Sedex Audit Agency

Product Description

The Sedex audit process typically includes the following steps:

• Registration: The supplier registers on the Sedex platform and creates a profile with information on their business practices and supply chain.

• Audit Request: The buyer (the company that is requesting the audit) sends an audit request to the supplier through the Sedex platform. The request specifies the type of audit required (SMETA or SA8000) and the scope of the audit.

• Audit Preparation: The supplier prepares for the audit by collecting and organizing relevant documents, such as policies, procedures, and records related to labor, health and safety, and environmental management.

• On-Site or Remote Audit: The audit is conducted on-site or remotely by a Sedex-approved audit firm. The audit team interviews employees, reviews documents, and conducts site inspections to assess the supplier's compliance with ethical and responsible business practices.

• Audit Report: The audit firm prepares a detailed report on the supplier's performance against the Sedex code of conduct. The report includes observations, findings, and recommendations for improvement.

• Corrective Action Plan: The supplier develops a corrective action plan to address any non-compliances identified in the audit report. The plan includes timelines, responsibilities, and actions to be taken to address the non-compliances.

• Follow-Up Audit: If required, a follow-up audit is conducted to verify that the supplier has implemented the corrective action plan and is in compliance with the Sedex code of conduct.

• Sharing of Audit Results: The audit report and corrective action plan are shared among Sedex members, allowing companies to assess the risk of doing business with a particular supplier.

• Sedex consultants can provide a range of services to suppliers, including:

• Gap Analysis: A Sedex consultant can conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where a supplier's business practices do not comply with the Sedex code of conduct. The consultant can provide recommendations for improvement and help the supplier develop a corrective action plan.

• Audit Preparation: A Sedex consultant can help a supplier prepare for a Sedex audit by providing guidance on document collection, organizing records, and preparing employees for interviews.

• Audit Management: A Sedex consultant can manage the Sedex audit process on behalf of the supplier, ensuring that the audit runs smoothly and that the supplier's interests are protected.

• Training and Capacity Building: A Sedex consultant can provide training to the supplier's employees on ethical and responsible business practices, helping them to understand the requirements of the Sedex code of conduct and how to implement best practices.

• Continuous Improvement: A Sedex consultant can help the supplier develop a continuous improvement program, ensuring that the supplier maintains compliance with the Sedex code of conduct and continues to improve their business practices over time.