Business Ethics & Social Auditing
Overview
Ethical Supply Chains, Labor Rights & Anti-Corruption Governance
Modern brands face relentless scrutiny over ethical conduct, workplace safety, and anti-corruption compliance. Global retailers and regulatory bodies demand independent verification that supply chains are free from labor abuse, modern slavery, and bribery.
GICG conducts SMETA 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar ethical audits, ISO 37001 Anti-Bribery management audits, and customized social compliance assessments, safeguarding human dignity and protecting corporate reputation.
Our certified social compliance auditors conduct confidential, empathetic worker interviews combined with forensic documentation reviews.
Benefits
Retailer & Buyer Supply Chain Approval
Fulfill vendor onboarding requirements for world-leading retail brands, supermarkets, and international buyers.
Protect Corporate Brand Value
Prevent public scandals, legal liabilities, and consumer boycotts associated with labor rights violations.
Streamlined Sedex Platform Sharing
Upload SMETA audit reports directly to Sedex, allowing multiple global buyers to review one audited assessment.
Related Standards & Verification Schemes
Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit
SMETA 7.0 Methodology / ETI Base CodeThe world’s most widely used ethical audit methodology assessing labor standards, health and safety, business ethics, and environmental management.
Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS)
ISO 37001:2016 / Accredited Third-Party CertificationComprehensive management framework establishing reasonable and proportionate measures to prevent, detect, and respond to bribery and corruption.
UN Guiding Principles Assessment
UNGP on Business and Human Rights / OECD GuidelinesComprehensive assessment of human rights risks across operations and high-risk suppliers, satisfying German Supply Chain Act (LkSG) and EU CSDDD.
Assurance Methodology & Execution Workflow
Unannounced or Announced Site Arrival
Opening meeting with factory management explaining the ethical audit scope, non-retaliation policy, and ETI Base Code.
Factory Physical Inspection & Health Safety
Comprehensive walk-through of production floors, chemical storage, canteens, dormitories, and emergency exits.
Confidential Worker Interviews & Payroll Audit
Private 1-on-1 and group worker interviews paired with 12-month cross-checking of timecards, pay slips, and social security.
CAPR Agreement & Sedex Platform Publication
Closing meeting presenting identified non-compliances, agreeing on corrective action timelines, and uploading to Sedex.
Applicable Industry Sectors
Technical FAQs
Q:What is the difference between SMETA 2-Pillar and 4-Pillar?
SMETA 2-Pillar covers Labor Standards and Health & Safety (plus basic environmental awareness and right to work). SMETA 4-Pillar adds a deep-dive Environmental Assessment and a comprehensive Business Ethics module.
Q:How are worker interviews kept confidential during SMETA audits?
Interviews are conducted in a private, closed room without factory management or security present. Names are never attached to interview comments in the audit report to safeguard workers from any retaliation.
Let GICG help you to position your brand differently!
Speak to our accredited verification specialists today to design your tailored Life Cycle Assessment, Corporate GHG verification, or ethical supply chain audit program.