monitor working conditions globally.
→ Support improvement: Focus on capacity-building, not compliance checks.

✅ For Workers:

→ Improved conditions: Better oversight and data lead to improvements.
→ Empowerment: SLCP promotes worker-management dialogue.

✅ For Auditors & Verifiers:

→ Standardized process: Easier training and implementation.
→ Higher impact: Work becomes part of a scalable solution.

SLCP vs Traditional Social Audits

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 Process: Step-by-Step

Registration: Register on an SLCP-approved platform (e.g., Worldly) and create your profile.
Self-Assessment: Complete the Data Collection Tool (DCT), either independently or with a facilitator.
Verification: A SLCP-approved verifier confirms the data accuracy (on-site or virtual).
Data Upload: Upload verified data to the platform and choose who can access it.
Data Sharing & Improvement: Share with stakeholders and use insights to improve practices.

Who Should Get SLCP Certified?

SLCP certification is ideal for:

→ Apparel and footwear manufacturers
→ Textile and garment factories
→ Brands sourcing from multiple regions
→ Suppliers receiving multiple audit requests
→ Facilities targeting international clients

Though rooted in the apparel sector, SLCP is expanding into broader manufacturing industries.

Challenges in SLCP Implementation

→ Initial learning curve: Understanding the tool and platforms takes time.
→ Verifier availability: High demand can delay audits.
→ Language and tech barriers: Especially in regions with low digital literacy.

SLCP offers training, webinars, and local support to overcome these hurdles and ease implementation.

Future of SLCP

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.

→ Expanding into new industries
→ Enhancing tools and language options
→ Collaborating with governments and industry associations

Conclusion

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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