The SLCP is an independent multi-stakeholder program which has developed the Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) (this includes a Data Collection Tool and verification methodology) as well as data hosting and sharing process.
SAC is one of the Accredited Hosts (AH). We are approved by the SLCP to store SLCP assessment data on their platform and provide additional data analytics and sharing services to users such as brands, standard holders, and manufacturers.
Facilities are able to complete a self/joint-assessment and the verification of that assessment through the Higg.org platform. The SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) is available on Higg.org platform and is found through the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module.
Since 2018, the SAC has replaced its own proprietary tool Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM) by using the Converged Assessment Framework as the backbone of the updated Higg FSLM.
SAC believes that the apparel & footwear industry should converge and harmonize efforts through the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) Converged Assessment Framework in order to reduce the number of social and labor audits. This eliminates audit fatigue, enables data comparison, and frees up resources for improvement programs.
The Social & Labour Convergence Program question sets are incorporated into the updated Higg FSLM and the verification methodology developed by the S&L Convergence Prgram is now valid for Higg FSLM.
See previous answer. In October 2019, SAC started to pilot the scoring methodology for the Higg FSLM. The scoring is specific to the Higg Index and not available in SLCP gateway or other accredited hosts. We released a scored version of the Higg FSLM CAF 1.3 in 2020.
SLCP data can only be completed as a self-assessment and verified on an accredited host platform (e.g. higg.org). Therefore the first step for a facility to take is to purchase a Higg FSLM self-assessment on higg.org. So far as now, verified modules are available for purchase only for factories located in some countries/regions.
Higg FSLM is the Facility Social Labor Module self-assessment version, and vFSLM is the verified version of the FSLM self-assessment. Only the vFSLM can be transferred between Higg.org and the SLCP Gateway.
Yes, both the FSLM CAF 1.3 and FSLM CAF 1.4 have scoring available.
Higg FSLM CAF 1.4 are currently available in English and Chinese. The other languages will be coming soon. However, please note that all responses within the tool must be completed in English.
More information: https://www.sumerra.com/programs/slcp/active-vb-list/
Therefore only factories located in these countries can access and purchase a vFSLM. Verification will be expanding to other countries in 2020. As the SLCP expands their verification program into other countries, the SAC will continue to update our vFSLM purchasing availability in the added locations.
SLCP is currently available in the following countries / regions:
- Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia
- Americas: Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, USA
- Asia: China, Hong Kong, India, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand
- Europe: Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey
After the launch of CAF v1.4 in April 2021, SLCP will also be available in:
- Africa: South Africa
- Americas: Canada
- Asia: Japan, Singapore
- Europe: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, Russia, Serbia, United Kingdom, Ukraine
SLCP is also already available for facilities that are not eligible for the ILO-BetterWork program in the following countries / regions:
- Asia: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam
SLCP will fully roll-out in these countries in May / June 2021. Additionally, we will launch in Pakistan in May. SLCP will become available in other ILO-BetterWork countries in Q3 2021 / 2022 (TBC).
Please refer to SLCP gateway website: https://gateway.slconvergence.org/home.
Higg FSLM should be completed once every 12 months. This module is on a “rolling cycle” meaning there is no deadline and the assessment can be completed at any time throughout the year. The SAC encourages its members and users to follow the same timeline as Higg FEM, to post their modules by June 30th. The consistent timeline encourages streamlined planning and reporting.
SAC charges a fee for Higg.org platform access and support when you purchase a vFSLM. SLCP charges a verification fee to cover verification program management. This fee is captured by verifiers as a part of their verification fee.
No. Higg FSLM can only be verified on an approved accredited host platform (e.g. Higg.org). To verify a Higg FSLM, a vFSLM must be purchased before the verification starts. Please note that verification (vFSLM) is only available in many countries. Click here to learn more.
The verifiers for FSLM will have to be approved by SLCP through their verification process.
Only SLCP approved verifiers can conduct an SLCP/FSLM verification and produce a valid verified assessment report. Approved Higg FEM verifiers that are interested to also become an approved verifier for FSLM should apply through the SLCP :
More information: https://slcp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002174513-FAQ-Verifiers.
You can link your SLCP gateway facility ID to start your Higg FSLM module. Once started you will be able to complete, post, share, and request to share your Higg FSLM module. You are able to track any shared Higg FSLM modules and import/export the module. You can also submit your completed FSLM for verification if you are located in the SLCP 2019 operation countries/areas and have purchased the vFSLM.
All training materials have been posted here. All these materials are also posted in the resource section of https://slcp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us.
Yes. If your SLCP assessment is completed and verified on another accredited host platform, you can transfer it to Higg.org via the SLCP Gateway. You will need to purchase a vFSLM on higg.org in order to import and share your assessment with your business partners. You should go to your SLCP gateway account and choose to link SAC/Higg Co. Then you will need to purchase a vFSLM. Go to the FSLM tab in higg.org and click “transfer SLCP” to purchase. Then you can see the vFSLM data in your FSLM module page.
If you are an SAC member, you do not need to pay the Higg fee to transfer another verified assessment to the Higg platform.
If you only plan to complete the Higg FSLM self-assessment, you don’t need to create any accounts in SLCP gateway and link it with Higg.org. You just need to have your account created in Higg.org. Login to your Higg.org account and go to the FSLM tab. Click “purchase Higg FSLM” , then you can start to work on your Higg FSLM.
For step by step guidance please click here.
No. Registration on the SLCP Gateway is free.
The Law Guidance is a new feature of the Social & Labor Convergence Program’s Converged Assessment Framework. It is a guide that outlines information about international labor standards, national laws, and ILO norms. The Law Guidance determines a facility’s compliance with these legal standards.
The Law Guidance raises awareness of legal requirements for a facility. It ensures that laws and labor standards are consistently followed and that areas of non-compliance are noted so they may be addressed.
The Law Guidance is available for Step 1 of the CAF in Better Work program countries. Facilities in those countries have access to the national Law Guidance. It is also available via the Higg platform in Bangladesh. It will be available in Indonesia and Vietnam later this year.
Stakeholders including facilities, brands, retailers and verifiers can use the Law Guidance to understand legal compliance at a facility.
Facilities can view the Law Guidance directly in the FSLM assessment interface on the Higg.org platform. However, the Law Guidance is not able to show in the offline excel file of FSLM.
Once the verification of the FSLM starts, the verifiers will be able to access facilities’ vFSLM and view the law guidance for the related questions on our platform.
Here you can learn more about ILO Better Work.