The Specialty Validated Assessment Program (SVAP) is a targeted audit protocol developed by the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) to assess and mitigate risks of forced labor within global supply chains. Unlike the broader Validated Assessment Program (VAP), which covers all aspects of the RBA Code of Conduct, SVAP focuses exclusively on forced labor-related provisions.

What Is SVAP?

SVAP is a specialized assessment conducted at:

• Employment Sites (e.g., factories)
• Labor Providers (e.g., recruitment agencies)

It is designed to:

• Identify and assess risks of forced labor
• Provide actionable insights for remediation
• Support companies in meeting regulatory and stakeholder expectations for human rights due diligence

Key Features of SVAP

• Focused Scope: Only provisions related to forced labor are assessed.
• High-Quality Auditing: Conducted by RBA-approved third-party auditors.
• Native Language Interviewing: Ensures trust and accuracy during worker interviews.
• Triangulated Evidence: Combines documentation, interviews, and observations.
• Flexible Integration: Can be conducted as a standalone audit or added to a VAP to reduce audit fatigue.

Benefits of SVAP

• Demonstrates credible due diligence to regulators, customers, and investors.
• Enhances visibility into labor practices across complex supply chains.
• Supports compliance with international human rights standards.
• Enables proactive risk mitigation and continuous improvement.

How to Initiate an SVAP Audit

Companies interested in scheduling an SVAP should:

1. Contact the RBA at SVAP@responsiblebusiness.org
2. Work with the Assessment Program Manager (APM) to:
   • Provide facility and labor provider details
   • Determine audit scope and schedule
   • Receive costing and process documentation

 Additional Resources

• SVAP Overview – RBA
• SVAP Brochure – Responsible Labor Initiative