Our way of conducting sustainability audits

Conducting audits is an important part of our quality and sustainability work. We make a point of having the audits conducted by our local employees. It helps us to get the true picture, put relevant demands on sustainability performance and collaborate with our production partners.

Here is our sustainability audit process, in brief:

Normally it takes two days to complete the full sustainability audit, and one day to do the follow-up audit. Every audit is done on factory site in accordance with a detailed template comprised of six parts:

Management System
Human Rights
Labour and Working Conditions
Health and Safety
Environment
Business Ethics

1 OPENING MEETING to explain the aim of the audit, why it is important, processes and how reporting is done. The meeting is attended by the factory’s management and sustainability representatives.

Factory meeting

2 REVIEWING DOCUMENTS and records covering policies, management systems, training plans and attendee lists, time sheets, payrolls, insurances, accidents/incidents reports, list of regulations etc.

Reviewing document during an sustainability audit.

3 FACTORY TOUR where we check fire protection systems and equipment, emergency exits, personal protection equipment, hazardous chemical handling, hazardous waste handling, wastewater/air handling, the canteen, dormitory etc.

4 EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS focusing on obtaining a more in-depth picture of working conditions at the factory.

5 CLOSING MEETING summing up the findings to give factory management a clear picture of what they are expected to improve and why, and the steps they need to take after the audit.

6 THE AUDIT REPORT includes results and findings for each of the six areas. Factory’s management is given time to review the report and respond with corrective actions plan.