NDA and controlled data rooms; only need-to-know access.

We blend both; final mock audits simulate on-site interviews

Yes, ETI Base Code and local law frame SMETA assessments.
ethicaltrade.org

No—it's an audit methodology with a CAP shared on Sedex.
Sedex

Pillar adds Environment and Business Ethics to the Labour & H&S scope.
Sedex

Gap report + risk heatmap; prioritized CAP; finalized policy pack; training decks; checklists; mock audit report; readiness letter for customers.

Small (≤300 workers): ~ <AVERAGE_TIMELINE_SMALL> across phases.

Medium (300–1,000): ~ <AVERAGE_TIMELINE_MEDIUM>.

Large (1,000+): ~ <AVERAGE_TIMELINE_LARGE>.
Client provides: prior audits/CAPs, payroll/timecards (3–12 months), utility/site plans, organization charts, licenses.

• Excessive overtime / rest days → revise production planning; overtime pre-approval log; weekly rest tracking.

  Incomplete timekeeping/payroll match → reconcile timecards vs payroll; fix rounding/deductions SOP.

  Young worker handling → age verification SOP; restricted task list; guardian consent records.

  PPE/fire safety gaps → PPE matrix, issuance logs; exit route markings; monthly inspections.

  Grievance not trusted → multiple channels (box/hotline/WhatsApp), non-retaliation policy, committee minutes.

  Ethics/anti-bribery missing (4-Pillar) → code, training, conflict-of-interest and gift logs.

   

Policies: Code of Conduct; Recruitment & No-Fees; Young/Student Worker; Anti-Discrimination; Anti-Harassment; Freedom of Association; Disciplinary; Working Hours & Overtime; Wages & Benefits; Grievance & Whistleblowing; Subcontractor Control; Dormitory/Meals; Business Ethics/Anti-Bribery; Environmental basics (4-Pillar).

Procedures/SOPs: Hiring & Onboarding; Age/ID Verification; Timekeeping & Payroll; Wage Calculation & Deductions; Disciplinary; Grievance Handling; Worker Committee elections; PPE Issuance; Machine Guarding; LOTO; Fire Safety & Evacuation; Chemical Handling & SDS; Spill Response.

Registers & Logs: Attendance; Payroll Reconciliation; Overtime Requests/Approvals; Training Matrix; Accident/Incident & Near-Miss; Fire Drill; Visitor/Contractor; Chemical Inventory; PPE Issuance; Maintenance/Calibration.

Records & Evidence: Contract/Policy Acknowledgments; Induction Sheets; Risk Assessments; Medical Checks (where lawful); Social Insurance/Benefits Proof; Vendor/Subcontractor Due Diligence; Dormitory Inspections; Worker Interview Prep Guide; CAP template.

Data Room Structure (sample):
01_Policies/ · 02_SOPs/ · 03_Registers/ · 04_Payroll_Timecards/ · 05_HR_Contracts/ · 06_Training/ · 07_H&S_Risk_Assessments/ ·

08_Emergency/ · 09_Chemicals/ · 10_Environment/ · 11_Dormitory/ · 12_Audit&CAP/.

Phase 1: Gap Assessment & Risk Mapping (1–2 weeks) — document scan, floor walk, record sampling; risk heatmap.

Phase 2: Documentation Build & Controls Design — policy pack, SOPs, registers; embed controls in HR/Payroll/EHS.

Phase 3: Training & Implementation Support — toolbox talks for workers; role-based sessions for HR, payroll, EHS.

Phase 4: Internal Audit / Mock Audit + CAP — audit-style interviews; prioritized CAP with owners/dates.

Phase 5: Pre-Audit Coaching & Data Room Finalization — drill, finalize evidence, Q&A simulation.
Available remote and on-site; delivery in <TEAM_LANGUAGES>.

Lower audit risk: close policy/process gaps before auditors arrive.

Faster onboarding: ready-to-share SMETA data room and interview prep.

Buyer trust: consistent documents mapped to ETI/SMETA language.

Operational gains: clearer timekeeping/payroll reconciliation and H&S routines.

Team confidence: supervisors/workers coached for interviews.

• Cut-and-sew, knitting, weaving, dyeing/finishing, footwear, accessories, light assembly.
• Tier-1 and tier-2 facilities supplying global brands and platforms.
• Sites asked by customers to upload audits on the Sedex platform.

Pillars: SMETA 2-Pillar (Labour; Health & Safety) or 4-Pillar (adds Environment and Business Ethics).
Sedex

Focus areas: working hours & wages, age/ID checks, grievance, H&S controls, environment basics (4-Pillar), anti-bribery/ethics (4-Pillar).
Sedex

Method: site tour, document review, worker/management interviews, and a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
Sedex

Reference: aligned to the ETI Base Code and ILO conventions.
ethicaltrade.org