Course description
The objective of this course is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills required to perform social accountability audits of an organization’s conformance with ISO 19011.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the potential range of social and ethical issues that face organizations and auditors, and the range of conversations, specifications, codes of conduct and other initiatives
- Explain the role of an auditor in planning, conducting, reporting and following up a social accountability audit in accordance with ISO 19011
- Plan, conduct, report and follow-up a social accountability audit in accordance with ISO 19011 by interpreting the requirements of SA8000:2026
This social accountability lead auditor training course reflects the intent and expectations of current social and ethical standards. Learners successfully completing this training course will be prepared to audit against SA8000:2026 and SMETA 7, using established and accepted auditing methodologies.
Course content
- Session 1: Social accountability background
- Session 2: Introduction to the Fifth Edition – SA8000:2026 and relevant legislation
- Session 3: Accreditation, certification and auditor competence
- Session 4: Planning an audit
- Session 5: Preparing for an audit (Audit Stage 1)
- Session 6: Conducting the audit (Audit Stage 2)
- Session 7: Interpretation of SA8000:2026 D1: Protection of Children and Young Workers and D2: Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining
- Session 8: Interpretation of SA8000:2026 D3: Free and Fair Recruitment, Employment and Termination; D4: Decent Hours, Wages and Benefits and D5: Freedom from Discrimination
- Session 9: Interpretation of SA8000:2026 D6: Health and Safety; D7: Privacy (and Management Systems)
- Session 10: Audit review
- Session 11: Audit reporting and follow-up
- Examination
Audience
This course is designed for:
- Individuals who are responsible for planning, conducting, and reporting on audits
- Individuals who lead audit teams and evaluate organization conformity with SA8000
- Existing internal auditors
Course details
- Duration: 5 days
- Delivery: Face-to-face or virtual
- Accreditation: APSCA
Prerequisites
Before starting the course, learners are expected to have knowledge of the following:
- SA8000® Standard
- Social Accountability International (SAI) Guidance for the SA8000® Standard
- Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code
- International Labour Organisation (ILO) Standards
- UN Human Rights Resolutions
Course certification
On completion of this course:
- Learners who pass the examination will be issued with a Certificate of Achievement that may satisfy part of the formal training for an individual seeking certification as a lead auditor. Please refer to the relevant auditor certification body for specific requirements
- Learners who attend the full duration of the course will be issued with a Certificate of Attendance
- Learners who fail the examination will be allowed to resit the examination a maximum of two times within 12 months of the end date of the course
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