Step-by-Step: How the SLCP Verification Process Works

SLCP assessment promoting worker respect, transparency, and unified social responsibility in factories.

Introduction — why SLCP matters 

The Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) was created to solve one of the biggest pain points in global sourcing: audit fatigue. Instead of multiple overlapping social audits, SLCP provides a single, standardized Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) that collects verified social and labor data a facility can share with many buyers. This streamlines compliance, reduces repeated disruption, and allows resources to focus on real improvements. Social & Labor Convergence Program 

Quick overview: the three core elements 

SLCP’s CAF is built around three core components: 

  1. A Data Collection Tool (DCT) to gather consistent social & labor data. 
  2. A robust verification methodology and verifier guidance to ensure data credibility. 
  3. A data-sharing system (the SLCP Gateway and Accredited Hosts) that lets facilities share verified data with multiple buyers. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 

Step 1 — Data collection (what the facility does) 

  1. Choose the Step: The DCT is modular; a facility selects the depth (Step 1, Step 2, etc.) it will complete based on scope. Social & Labor Convergence Program 
  2. Complete the DCT: The facility performs a self-assessment (or a joint assessment with a verifier/brand). The DCT collects factual information such as workforce profile, recruitment, working hours, wages, worker treatment, health & safety, and management systems. Social & Labor Convergence Program 
  3. Prepare supporting evidence: The DCT requires documentary evidence (payrolls, contracts, policies) and often internal interviews or records to support answers. 

Tip for factories: Be thorough and consistent — accurate DCT responses speed up verification and reduce follow-ups. 

Step 2 — Verification (what the Verifier Body does) 

  1. Request verification & select an SLCP-approved Verifier Body (VB): The facility asks an approved VB to verify the DCT answers. SLCP has clear VB eligibility rules and Verifier Guidance that VBs must follow. Recent requirements include alignment with APSCA competency criteria for Verifiers. slcp.zendesk.com+1 
  2. Scope & planning: The VB confirms scope, person-day (MD) needs, interview samples and document review scope. SLCP provides protocols for minimum person-days and sample sizes (which vary by facility size), and the VB plans onsite and offsite tasks accordingly. Social & Labor Convergence Program 
  3. Onsite verification: Verifiers review documents, perform worker interviews (individual & group), conduct walk-through inspections and cross-check the DCT responses. Verifiers may also perform remote/offsite checks where allowed. 
  4. Report & QA: The VB prepares a verified assessment report. Internal VB quality checks and the SLCP Verification Oversight Organization (VOO) quality controls help maintain credibility. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 

Practical note: Verification is about confirming the facts in the DCT — SLCP is not a scoring or certification system. It produces verified data, not pass/fail results. Social & Labor Convergence Program 

Step 3 — Data upload & sharing (Gateway and Accredited Hosts) 

After verification, the verified assessment is uploaded to the SLCP Gateway. The Gateway is the central repository where facilities control who can access their verified data. Accredited Hosts (AHs) provide platforms that let brands and other users consume and analyze SLCP data. A facility can share the verified report with multiple buyers through the Gateway/AH network. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 

Why this matters: A single verified dataset means brands can rely on consistent, comparable data rather than commissioning redundant audits. 

How long does verification take? (Person-days / MD summary) 

SLCP provides guidance on minimum person-days (MD) depending on facility size and scope. Typical ranges: 

  • Small facilities (1–100 workers): ~1–2 MD (Step 1 minimum). 
  • Medium (200–500 workers): ~2–3 MD. 
  • Large (501–1000+): 3–5+ MD. 

SLCP’s verification guidance shows minimum onsite days and includes additional offsite time for preparation/reporting; larger or more complex facilities may need more MDs and multiple verifiers. Follow SLCP’s person-day table to scope fieldwork accurately. Social & Labor Convergence Program 

Who’s involved? Roles & responsibilities 

  • Facility: completes DCT, provides documents/access, and signs off on sharing. 
  • Verifier Body (VB): assigns qualified Verifiers, conducts verification per SLCP protocols, writes the verified report. VBs must meet SLCP eligibility and competency requirements. slcp.zendesk.com+1 
  • Accredited Host (AH): the platform used to collect DCT and host/transfer data. 
  • SLCP Secretariat & VOO: provide oversight, maintain guidance and QA measures to protect data quality and integrity. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 

Common questions (short FAQ) 

Is SLCP a certification?

No. SLCP produces verified, judgement-free data that buyers can use; it does not issue pass/fail certificates. Social & Labor Convergence Program 

Can SLCP replace every brand audit?

It can replace many baseline social audits, but some buyers may still require additional checks for buyer-specific clauses or higher-risk issues. SLCP data can reduce duplication and facilitate targeted follow-ups. Social & Labor Convergence Program 

How do I find an approved Verifier Body?

SLCP maintains guidance and lists on how to become/engage a VB. VBs must meet SLCP and APSCA alignment criteria; check SLCP resources and VB application guidance. sumerra.com+1 

Practical tips for a smooth SLCP verification 

  • Complete the DCT carefully and upload supporting evidence early. 
  • Select nearby qualified verifiers to optimize OPE (travel) costs and reduce MDs. 
  • Communicate with buyers in advance to confirm they accept SLCP verified data. 
  • Plan for post-verification follow-up (desk review or on-site follow-up) if NCs require closure. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 
  • Complete the DCT carefully and upload supporting evidence early. 
  • Select nearby qualified verifiers to optimize OPE (travel) costs and reduce MDs. 
  • Communicate with buyers in advance to confirm they accept SLCP verified data. 
  • Plan for post-verification follow-up (desk review or on-site follow-up) if NCs require closure. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 

Conclusion 

SLCP is a practical, evidence-based solution to audit fatigue: collect once, verify once, share many times. Following the SLCP step-by-step process — accurate data collection, rigorous verification, and transparent data sharing via the Gateway — helps factories and brands save time and cost while building credible, comparable social data across supply chains. For the latest tools, guidance and verifier lists, consult the official SLCP resources and Gateway. Social & Labor Convergence Program+1 

Practical tips for a smooth SLCP verification 

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