Perform SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Audit using eAuditor
SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Audit is a comprehensive social and ethical audit framework developed by Sedex that evaluates supplier performance across four key areas, ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices.
Performing a SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Audit using eAuditor involves a comprehensive, multi-dimensional assessment of a supplier or facility’s compliance with social, ethical, health, safety, environmental, and business ethics standards. Leveraging eAuditor’s digital inspection tools enhances the rigor, consistency, and transparency of the audit process, ensuring organizations meet responsible sourcing and sustainability commitments effectively.
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Purpose of SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Audit
- Ensure supplier adherence to internationally recognized ethical and social standards.
- Evaluate labor rights, working conditions, workplace health & safety, environmental impact, and ethical business practices.
- Identify risks and non-compliances that could harm workers, communities, or brand reputation.
- Provide clear, actionable insights for corrective action and continuous improvement.
- Support transparency and trust between buyers, suppliers, workers, and stakeholders.
- Align supplier practices with the latest SMETA 6.1 audit methodology and guidance.
- Preparation and Setup in eAuditor
- Define Audit Scope and Objectives
- Identify the specific site(s) or facility to be audited.
- Confirm the audit will cover all four pillars: Labour Standards, Health & Safety, Environment, and Business Ethics.
- Understand local labor laws, environmental regulations, and cultural factors.
- Determine audit frequency and depth based on the supplier risk profile.
- Develop or Customize the SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Template
- Use eAuditor’s ready-made SMETA 6.1 templates or tailor them to organizational or regional needs.
- Include detailed checklists covering:
- Labour Standards: Child and forced labor, working hours, wages, discrimination, freedom of association, grievance mechanisms.
- Health & Safety: Workplace conditions, emergency exits, PPE usage, hazard controls, first aid, accident reporting.
- Environment: Waste management, air and water emissions, resource consumption, chemical handling, sustainability initiatives.
- Business Ethics: Anti-bribery and corruption policies, fair procurement, data privacy, and conflict of interest management.
- Incorporate multimedia capabilities: photos, videos, annotations.
- Embed guidance notes and references for auditor clarity.
III. Assign and Train Auditors
- Select auditors trained in SMETA 6.1 methodology.
- Provide eAuditor training focused on digital data capture, navigation, and reporting.
- Prepare audit logistics, including interviews and site walkthroughs.
- Schedule Audit and Inform Stakeholders
- Coordinate audit timing with suppliers.
- Notify management and workers about the audit scope and purpose to ensure cooperation.
- Conducting the SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Audit
- Opening Meeting
- Introduce auditors and explain audit scope, methodology, and confidentiality.
- Discuss any concerns and confirm access to all relevant areas.
- Documentation Review
- Verify policies on labor, safety, environment, and ethics.
- Review contracts, payroll, time records, training logs, environmental permits, and compliance certificates.
- Assess evidence of worker rights protections and grievance mechanisms.
III. Worker Interviews
- Select a diverse worker sample for confidential interviews.
- Use eAuditor to securely record answers, noting any issues related to wages, hours, safety, discrimination, or treatment.
- Ensure anonymity and comfort to encourage honest feedback.
- Site and Facility Inspection
- Inspect all relevant workplace areas, machinery, safety equipment, storage, and waste disposal.
- Observe environmental controls and ethical business conduct.
- Use photos and annotations in eAuditor to document compliance or violations.
- Confirm emergency procedures and equipment functionality.
- Management Discussions
- Clarify findings, management attitudes, and plans to address gaps.
- Discuss previous audit outcomes and improvement efforts.
- Review the effectiveness of training and communication regarding SMETA principles.
- Reporting and Follow-Up
- Automated Audit Reporting
- Generate a detailed, professional report through eAuditor, including:
- Compliance status per pillar.
- Photographic evidence and detailed notes.
- Identified non-compliances and risk assessments.
- Recommendations and best practices.
- Corrective Action Planning and Tracking
- Assign corrective actions to responsible parties with clear deadlines.
- Monitor progress and verify completion via eAuditor’s task tracking.
- Send automated reminders and escalate overdue actions.
III. Data Analysis and Trend Monitoring
- Use eAuditor’s analytics to track recurring issues across audits or suppliers.
- Identify systemic risks or improvement opportunities.
- Inform supplier development programs and risk mitigation strategies.
- Continuous Improvement and Re-Audit
- Schedule follow-up audits to confirm corrective actions.
- Update audit templates based on evolving regulations or findings.
- Encourage ongoing supplier engagement for ethical and sustainable practices.
Summary
Conducting a SMETA 6.1 4-Pillar Audit using eAuditor allows organizations to carry out an exhaustive and transparent assessment of labor, health and safety, environmental, and business ethics compliance. The platform’s digital features facilitate accurate data capture, confidential worker feedback, and effective management of corrective actions. This structured approach strengthens supplier accountability, reduces ethical risks, and supports sustainable, responsible sourcing aligned with global standards.