Management system investigation and document review, including management interview.
The auditor checks and reports on:
0.1 Whether the site has a social compliance/ethical trade policy and written procedures which meet
the Code and International Labour Standards.
0.2 Looks for specific policies and procedures which ensure the site meets in particular freedom of
association, discrimination and general human rights standards.
0.3 Checks whether the site knows the local laws concerning Labour Standards e.g. age, wages,
hours of work, Health & Safety etc. Whether there is a system in place to keep up to date with all
local laws concerning workplace requirements, Labour Standards, Environment etc.
0.4 Records whether resources are allocated to implement any systems and procedures including
the appointment of a senior responsible manager.
0.5 Reviews whether there is a system to measure the effectiveness of these policies and
procedures, such as by internal audit.
0.6 Checks that the site is aware of specific client requirements such as client’s policy on labour
standards, labelling, quality, environment and shows commitment to work with their clients to
meet these requirements.
0.7 Checks that the ETI Base Code or client specific codes have been communicated to on-site
workers including, local labour laws/labour rights and how this has been done e.g. posters,
worker trainings etc. (In cases where literacy level is low, what method of communication is
used).
0.8 Establishes what action is taken to communicate and implement the code in its own supply chain
e.g. to raw material suppliers.
0.9 Check whether the site has a list of subcontractors (where relevant) and has
communicated/monitored labour standards at these subcontractors.
0.10 Check that the site has all applicable/required land rights, licences and permission.
0.11 In the last 12 months, has the site been subject to (or pending) any fines/prosecutions for noncompliance
to any regulations.
Worker Interviews – to corroborate workplace practices
Auditor seeks to confirm the management system in place, document review and management interview by
worker testimony. Discrepancies should be noted, taking care to protect the anonymity of workers.
0.12 Have the codes been communicated and how.
0.13 Has there been any training on labour standards and for non-native speakers or less literate
workers etc. what method of communication was used.
Note: The auditor should check that the management system is appropriate for the size and nature of the
business. Formal documented systems are not necessarily expected for smaller organisations.