SLCP (Social and Labor Convergence Program) is a collaborative initiative launched in 2015 by international textile and apparel brands, retailers, manufacturers, trade unions and NGOs. Its goal is to eliminate the need for factories to repeat the same social audit dozens of times and to move to a "audit once, use many times" model. Major brands such as Kaufland, IKEA, H&M, Walmart, Adidas, Nike and Tesco are active SLCP users. The system is revolutionary in easing the audit burden, particularly in the textile and apparel sector.
The Problem SLCP Sets Out to Solve
A textile factory typically undergoes 8-15 different audits per year:
- Walmart Standards
- Disney FAMA
- IKEA IWAY
- Nike Code of Conduct
- H&M Code of Conduct
- SEDEX SMETA
- Amfori BSCI
- Higg FSLM
- SA 8000
These audits are parallel processes that ask about the same worker rights through different questions and use different reporting formats. The annual audit burden on a single factory can exceed 200 hours. SLCP replaces this burden with a single assessment.
How Does SLCP Work?
- Converged Assessment Framework (CAF): A standardized assessment framework that consolidates the common areas of all social audits.
- Self-assessment followed by verification: The factory first carries out its own assessment, then an accredited verifier checks it on site.
- One result, many uses: The verified result is shared with all member brands through the SLCP database.
- Brand acceptance decision: Each brand evaluates the result against its own requirements and may conduct additional review if needed.
The Three Steps of the CAF
| Step | Content | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 (Mandatory) | Core social compliance (required for every facility) | ~165 questions |
| Step 2 (Recommended) | Extended social compliance + HR management | ~95 additional questions |
| Step 3 (Optional) | Good practices, sustainable sourcing | ~40 additional questions |
The Advantages SLCP Provides
- Reduced audit burden: One assessment instead of 10 audits a year.
- Lower cost: A single assessment fee is 30-50% of the total cost of multiple audits.
- Substance-focused approach: Time spent on genuine social improvement rather than audit preparation.
- Data ownership: The factory owns its own data and decides which brands to share it with.
- Standardization: All brands evaluate against the same data set.
Our SLCP Verification Process
- Registration on the SLCP platform: You join the system through one of the gateways (SEDEX, Higg, Worldly, FairFactories Clearinghouse).
- Completing the self-assessment: The CAF form of 165+ questions is filled out.
- Uploading documents: Policies, procedures and record systems are uploaded to the portal.
- Assigning an accredited verifier: One of the SLCP-approved verification bodies is selected.
- On-site verification: A 1-2 day facility visit with worker interviews.
- Verified result: The result is uploaded to the SLCP database and can be shared with brands.
SLCP is the new paradigm of the social compliance world. Instead of carrying the same audit burden 10 times, invest in a single, well-executed assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is SLCP only for the textile sector?
For now it is mainly widespread in the textile and apparel sector. However, in recent years pilots have also been run in the electronics, household goods and food sectors.
- Will my SLCP verification be accepted by all brands?
Most major brands, yes. Some brands additionally require their own specific criteria. SLCP is seen as a "common foundation" on which brand-specific layers can be added.
- How does the transition from my current SMETA audit to SLCP work?
Because the two systems are closely aligned, SMETA preparation provides a strong foundation for SLCP. However, SLCP's self-assessment-heavy structure requires more internal preparation from the factory.