Understanding the VAP Scoring Mechanism
Table of Contents
The Validated Assessment Program (VAP) is one of the cornerstone initiatives of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), designed to verify onsite compliance with the RBA Code of Conduct. Conducted by independent, third-party firms approved by the RBA, VAP assessments help facilities identify and correct social, environmental, and ethical risks.But what happens after an assessment is completed?
This section provides an overview of how to evaluate a facility’s performance. It introduces the VAP scoring mechanism, explains how to interpret your score, and discusses what the results mean in terms of recognition opportunities and areas for improvement.
What Is the VAP Score?
The VAP score is a numerical measure of a facility’s compliance with the RBA Code of Conduct. It is determined by the number and severity of non-compliances identified during the assessment.
Non-compliance findings are categorized as:
- Priority – Most severe violations (e.g., forced labor, child labor)
- Major – Significant issues (e.g., excessive working hours, lack of safety equipment)
- Minor – Less severe or procedural issues (e.g., missing documentation)
Each finding type affects the score differently. The fewer and less severe the findings, the higher the score.
VAP Recognition Levels
Facilities that demonstrate substantial compliance and take corrective action may be eligible for VAP Recognition. There are three levels:
| Recognition Level | Minimum Score | Findings Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum | 200 | All Priority, Major, and Minor findings |
| Gold | 180 | All Priority and Major findings |
| Silver | 160 | All Priority findings |
How Is the Score Used?
- Internal Improvement: Facilities use the score to identify areas for corrective action and continuous improvement.
- Customer Transparency: RBA members can share assessment results with other customers, promoting transparency and reducing audit duplication.
- Recognition & Credibility: A high score and recognition status signal a strong commitment to responsible business practices.
Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
After the assessment, facilities receive a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) outlining how to address each finding. The facility must:
- Implement corrective measures
- Prevent recurrence
- Submit evidence of closure within the specified timeframe
Only after verified closure of findings can a facility qualify for recognition.
Global Reach & Sharing
The VAP leverages the collective expertise of hundreds of auditors originating from 17 independent auditing firms, operating across more than 40 countries worldwide. This extensive and geographically diverse network facilitates a scalable and flexible assessment process that can be adapted to various regional contexts and industry sectors.
Through this collaborative approach, RBA members gain significant advantages, including the ability to conduct shared assessments. Such shared evaluations not only enhance efficiency by reducing duplicated efforts and minimizing associated costs but also foster the adoption of uniform standards and best practices across complex supply chains. Consequently, the VAP program exemplifies a strategic initiative that promotes transparency, consistency, and sustainability in global supply chain management.
View the current RBA VAP Standard
Available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Note: The English version is the official reference document.
Resources for Further Learning
Understanding your VAP score is necessary for tracking compliance, enhancing operations, and achieving recognition. Whether you're a facility manager, supplier, or investor, the VAP scoring mechanism offers a transparent and actionable way to measure and improve responsible business practices.