Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) Best Practice Guidance

Appendices
APPENDIX A1 GUIDANCE BY CLAUSE
INTRODUCTION
This Guidance by Clause is based on the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code, but can be adopted
and tailored to use with other codes of conduct. The ETI Code is based on international standards and
ILO conventions and this guidance should therefore agree with the majority of codes and standards
currently in use.
Note: In addition there are other issue areas such as Entitlement to Work, Sub-Contracting & Homeworking,
Environment (shortened for a 2-Pillar SMETA and extended for a 4-Pillar SMETA) and Business Practices.
These have been developed by a consultation process involving the membership and external stakeholders.
0. Management Systems and Code Implementation
CODE REQUIREMENTS
0.1 Suppliers are expected to implement and maintain systems for delivering compliance to this Code. 0.2
Suppliers shall appoint a senior member of management who shall be responsible for compliance with the
Code. 0.3 Suppliers are expected to communicate this Code to all employees. 0.4 Suppliers should
communicate this code to their own suppliers and, where reasonably practicable, extend the principles of this
Ethical Code through their supply chain.
Note: 0.4. Is for information only and is not a specific requirement of the code.
AUDIT CHECKS AND EVIDENCE GATHERING
Document and system checks including management interview.
Auditors examine policies and written procedures in conjunction with relevant managers. In this section
the auditor checks whether the site knows, and is up to date with, relevant local law, the ETI Code and
the standards required.
The auditor checks and reports on:
SMETA Best Practice Guidance (4-Pillar Version 4.0, May 2012)
0.1. Whether the site has a social compliance / ethical trade policy and written procedures which meet the
Code and International Labour Standards.
0.2. Looks for specific policies and procedures which ensure the site meets in particular freedom of
association, discrimination and general human rights standards.
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