When initiating a Validated Assessment Program (VAP) in RBA Online, it's crucial to grasp the various types of audit categories and how they correspond to the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) protocols. 

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) provides multiple audits to verify ethical and responsible business practices within supply chains. This guide will assist you in identifying the appropriate audit category scope for your facility, ensuring it complies with the requirements, and enables practical evaluation. 

The following is a brief description of each audit type, the intended audience, and the benefits to the supply chain.

1. Validated Assessment Program (VAP)

Description: The VAP is a comprehensive audit that evaluates a facility’s compliance with the RBA Code of Conduct, covering labor, health and safety, environment, ethics, and management systems.

Target Audience: All suppliers and facilities within the supply chain, particularly those with complex operations and significant environmental and social impacts. This protocol is for sites primarily engaged in:

• Manufacturing
• Assembly
• Repair
• Chemical processing
• Significant mechanical operations
• Distribution

Benefits:

• Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to international standards and legal requirements.
• Risk Mitigation: Identifies and mitigates potential risks in labor practices, environmental management, and ethical conduct.
• Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrates commitment to responsible business practices to customers and stakeholders.

2. Forced Labor Supplemental Validated Assessment Program (SVAP)

Description: This specialized audit focuses on identifying and addressing forced labor practices within the supply chain.

Target Audience: Suppliers in industries with high risks of forced labor, such as electronics, textiles, and agriculture.

Benefits:

• Human Rights Protection: Ensures workers are free from forced labor and exploitation.
• Legal Compliance: Meets international labor standards and regulations regarding forced labor.
• Brand Integrity: Enhances company reputation by demonstrating a commitment to ethical labor practices.

3. Chemical Supplemental Validated Assessment Program (SVAP)

Description: This audit focuses on the management of chemicals used in the manufacturing process, assessing compliance with chemical safety standards and regulations.

Target Audience: Suppliers and facilities handling hazardous chemicals, particularly in industries such as electronics, textiles, and manufacturing.

Benefits:

• Safety Improvement: Enhances the safety of workers by ensuring proper chemical management practices.
• Environmental Protection: Reduces environmental impact through improved chemical handling and disposal.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to local and international chemical safety regulations.

4. Indirect Spend Validated Assessment Program (VAP)

Description: This audit evaluates the practices of suppliers that provide indirect goods and services, such as office supplies, catering, and maintenance services.

Target Audience: Suppliers providing non-core products and services within the supply chain. This protocol applies to facilities providing support services rather than direct manufacturing or production. If your facility offers any of the following, you should complete an Indirect Spend VAP:

• Security
• Cleaning and Janitorial services
• Logistics/Distribution
• Building and facility maintenance and repair services
• Cafeteria services
• Construction
• Material packing and handling
• Environmental-related services (business process)
• IT Services
• HR Support
• Freelancers

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Oversight: Ensures all aspects of the supply chain, including indirect spend, adhere to ethical and responsible practices.
• Supplier Engagement: Promotes better practices among suppliers providing ancillary services.
• Operational Integrity: Enhances overall supply chain integrity by addressing indirect spend.

Protocol Scope Considerations

Some areas within the protocol can be marked "Out of Scope" based on general assumptions for different auditee types. This means the auditor must complete these protocol areas only if it becomes clear they should be included during preparation or the on-site visit.

The VAP Protocol can be applied to different auditee sizes and levels of operational risk, ensuring a flexible yet comprehensive audit process.

Contact for Questions

If you have any questions or need further clarification about the business types and protocols, don't hesitate to contact the RBA Help Desk. Our team is here to assist you and ensure your smooth and compliant audit process.