Converged Assessment Framework (CAF)

What is the CAF? | How the CAF works | Our data sharing ecosystem |  How do I use the CAF? 

What is the CAF?

The Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) is a tool developed by SLCP signatories to assess working conditions in facilities.  

By collecting a comprehensive and credible set of social and labor data,  the CAF determines compliance with international labor standards and national labor laws - providing the foundation necessary for robust human rights due diligence.  

Why it matters:

  • Reduces audit fatigue: Instead of requiring facilities to complete multiple assessments for different customers, the CAF enables one assessment to be shared with many stakeholders

  • Frees up resources: By reducing duplication and audit fatigue across supply chains, stakeholders can shift focus towards improving working conditions.

How the CAF works

Data collection 

The facility completes a self-assessment using the CAF which gathers information across a wide range of social and labor topics, providing a comprehensive picture of working conditions within a facility. 

Find out what topics are covered in the CAF here.

Data verification 

An SLCP-approved Verifier verifies the facility’s answers using a robust verification methodology, ensuring quality and credibility of the data. 

Read about our data quality and integrity program here.

Data sharing

The facility shares their assessment data with multiple end-users – such as companies, brands and retailers – through a unique and secure system designed to minimize audit fatigue. 

Read about our data sharing ecosystem here. 

Our data sharing ecosystem  

Rather than creating a single platform that everyone must use, SLCP enables different platforms to connect to a shared system. This allows users to choose the tools that best fit their needs while still accessing the same verified data. 

The CAF is available through a network of approved platforms connected via the SLCP Gateway. 

The Gateway is the central hub of this data ecosystem. 

Built and operated by the International Trade Centre, this free-to-use platform is where SLCP data is securely stored. The Gateway enables the data to flow between different platforms and stakeholders in a secure and reliable way.  

Accredited Hosts

SLCP does not provide scoring or value judgement on the assessment data. To support different user needs, SLCP works with approved technology partners known as Accredited Hosts who provide additional mapping, scoring, and analysis services.  

  • Active Accredited Hosts

    Handles the end-to-end assessment creation process. This is the platform where facilities complete their self-assessments, Verifiers submit verification findings, and facilities share the final reports with end-users. Active Accredited Hosts can also provide data analysis services such as scoring or comparing data against a brand’s Code of Conduct. 

    Current Active Accredited Host: Worldly

  • Passive Accredited Hosts

    Focuses on data sharing and use. Facilities cannot use these platforms to complete or verify assessments, but can share their verified data with customers, while end-users can use them for data analysis services such as scoring or comparing data against a brand’s Code of Conduct. 

    Current Passive Accredited Hosts: Inspectorio | Retraced

→ Find out more here. 

    • Worldly is the leading sustainability and supply chain intelligence platform for the consumer goods industry.

    • Helps customers mitigate risk, boost efficiency, drive impact, and build resilience across their businesses and global value chains.

    • Exclusive provider of Cascale's Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM) with custom scoring and insights

    • Automatically surface compliance risks, streamline remediation, and strengthen social impact with Worldly's Supplier Compliance Management.

      Find out more on their website.

 

    • AI-powered technology allowing instant insights and recommendations to mitigate supply chain risks

    • Easy, in-platform document management and communication with suppliers 

    • Track production milestones, monitor risk hotspots, and view performance analytics across suppliers

    Find out more on their website.

 

    • Comprehensive supply chain management solution covering traceability, risk, CAPA, and consumer transparency (DPP)

    • Manage and track corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) across the entire supplier network

    • Connect easily with suppliers to collaborate in real-time or automate reminders and notifications

    • Provides complete transparency to raw materials in the supply chain with 20,000+ suppliers in the retraced network

    Find out more on their website.

 

How do I use the CAF? 

For Facilities

→ To complete an SLCP assessment and verification process:

→ To share your SLCP assessment with a customer: 

  • Send a direct link to the SLCP report on the Gateway for free

    • Avoid sending your SLCP report as an email attachment as it puts your data integrity at risk.

    • Using the secure email share option from the Gateway instead proves your report is authentic and verified. 

For Brands and Retailers

→ If you want to access and analyse SLCP data, you can:

  • Request the facility for a link to the SLCP report on the Gateway for free.  

    • Don’t accept the SLCP report as an email attachment. Demand the secure Gateway link to ensure the data hasn't been tampered with after verification. 

    • It’s easy and straight forward – no log in needed!

  • Or use an Active or Passive Accredited Host.

  • Or request data from suppliers and use your own platforms for analysis with an API integration to the SLCP Gateway. 

    Find out more here.

Did you know? 

In some countries, where facilities that have completed a Better Work assessment, they can choose to share that data with the SLCP Gateway for further sharing. Find out more here.