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Slave-Free Alliance (SFA) and International Associates (IA) are solidifying their relationship around the common goal of mitigating the risk of modern slavery and labour exploitation in global supply chains. With SFA’s Annual Conference coming up this November, there isn’t a better time to find out more about the organisation, and how to partner with SFA to work together towards a slave-free supply chain.

What is Slave-Free Alliance?

SFA is a social enterprise whose mission is to help organisations of all sizes mitigate the risk of modern slavery and labour exploitation within their own operations and supply chains. It was founded in 2018 by the global anti-trafficking charity Hope for Justice following Operation Fort, which unveiled the UK’s biggest modern slavery network and implicated multiple national businesses.

Since then, SFA has grown to a significant community of over 120 members across every industry, including 17 FTSE100 companies, and continues to donate all profits to Hope for Justice. International Associates has been a member of Slave-Free Alliance for 6 years, a longstanding collaboration that continues to evolve and highlight the numerous synergies between both organisations.

What does Slave-Free Alliance offer?

Modern slavery affects an estimated 50 million people worldwide; addressing this crime is a contemporary, urgent issue that is becoming business-critical. SFA acts as a critical friend to the organisations it engages with, helping them rise above baseline compliance by creating tailored and proportionate anti-modern slavery strategies that deliver real results.

Composed of a multidisciplinary team of experts from a wide variety of backgrounds, SFA works with its members to understand, identify, and mitigate potential and actual areas of risks; to build capability and strengthen their resilience to those risks; and to create collaborative spaces for them to learn and share best practice.

To do this, SFA has developed a suite of curated and impactful products. Among them are SFA’s pioneering membership programme designed for long-term support and strategic change, consultancy services (ranging from modern slavery statement reviews to escalation processes development), and varied training and technology solutions.

Get in touch with Slave-Free Alliance

If you think your organisation could benefit from SFA’s human rights expertise, get in touch with their friendly commercial team:

Slave-Free Alliance Annual Conference: A Global Forum for Change

IA clients are also warmly invited to discover Slave-Free Alliance and explore possibilities of collaboration at the SFA Annual Conference in Manchester on 21st November 2024.

A full day packed with insightful talks, organised around each step of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, it will be an unmissable event for sustainability professionals at all levels and across the entire ESG spectrum.

Speakers from the United Nations Global Compact Network UK, Tony’s Chocolonely, John Lewis Partnership, and more have been confirmed, and the whole SFA team would be delighted to welcome you to their annual celebration of human rights best practice.

For IA clients only, an exclusive discount code is available for a £50 reduction on the standard ticket price, which makes it all the more worth it: IACLIENTS2024.

Click here to learn more about this highly anticipated event, apply the code, and secure a spot.

SFA looks forward to IA clients joining these important conversations around human rights in supply chains and making a difference for workers worldwide.

Author: m-coles

Published Date: October 1, 2024

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞

Technology has always been a core part of International Associates’ business, our commitment to cutting-edge IT solutions is a key driver for our business.

Today, we are excited to announce our strategic collaboration with DeepFathom to introduce an innovative internal auditing software solution which allows your internal audits to be conducted using a blended approach all through a fully customisable portal, which can be embedded into your website or software.

What does this mean for you? This new solution can transform your auditing processes by combining the convenience of software with the thoroughness of face-to-face audits.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐦’𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?

Deep Fathom’s internal auditing solution revolutionises face-to-face auditing methods with a blended approach, seamlessly integrating advanced technology with on-site verification, all combined within one seamless software package

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬:

• More consistent results across your internal audit resource

• Reduced travelling, helping to reduce your carbon footprint

• Enhanced collaboration between remote and on-site teams

• Fully customisable to your requirements and easily integrated into your software solutions.

Experience the future of auditing with International Associates Ltd and Deep Fathom Ltd. Contact us today to learn how this innovative system can revolutionise your auditing process and elevate your business.

📧 enquiry@ia-uk.com | 🌐 www.ia-uk.com

#InternationalAssociates #Innovation #Digital #Audit #Software #Technology #Leaders #RiskManagement #Analytics #Training #Auditors #Business #Growth #Quality #QualityAssurance #QualityManagement

Author: m-coles

Published Date: July 24, 2024

Update on Battery Regulations!

In July 2023, a new EU battery regulation (Regulation 2023/1542) was approved by the EU. The aim of the regulation is to create a harmonised legislation for the sustainability and safety of batteries. Some provisions came into force on 18 February 2024, while others will become relevant over the next few years. This significant move marks a major step forward in promoting responsible production and recycling of batteries across the EU.

If you are importing batteries or if your product contains a battery, then this will apply to your product including medical devices. And you will need to appoint an Authorised Representative such as International Associates Limited and also update your technical file accordingly.

Here are some key highlights from the new regulation:

𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: From August 2028, industrial and electric vehicle batteries must contain specific minimum percentages of recycled materials. For instance, by 2036, these batteries must have at least 26% recycled cobalt and 85% recycled lead.

𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Starting February 2025, electric vehicles and industrial batteries must include detailed carbon footprint declarations, highlighting the environmental impact of their production.

𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬: By December 2030, the EU aims to achieve ambitious recycling efficiency targets, such as recycling 70% of lithium-based batteries and 95% of nickel.

𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐰 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: Economic operators must now adopt robust due diligence policies to ensure responsible sourcing of raw materials, addressing both social and environmental risks associated with battery production.

𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: A new battery passport will provide detailed information on battery composition, carbon footprint, and responsible sourcing practices, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain.

enquiry@ia-uk.com | www.ia-uk.com

#InternationalAssociates #EuropeanUnion #Batteries #Energy #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy #Safety #Production #Manufacturing #Recycling #MedicalDevices #ElectricVehicle #EV #Transportation #Sourcing #Environment #Transparency #Traceability #SupplyChain

Author: m-coles

Published Date: July 20, 2024

We are pleased to announce the opening of our brand-new office in Cambodia, bringing top-tier auditing services closer to you! 🇰🇭 Our commitment to excellence and innovation drives us to new heights, and we are excited to serve the Cambodian market with our industry-leading expertise. Our specialised services include ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 22000:2018, SMETA, WRAP, SLCP, C-TPAT, Higg, SA8000, GMP etc. These services are designed to provide you with effective, tailored solutions that uphold the highest standards. Our team of experts is ready to tackle your toughest auditing challenges, driving efficiency, transparency, and growth. Let’s achieve excellence together. Contact us to discover how we can support your success in Cambodia!

📍House No. B06, National Road No.3, Krang Daun Tei Village, Street 3K, Sangkat Choam Chao, Khan Posenchey, Phnom Penh City, Cambodia,

enquiry@ia-uk.com | www.ia-uk.com

#InternationalAssociates #Cambodia #Audit #Training #Certification #Compliance #Management #Auditors #Innovative #Business #Growth #Quality #QualityAssurance #QualityManagement #ContinuousImprovement

Author: m-coles

Published Date: July 15, 2024

Are you facing challenges with auditor resources from your current Certification Body? International Associates Limited is here to help!

We are directly accredited by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO). Our experienced auditors are readily available to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of your GWO certification.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐮𝐬?

𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐆𝐖𝐎 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Trust in our recognised and reputable certification services.

𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: We have the resources to meet your audit schedules without delays.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐖𝐎 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬: Benefit from our specialised knowledge and experience in wind energy safety and training standards.

Don’t let auditor shortages hinder your compliance. Contact us today to discuss your certification transfer needs and ensure your business remains compliant and competitive.

enquiry@ia-uk.com | www.ia-uk.com

#InternationalAssociates #GWO #Certification #Audit #Auditors #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #Environment #WindEnergy #Wind #Energy #Renewables #Safety #Training #Business #Compliance #ESG

Author: m-coles

Published Date: July 3, 2024

Transfer Your ISO 9001:2015 Certification with Ease

Are you finding it difficult to arrange your audits and contact the operations team with your current Certification Body? International Associates Limited is here to help!

We hold UKAS accreditation for Quality Management Systems (QMS) to ISO 9001:2015. Our experienced auditors are readily available to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of your ISO 9001:2015 certification.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐮𝐬?

𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Trust in our recognised and reputable certification services.

𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦: Easily schedule your audits through our user-friendly online booking system.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐑𝐌 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐥: Benefit from our state-of-the-art CRM system and client portal, providing seamless communication and management of your certification process.

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: We specialise in sectors such as basic metals, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles, and training, but more business sectors are coming regularly so please get in touch.

Ensure your business remains compliant and competitive without the hassle. Contact us today to discuss your certification transfer needs.

enquiry@ia-uk.com | www.ia-uk.com

#InternationalAssociates #ISO9001 #Metals #Manufacturing #Wholesale #Retail #Trade #Transportation #Training #Certification #Management #Audit #Auditors #Business #Compliance #Quality #QualityAssurance #QualityManagement

Author: m-coles

Published Date: June 30, 2024