what is the social & labor convergence program?
The Social & Labor Convergence Program is a new initiative designed to simplify the auditing of labour standards in apparel and footwear facilities by using a Converged Assessment Framework (CAF). Before the SLCP was introduced, facilities in the industry had to submit themselves to a wide range of audits by different organisations and standards. The SLCP aims to simplify and streamline this process. The major benefit of the SLCP is that companies who have been verified do not need to be assessed multiple times by different bodies. Instead, they can spend their time and resources on improving labour conditions. At the same time, social and labour data becomes more comparable, making it easier to formulate and execute improvement programs.
What are the benefits of SLCP?
A facility can share their SLCP verified data with as many stakeholders and clients as they want. SLCP verified data is designed to be compatible with different standards or Codes of Conduct. This allows brands, retailers and standards the flexibility to add their own scoring or interpretation to the data, according to their needs. With SLCP, there is huge potential to compare data over time and across countries, regions and tiers. In general, applying for SCLP verification has the following benefits:
- Efficiency. Reduction in time and money spent on audits; reduction in audit fatigue.
- Comprehensive tool. SLCP covers all the data points / questions collected in nearly all other assessments & audit schemes.
- Multi-Stakeholder. SLCP has been developed collaboratively by brands, manufacturers and other stakeholders.
- Credibility. High quality, reliable verified social & labor data.
- Ends audit fatigue – no more endless audits by different bodies
- Gives you more time and resources to invest in improving working conditions
- Avoids duplication and improves transparency
- Enables data comparison
Why Social & labor convergence program important?
At present, apparel and footwear companies are required to submit to numerous, frequent audits of their facilities as requested by their clients and supply chain. This process is time-consuming, resource-intensive and often results in duplication of information.
The SLCP offers multiple benefits: