Converged Assessment Framework (CAF)

Find out below about how this universal social assessment tool can help reduce audit fatigue and provide credible and actionable data.

 

What is the CAF?

The Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) is a tool developed by SLCP signatories to assess working conditions in facilities. The CAF collects a comprehensive set of foundational social and labor data, reducing the need for multiple proprietary audits. It provides credible and actionable data that supports human rights due diligence.

The assessment process consists of three stages:

Data collection

Facilities use the Data Collection Tool to answer questions on various social and labor compliance topics.

Data verification

SLCP approved Verifiers verify facility answers following a robust verification methodology.

Data sharing

Facilities control how they  share their assessment data with multiple end users – such as brands and retailers – through a unique and secure system designed to minimize audit fatigue.

Why use the CAF?

  • A comprehensive tool

    The CAF covers a wide range of social and labor compliance topics, addressing key risks across the supply chain and giving you the foundational data you need. It is suitable for use in all types of facilities throughout the supply chain.

  • Aligned with legislation and standards

    Mapped against national labor laws and international labor standards, the CAF helps you identify risks and monitor progress — two crucial steps in the human rights due diligence process.

  • Flexible and customisable

    SLCP does not apply any standard to the data or provide scoring or certification. End-users have the flexibility to apply their own standard or Code of Conduct to the data. SLCP partners with external service providers, called Accredited Hosts, who can support you to analyze and interpret the data.

  • Built on collaboration

    Developed through the input of diverse stakeholders, the CAF enjoys industry-wide acceptance, reducing audit duplication and facilitating meaningful improvements.

 

How do I use the CAF?

The CAF is available on a network of platforms called Accredited Hosts, all linked together by the SLCP Gateway.

Facilities only need to complete one assessment, and they can share it across this network of platforms, making it efficient and reducing audit fatigue.

 
 

SLCP Gateway

The Gateway is the central repository of all SLCP data. Facilities can control how they share their SLCP assessment data from the Gateway, and it is free for them to use. The Gateway homepage is also a directory to lots of useful information about SLCP operations.

The SLCP Gateway was built and is operated by the International Trade Centre (ITC).

 

 Accredited Hosts

Accredited Hosts (AHs) are external service providers that have partnered with SLCP to facilitate data collection and analysis.

 
 

  • Facilities can complete the SLCP assessment and verification process using any of our Active Accredited Hosts. These platforms enable facilities to perform the full assessment, from data collection to verification, and seamlessly share their verified data with multiple end users.

    Current Active Accredited Hosts: Worldly

  • Brands and other end users can access SLCP data through both Active and Passive Accredited Hosts.

    • Active Accredited Hosts allow brands to view completed assessments and offer additional services, such as scoring or comparing the data to a brand’s Code of Conduct.

      Current Active Accredited Hosts: Worldly

    • Passive Accredited Hosts cannot be used by facilities to conduct assessments but can still receive completed assessment data from the SLCP Gateway. These platforms also provide services to help brands and other end users to help them understand and use the data.

    • Additionally, brands can act as passive hosts themselves, requesting data from their suppliers and using their own platforms for analysis. Read more about brand hosts here.