Internal Auditor Training Program on Social Accountability – SA 8000:2026

• Overview and evolution of the SA 8000:2026 standard
• Social Accountability Management System requirements
• Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) concepts
• Ethical workplace and labour practices
• Auditing principles and audit lifecycle
• Audit planning and checklist preparation
• Interviewing techniques and objective evidence collection
• Identification and reporting of nonconformities
• Audit reporting and corrective action follow-up
• Practical auditing skills through case studies and exercises

Module 1: Social Accountability – SA 8000:2026

• Understanding SA 8000:2026 requirements
• History, philosophy, and approach of SA 8000
• Key terms and definitions
• Major changes in the 2026 version
• Intent, principles, criteria, indicators, and guidance
• Integrated Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)
• Management System, Governance, and Due Diligence
• Stakeholder-centred and process-centred management principles
• Decent Work principles and performance criteria
• Ethics and integrity in social auditing

Module 2: Auditing Principles

• Audit objectives
• Types of audits
• Audit principles and methodologies

Module 3: Roles & Responsibilities of Auditors

• Roles of internal auditors and lead auditors
• Auditor responsibilities
• Lead auditor responsibilities
• Auditor qualifications and competency requirements

Module 4: Planning an Internal Audit

• Developing an audit plan
• Preparing audit checklists
• Audit communication
• Collecting objective evidence
• Effective interviewing techniques
• Identifying and documenting nonconformities

Module 5: Reporting & Follow-up

• Conducting closing meetings
• Preparing audit reports
• Distributing audit reports
• Corrective action responsibilities
• Follow-up planning
• Monitoring corrective actions

Practical Learning

• Case studies
• Practical audit exercises
• Group discussions
• Written examination

This programme is suitable for:

• Management representatives
• CSR and ESG professionals
• HR managers and professionals
• Compliance managers
• Social accountability professionals
• Internal auditors
• Sustainability professionals
• Factory managers and supervisors
• Management system consultants
• Professionals responsible for implementing or auditing SA 8000 systems
• Anyone involved in social compliance and ethical workplace initiatives

Participants are recommended to have prior knowledge of management system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or similar management systems. This programme is intended to enhance auditing competency and understanding of SA 8000:2026 rather than provide basic knowledge of management system standards.

This programme equips professionals with practical internal auditing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the latest SA 8000:2026 requirements. Participants gain the knowledge required to conduct effective internal audits, evaluate organizational compliance, and support responsible business practices.

Key Benefits

• Develop competency in SA 8000:2026 internal auditing
• Understand Human Rights Due Diligence concepts
• Learn effective audit planning, execution, and reporting
• Improve understanding of ethical workplace requirements
• Strengthen organizational social compliance initiatives
• Learn through practical case studies and exercises
• Enhance career opportunities in CSR, ESG, compliance, HR, sustainability, and auditing

Participants will undertake an online examination at the end of the programme to assess their understanding of SA 8000:2026 requirements and internal auditing principles.

Examination Details

• Examination Type: Online Examination
• Minimum Passing Criteria: 70%
• Practical exercises and case studies included during training
• Exam Duration: 90 minutes

Certification

• Participants scoring 70% or above in the online examination will receive the TÜV SÜD South Asia Internal Auditor Certificate.
• Participants who do not achieve the minimum passing score will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

1. What is SA 8000:2026?

SA 8000:2026 is an internationally recognized Social Accountability standard that establishes requirements for ethical workplace practices, labour rights, human rights due diligence, and responsible business operations.

2. What is the difference between the Awareness and Internal Auditor training?

The Awareness programme focuses on understanding the standard and its requirements, while the Internal Auditor programme develops practical skills for planning, conducting, reporting, and following up internal audits against SA 8000:2026.

3. Does the course include practical auditing exercises?

Yes. Participants learn through case studies, audit simulations, group discussions, practical exercises, and a written examination to build real-world auditing competency.

4. What auditing topics are covered during the programme?

The training covers audit planning, checklist preparation, evidence collection, interviewing techniques, identification of nonconformities, audit reporting, corrective actions, and audit follow-up activities.

5. Is prior knowledge of SA 8000 required?

Prior knowledge of management system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 is recommended. This course is designed to strengthen auditing skills rather than teach management system fundamentals.

6. Does the course cover Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD)?

Yes. Participants gain an understanding of integrated Human Rights Due Diligence concepts and their application within the SA 8000:2026 framework.

7. Which professionals should attend this training?

The programme is ideal for HR professionals, compliance managers, internal auditors, CSR and ESG professionals, sustainability teams, management representatives, consultants, and professionals responsible for implementing or auditing SA 8000 systems.

8. What certification will participants receive?

Participants who score 70% or above in the written examination will receive the TÜV SÜD South Asia Internal Auditor Certificate, while those who do not meet the passing criteria will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

9. What is the mode of this course?
The course is available in either modes: classroom or virtual.

10. Is VILT a live training, or do I get access to watch pre-recorded videos?
This is a live virtual instructor-led training (VILT) session where you can interact with the trainer.

Pre-recorded videos are not available or permitted.

11. Can the dates of the training be customized?
The training dates are published in advance, although you may let us know your preferred dates for exclusive training by mailing us on [email protected].

12. Is there a refund policy for the course fees?
Yes, refund details are governed by the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Participants are advised to refer to the official policy page for complete information.