Social Compliance Audits

Businesses must navigate growing regulatory pressure on human rights by demonstrating social compliance across their value chains to avoid legal disputes and reputational damage. Robust monitoring, corrective measures are crucial to address worker concerns and uphold ethical practices.

What are Social Compliance Audits?

Companies develop their own Code of Conduct or refer to international standards focusing on areas of concern related to labour practices and human rights. Examples include child labour and forced labour, fair treatment of workers, diversity in the workplace, and other social-related issues. Social Compliance Audits promote compliance across the entire supply chain, and prove alignment with a customer’s sustainability goals.

Why are Social Compliance Audits essential?

Social Compliance Audits evaluate adherence to Code of Conduct or social compliance standards. By conducting Social Compliance Audits within the upstream and downstream supply chain, organisations can establish trust, demonstrate appropriate due diligence efforts, and build confidence towards investors, end-customers, traders and distributors. 

Our extensive experience, valuable insights, and deep industry knowledge in key industrial sectors empower organisations to pinpoint potential threats to reputation, enhance compliance, and manage risks relating to social aspects.  

How can TÜV SÜD help you?

TÜV SÜD conducts Social Compliance Audits against customers’ Code of Conduct, international standards or TÜV SÜD own checklist. Reference is made to criteria enshrined in International Labour Conventions (ILO) and other established global best practices.

If you are unclear which solution or standard better fits your needs, our technical experts will be glad to advise. Social Compliance Audits are conducted on-site and normally cover specific locations identified in advance, such as production sites, manufacturing facilities, warehouse and storage areas etc. If feasible, TÜV SÜD can also advise on feasibility of remote monitoring and verification activities. 

Your business benefits at a glance

TÜV SÜD is a founder member of the Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA) and is committed to apply the APSCA Code of Professional Conduct while conducting its Social Compliance Audits. Audit activities are executed by professional auditors and their information is subject to quality control and approval before finalisation.

• Demonstrate compliance to due diligence requirements by conducting Social Compliance Audits.
• Minimise risks with safer working conditions, that reduce the chance of harm to employees and damage to business reputation.
• Gain a competitive edge by demonstrating your organisation’s ethical stance.
• Ensure independent certification of auditor’s’ competencies in accordance with the APSCA framework.

For more information about TÜV SÜD’s Social Compliance Audits.

Contact us today