A social audit is an independent assessment of an organization’s labour practices, working conditions, human rights standards, health and safety, environmental performance and business ethics. It evaluates how a business impacts workers, communities and supply chains and is increasingly required to demonstrate ethical sourcing and responsible operations.
We provide expert support in social audit preparation, gap analysis and certification across major frameworks. Whether you are a manufacturer seeking supplier approval or a company strengthening supply chain compliance, we guide you through every stage of the process.
Share one audit with multiple buyers
Reduce repeated audits from different customers
Access self-assessment questionnaires (SAQ)
Supply chain visibility and mapping
Risk assessment tools
Connect with global buyers requiring SEDEX
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the world’s most widely used social audit, independently evaluating a supplier’s labour practices, working conditions, health and safety, environmental performance, and business ethics. It is increasingly required by global retailers and brands to demonstrate ethical sourcing. Achieving SMETA compliance opens access to international supply chains and builds credibility as a responsible business.
A four-pillar SMETA audit evaluates: Labour Standards & Working Hours; Health, Safety & Environment; Business Ethics & Anti-Bribery; and Environment & Sustainability. Common issues found include excessive overtime, below-minimum wages, blocked emergency exits, no safety training, and missing environmental permits.
SEDEX is an online platform allowing suppliers to store audit data and share it with multiple buyers through a single registration — eliminating the need for repeated audits from different customers. It also provides self-assessment questionnaires, supply chain risk tools, and direct connectivity with global buyers who require SEDEX registration as a procurement condition.
The most frequent issues include: working hours exceeding 60 hours per week; wages below the legal minimum; no age verification procedures; retention of worker documents or recruitment fees; blocked fire exits; no PPE or safety training records; and absence of environmental permits. Addressing these through a structured gap analysis before the official audit is critical for a successful outcome.
Preparation follows five steps: gap analysis against SMETA requirements; management and worker training on audit standards and rights; documentation review covering payroll, contracts, timesheets and safety records; a mock audit to identify and correct remaining gaps; and post-audit CAPA management to close any non-conformances. Working with an experienced consultant throughout significantly improves first-time audit success.
