The RBA VAP Recognition Program is an initiative created by the RBA to encourage corporate responsibility within the manufacturing sector. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the VAP Recognition Program.

What is the RBA VAP Recognition Program?

The Validated Assessment Program (VAP) is an important compliance framework under the RBA that evaluates manufacturing facilities to ensure they adhere to corporate responsibility standards. While the primary goal of a VAP assessment is to identify issues, the real value comes from effectively resolving those issues.

The RBA's VAP Recognition Program acknowledges factories that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to addressing and closing compliance gaps. Factories can attain recognition at three levels: Platinum, Gold, and Silver.

Levels of Recognition in the VAP Program

1. Platinum Level

• Requirements:
  • Minimum VAP score: 200.
  • Closure of all Priority, Major, and Minor findings identified during the assessment.
• Significance:
  • Platinum is the highest recognition level, signifying a manufacturing facility's exceptional performance in corporate responsibility.
  • Factories at this level demonstrate a commitment to compliance and a proactive approach to maintaining the highest ethical and operational standards.

2. Gold Level

• Requirements:
  • Minimum VAP score: 180.
  • Closure of all Priority and Major findings identified during the assessment.
• Significance:
  • This level highlights facilities that have addressed critical compliance issues while maintaining a high level of operational integrity.
  • It demonstrates the facility's focus on resolving high-risk and medium-risk issues promptly and effectively.

3. Silver Level

• Requirements:
  • Minimum VAP score: 160.
  • Closure of all Priority findings identified during the assessment.
• Significance:
  • Silver recognition is for facilities that have addressed the most critical compliance risks while continuing their journey toward higher levels of corporate responsibility.
  • This level is often seen as a stepping stone toward achieving Gold or Platinum status.

Eligibility Criteria

• Only full VAP assessments conducted at manufacturing facilities are eligible for recognition.
• The program excludes partial or incomplete assessments to ensure that recognized facilities meet comprehensive compliance standards.