Sedex to Pilot On-Site Auditing for Service Suppliers

Sedex is piloting a new version of its SMETA audit for services suppliers, including security, cleaning, catering and logistics, to assess overlooked risk assessments.

"Service providers are an essential part of supply chains. Yet they often fall outside of traditional risk assessments, less than 3% of sites registered with Sedex fall within these industries," says Ross Heritage, chief technology officer, Sedex. "We’re bringing the robustness of the SMETA methodology to provide a practical due diligence solution for these activities, enabling better risk management, more responsible practices and more resilient supply chain operations.”

Key takeaways:

·        Sedex data indicates 15.5% of service providers may be “high risk” for social and environmental concerns.

·        Sedex seeks to address this challenge and enable effective due diligence through an adapted version of its SMETA assessment.

·        SMETA for Service Providers offers a workable analysis of practices, working conditions and labor risks. This includes sector-specific assessment points; comprehensive evaluation across service provider headquarters and customer sites; and enhanced requirements where subcontracting is in use.

·        Sedex data indicates 15% of sites globally don’t have any measures to ensure their own suppliers or subcontractors meet required labor standards, further highlighting the need to increase due diligence.