Converged Assessment Framework (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.  

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.

    • 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.

 

  • 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

  • Companies such as brands and other end users can access SLCP data through both Active and Passive Accredited Hosts.

    • Active Accredited Hosts allow companies to view completed assessments and offer additional services, such as scoring or comparing the data to a company’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 companies and other end users to help them understand and use the data.

      Current Passive Accredited Hosts: Inspectorio, Retraced

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

  • Here is an overview of a brand’s SLCP journey and how they can make the most of the program.