PURPOSE:  The SLCP Verifier Status Maintenance (VSM) program has been developed to ensure that Verifiers develop and enhance their professional-level social and labor compliance and verification skills during the time that they retain the status of Verifier for SLCP. 

MAINTAINING VERIFIER STATUS: Once an individual is approved as a Verifier, they are required to maintain their status annually. This is demonstrated by completion of any SLCP required training courses (e.g. updated Verifier training). In addition, Verifiers are required to submit documentation of other professional development in accordance with the minimum requirements to maintain their status as a Verifier. This can be accomplished by completing and submitting a VSM Worksheet for review and approval by the VOO. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Verifiers are required to complete any required training and a minimum of 32 hours of additional professional development during the approval period. *Note: Maintaining APSCA CSCA certification would count as equivalent professional development in lieu of completing the worksheet requirements below. Candidate must still complete any mandated SLCP training. 

 

VSM WORKSHEET CATEGORIES:

  • Social & Labor System Assessments (e.g. Audits, Verifications) (minimum 16 hours)
    • Including, but not limited to SLCP verifications, brand CoC, RBA/ICTI/WRAP, SA8000 etc.)

 

  • Professional Knowledge & Practice (minimum 16 hours)
    • Specialized Training on Relevant Subject Matter or Social Compliance (e.g., Forced Labor Awareness, Ethics, Fire Safety Training, Schemes etc.)*
    • Attendance/Speaking at Relevant Industry Conferences
    • Delivering External Training
    • Volunteer Participation on Relevant Committee/Board
    • Other Activities

 

*Note: Training claimed for professional development credit hours, whether provided internally or by external providers, must only include the time spent on social auditing subject matter or skill building (e.g. interviewing techniques, migrant worker issues, etc.). Training spent on scheme-specific technical protocols or procedures (including ongoing training SLCP VB’s are required to provide Verifiers) should not be submitted and will be excluded. 

PROCESS:  Verifiers will complete the renewal with the Sumerra Training and Education Platform (STEP; https://training.sumerra.com) managed by the VOO. Worksheet forms will be available through the STEP platform. Activities claimed on the worksheet must be supported with written records of participation/achievement which are maintained by the Verifier (these will not be part of the worksheet submittal but must be made available upon request). Maintaining status does not mean that everything listed on the worksheet counts toward minimum requirements.

Documents: The following documents will be developed and available as part of the program: