IA SOCIAL COMPLIANCE AUDITS
CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction:

In the landscape where Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stands as a pivotal component for leading brands and retailers, there is a rising demand from multi-stakeholders and consumers. They urge companies to uphold social responsibility by ensuring lawful, ethical workplace conditions in the manufacturing of goods. This includes demonstrating humane treatment of workers, subcontractors, and suppliers.

What is a Social Compliance Audit?

A Social Compliance Audit, also known as an Ethical Audit or Code of Conduct Audit, involves on-site visits to factories, farms, or warehouses. Its purpose is to verify compliance with legal, salary, health & safety, and environmental standards concerning employees. These audits encompass site visits, interviews with management and workers, scrutiny of payroll and working hours, as well as examination of training records and procedural documentation. An audit report is subsequently issued within a standard period, typically five working days. This report comprises of identified issues and recommended corrective actions.

Understanding the Code of Conduct:

A Code of Conduct delineates the standards governing corporate and business practices according to ethical and legal benchmarks. Its implementation showcases a company's commitment to operating at the highest ethical standards, surpassing the legal requisites. Brands and importers may devise their unique CoC standards or adopt internationally recognized methods. These standards often tailor to meet retailers' specifications based on the International Labor Organization criteria.

Ensuring Transparency and Compliance:

To ensure transparency, social compliance audits are commonly conducted by independent audit companies adhering to international standards. These standards may vary based on the facility's location and the specific audit requirements.

Why Conduct Social Compliance Audits?

Consumers today expect brands to display social responsibility across their entire supply chain.

Developing a Code of Conduct mandated for all suppliers offers multiple benefits:

• Ensures fair and ethical treatment of workers throughout the supply chain.
• Enhances attractiveness as an employer, leading to increased employee retention.
• Improves brand reputation while avoiding negative publicity.
• Establishes a competitive edge by showcasing ethical commitments to consumers.
• Elevates workplace standards, potentially resulting in heightened productivity and increased profits.

Services Offered by International Associates Limited:

International Associates Limited specializes in conducting social compliance, health & safety, environmental, and surveillance audits. We serve brands, retailers, and other entities by evaluating their suppliers and manufacturers. Our approach is characterized by impartiality, integrity, confidentiality, and utmost diligence.

The audit completed is based on the ETI Base Code, the ILO conventions and also local country specific legislation regarding labiur laws, worker and human rights.

Our team of specialized auditors conducts audits aligned with local laws, regulations, and the specific Code of Conduct outlined by our clients. Our comprehensive auditing process involves several stages: Opening Meeting, Management Interview, Document Review, Factory Site Tour (Health & Safety, Environment), Workers Interview (on-site and/or off-site), Visual Inspection, and Closing Meeting.

Areas Covered in Our Social Compliance Audits:

• Child Labor & Juvenile Workers
• Forced Labor
• Working Hours
• Compensation & Benefits
• Discrimination
• Harassment and Abuse
• Freedom of Association / Collective Bargaining
• Health and Safety
• Environmental Compliance