Tirupur: AEPC, in association with Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) organized a workshop in Tirupur and also launched its SLCP operations in Tirupur.
Tirupur: AEPC, in association with Social and Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) organized a workshop in Tirupur and also launched its SLCP operations in Tirupur.
Dr. A Sakthivel, Vice Chairman, AEPC, Sharon Hesp, Senior Manager, SLCP, Madison Wilcox from ITC, Dhanagopalan Varadharaj, Operation Manager, Intertek and R Ramu, EC Member, AEPC were present at the workshop.
Inaugurating the workshop, Dr. A Sakthivel said, "These days, there are so many certifications and audits in the market. Each buyer has their own certification which is really a huge problem for exporters to be spending a lot of money and time for all these certifications. SLCP will now address alternate measures for all these issues. Many brands, buyers and stakeholders have signed up for this program across the globe.
Also, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is supporting the event and is part and parcel of SLCP. This SLCP will eliminate multiple social audits and the only word in the future amongst international buyers will be “SLCP.” After a year, we do not have to ensure certification for each buyer. Once enrolled in SLCP, the international buyers will have the information to compare facilities and decide on which ones they would like to work with," he added.
Sharon Hesp introduced SLCP and explained how SLCP eliminates the need for several audits. "One SLCP verified assessment can replace all current audits. The SLCP verified assessment fulfills the data needs from all Brands and Standards. Thus far, 200 Brands, Manufacturers, Standard Holders and other stakeholders have signed up for this program. All are committed to adopting and implementing the SLCP assessment and verification process in their supply chains. The process starts with a self-assessment from a facility.
The self-assessment is then verified by a Verifier Body, after which the data can be shared with Brands, Standards and others and then can come to their own conclusion based on that data. SLCP does not include certification or a Corrective Action Plan. SLCP focuses on eliminating the need for several audits for data collection, not on judgement of that data," elaborated Sharon Hesp.
Madison Wilcox from ITC spoke on the partnership between ITC and SLCP. "ITC is the joint trade for the development agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Specifically, ITC is focused on supporting enterprises in developing countries to trade and to compete international markets. Moreover, in its commitment to sustainable trade that benefits both the environment and the people along international value chains, ITC is a proud partner and supporter of the SLCP process.
SLCP presents the opportunity to converge many duplicative social and labour audits into one assessment process that not only saves money for facilities but also works towards improved working conditions. As an initiative created by the brands, manufacturers, standard holders and other main stakeholders, SLCP gives us a glimpse of the future of sustainability compliance," detailed Madison Wilcox.
A good number of participants from the industry and stake holders attended the launch.
Dr. A Sakthivel, Vice Chairman, AEPC, Sharon Hesp, Senior Manager, SLCP, Madison Wilcox from ITC, Dhanagopalan Varadharaj, Operation Manager, Intertek and R Ramu, EC Member, AEPC were present at the workshop.
Inaugurating the workshop, Dr. A Sakthivel said, "These days, there are so many certifications and audits in the market. Each buyer has their own certification which is really a huge problem for exporters to be spending a lot of money and time for all these certifications. SLCP will now address alternate measures for all these issues. Many brands, buyers and stakeholders have signed up for this program across the globe.
Also, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is supporting the event and is part and parcel of SLCP. This SLCP will eliminate multiple social audits and the only word in the future amongst international buyers will be “SLCP.” After a year, we do not have to ensure certification for each buyer. Once enrolled in SLCP, the international buyers will have the information to compare facilities and decide on which ones they would like to work with," he added.
Sharon Hesp introduced SLCP and explained how SLCP eliminates the need for several audits. "One SLCP verified assessment can replace all current audits. The SLCP verified assessment fulfills the data needs from all Brands and Standards. Thus far, 200 Brands, Manufacturers, Standard Holders and other stakeholders have signed up for this program. All are committed to adopting and implementing the SLCP assessment and verification process in their supply chains. The process starts with a self-assessment from a facility.
The self-assessment is then verified by a Verifier Body, after which the data can be shared with Brands, Standards and others and then can come to their own conclusion based on that data. SLCP does not include certification or a Corrective Action Plan. SLCP focuses on eliminating the need for several audits for data collection, not on judgement of that data," elaborated Sharon Hesp.
Madison Wilcox from ITC spoke on the partnership between ITC and SLCP. "ITC is the joint trade for the development agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Specifically, ITC is focused on supporting enterprises in developing countries to trade and to compete international markets. Moreover, in its commitment to sustainable trade that benefits both the environment and the people along international value chains, ITC is a proud partner and supporter of the SLCP process.
SLCP presents the opportunity to converge many duplicative social and labour audits into one assessment process that not only saves money for facilities but also works towards improved working conditions. As an initiative created by the brands, manufacturers, standard holders and other main stakeholders, SLCP gives us a glimpse of the future of sustainability compliance," detailed Madison Wilcox.
A good number of participants from the industry and stake holders attended the launch.