The role of audits within the BSCI process

Independent external audits are used by BSCI participants to assess the performance of a supplier against the BSCI Code of Conduct. All BSCI audits are exclusively conducted by auditing companies that have been accredited by Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) and have signed a Framework contract with BSCI.

Once an auditing company is certified by SAAS, the company can contact BSCI to express their interest to be included in the list of BSCI auditors. The details of the relationship between the auditing companies and BSCI are fixed in a framework contract. Procedures for the audits, BSCI management instruments and instructions on the use of the BSCI database are regulated by this framework contract and a series of documents is provided. Only a Lead Auditor who is certified SA8000 and has successfully passed an SA8000 Advanced Lead Auditor Training by SAAS is allowed to perform a BSCI audit. The list of accredited auditing companies is available under "Links".

How to become an auditing company in the BSCI framework?

The following documents are needed to initiate the application process:

• Copy of the SAAS accreditation certificate.
• List of the local offices the auditing company has around the world.
• List of the auditors that have successfully participated in SA8000 Advanced Lead Auditor training provided by SAAS. The list should include the names and the certificate numbers.

Send all your documents to BSCI to the attention of Olga Orozco.

If you are already part of an Accredited BSCI auditing company and you have questions regarding auditing tools or procedures, please reach the BSCI contact person within your organisation. They will be able to direct your question to the appropriate BSCI team member.