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Sedex Audit (4 pillar)

Sedex Audit (4-Pillar): Ensuring Ethical & Sustainable Business Practices

A Sedex 4-Pillar Audit is a comprehensive assessment based on SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) guidelines. It covers labor standards, health & safety, environmental sustainability, and business ethics to ensure responsible supply chain management. This audit helps businesses meet international compliance standards, improve transparency, and build trust with stakeholders. Companies undergoing this audit demonstrate their commitment to ethical sourcing, social responsibility, and sustainable operations, making them preferred partners for global brands and retailers.

 

Our Key Services:

  • Pre-Audit Consultation – Understanding requirements and preparing for the audit.
  • Gap Analysis – Identifying non-compliance areas and corrective actions.
  • Policy & Documentation Review – Assisting in policy development and recordkeeping.
  • Health & Safety Compliance – Ensuring workplace safety regulations are met.
  • Labor Law Adherence – Compliance with fair wages, working hours, and conditions.
  • Environmental Management – Assessing and improving sustainability practices.
  • Business Ethics Compliance – Establishing transparent and ethical business practices.
  • Employee Training – Educating staff on compliance and ethical work practices.
  • Internal Audits – Conducting mock audits to ensure readiness.
  • Supplier & Vendor Compliance – Ensuring responsible sourcing and supply chain compliance.
  • Audit Support & Coordination – Assisting in scheduling and managing audits.
  • Non-Conformance Corrective Actions – Addressing audit findings and implementing solutions.
  • Report Preparation – Helping in compiling necessary audit documentation.
  • Continuous Compliance Monitoring – Ongoing support for sustained compliance.
  • Post-Audit Improvement Plans – Developing strategies to enhance compliance long-term.

Frequency Asked Question

  • A Sedex 4-Pillar Audit assesses a company’s compliance with Labor Standards, Health & Safety, Environment, and Business Ethics to ensure responsible and ethical business practices.
  • The 2-Pillar Audit covers Labor Standards and Health & Safety, while the 4-Pillar Audit includes Environment and Business Ethics as additional compliance areas.
  • Businesses, especially in manufacturing, textiles, agriculture, and retail, that supply global brands and retailers requiring ethical and responsible sourcing practices.
  • It helps in brand reputation, ethical compliance, legal adherence, better supplier relationships, and access to international markets.
  • The duration varies depending on company size, workforce, and compliance level, but it generally takes 1-5 days.
  • Essential documents include labor contracts, wage records, health & safety policies, environmental management reports, and ethical business policies.
  • Conducting an internal audit, implementing corrective actions, training employees, and ensuring documentation is up-to-date can improve readiness.
  • A corrective action plan (CAP) is issued, and businesses must address non-compliances within a specified timeframe to achieve compliance.
  • While not legally required, many global brands and retailers demand it from suppliers to ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing.
  • Typically, audits are conducted annually or biennially, depending on the company’s performance and buyer requirements.
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