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Topic guide
Mastering SMETA: A step-by-step guide

Mastering SMETA: A step-by-step guide

Author NameBy Oti Francis
•
April 3rd, 2025
• 8 min read
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Table of contents

  • What is SMETA?
  • What are the key principles of SMETA?
  • Best audit practices
  • Take the SMETA challenge: Elevate your standards today!
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Summary

Implement SMETA with our comprehensive step-by-step guide. Ensure your business adheres to ethical labor standards, promotes environmental sustainability, and maintains high levels of corporate responsibility.

In 1991, a major apparel company faced a crisis over poor labor conditions in its overseas factories. You can learn how this organization addressed this lapse by adopting rigorous ethical standards. Committing to frameworks like SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) allows you to transform your supply chains, ensuring fair labor conditions and promoting environmental sustainability.

These proactive steps help prevent scandals, strengthen your brand reputation, and set new industry benchmarks.

Today, top organizations use SMETA to create workplace success, proving that ethical practices and business excellence go hand in hand.

This guide offers insights and practical tips to help you navigate ethical auditing and achieve similar success.

What is SMETA?

SMETA stands for Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit. Developed by Sedex (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange), it is a globally recognized audit methodology aimed at improving ethical business practices in global supply chains. SMETA audits assess a company’s adherence to labor standards, health and safety regulations, environmental management, and business ethics.

what is SMETA - infographic

What are the key principles of SMETA?

SMETA audits provide a thorough evaluation of a company’s ethical performance by covering four key pillars: labor standards, health and safety, environment, and business ethics, ensuring comprehensive compliance and ethical practices.

The global significance of SMETA audits & certifications

The global significance of SMETA certification lies in its ability to enhance a company’s reputation, build trust among stakeholders, and promote sustainable and responsible business practices worldwide. Its principles and audits are based on international standards and guidelines.

They include the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code.

By incorporating these foundational documents, the audits ensure alignment with globally recognized ethical standards. This comprehensive approach provides a reliable assessment of a company’s ethical performance. It ensures that businesses adhere to the highest standards of labor rights, human rights, and ethical trading practices. By achieving SMETA certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to ethical excellence. They contribute to a more equitable and just global marketplace.

How the audits work

SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) audits are designed to assess a company’s adherence to ethical standards. They come in two main types:

  • 2-Pillar Audit: This audit focuses on labor standards and health and safety. It is suitable for companies looking to address the most critical aspects of ethical compliance.
  • 4-Pillar Audit: This comprehensive audit covers all four pillars: labor standards, health and safety, environment, and business ethics. It provides a holistic view of a company’s ethical performance and is recommended for organizations committed to achieving the highest standards of ethical practices.
Via SCS Global Services

Components of an effective SMETA action plan

Implementing a good SMETA strategy in your organization involves several key steps:

  1. Preparation: Begin by understanding the SMETA requirements and ensuring that your organization is ready for the audit. Review your policies, procedures, and practices related to labor standards, health and safety, environmental management, and business ethics.
  2. Self-Assessment: Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas of improvement and ensure that your organization meets the SMETA standards.
  3. Audit Planning: Schedule the audit with a certified SMETA auditor. Ensure that all relevant documentation and records are available for review during the audit.
  4. Audit Execution: The auditor will conduct a thorough evaluation of your organization’s practices, including interviews with employees, site inspections, and document reviews.
  5. Audit Report: After the audit, the auditor will provide a detailed report outlining the findings and any areas of non-compliance. The report will include recommendations for improvement.
  6. Corrective Actions: Develop and implement corrective action plans to address any areas of non-compliance identified in the audit report. Monitor the progress of these actions to ensure that they are effectively implemented.
  7. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update your policies and practices to ensure ongoing compliance with SMETA standards. Conduct periodic self-assessments and audits to maintain high ethical standards.

How to evaluate the effectiveness of your implementation

To measure the effectiveness of your SMETA implementation, consider several key metrics. First, evaluate the Compliance Rate, which reflects the percentage of audit criteria met during the audit, indicating adherence to SMETA standards. 

Next, assess the Corrective Action Closure Rate, measuring the percentage of corrective actions successfully implemented within the specified timeframe, demonstrating your commitment to resolving issues promptly. 

Additionally, gather Employee Satisfaction feedback on labor conditions, health and safety, and ethical practices, as high satisfaction levels suggest a positive work environment. Furthermore, monitor Environmental Impact metrics related to energy usage, waste management, and emissions to show your dedication to sustainability. 

Finally, track Audit Frequency, the number of audits conducted annually, to ensure continuous compliance and identify areas for improvement. By focusing on these metrics, you can effectively evaluate and enhance your SMETA implementation, ensuring it meets the highest standards of compliance and ethical practices.

Best audit practices

To achieve the best results from your SMETA audits, consider the following best practices:

  1. Leadership Commitment: Ensure that senior management is committed to ethical practices and supports the implementation of SMETA standards.
  2. Employee Training: Provide regular training to employees on labor standards, health and safety, environmental management, and business ethics.
  3. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, and customers, to promote ethical practices and transparency.
  4. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly monitor and review your organization’s practices to ensure ongoing compliance with SMETA standards.
  5. Documentation: Maintain comprehensive records and documentation to support your compliance efforts and facilitate the audit process.

How to implement SMETA in your organization

To implement SMETA, start by understanding the requirements and reviewing with an audit tool or checklist. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas needing improvement, then develop an action plan with assigned responsibilities and timelines. Implement corrective actions by updating policies and procedures, and providing employee training. Prepare for the audit by gathering relevant documentation and ensuring employees understand their roles.

Conduct the audit with a certified SMETA auditor, who will evaluate your practices through interviews, site inspections, and document reviews. Review the audit report to understand findings and address areas of non-compliance.

Finally, ensure continuous improvement by regularly updating policies and conducting periodic self-assessments and audits to maintain high ethical standards. By following these steps, you can effectively implement SMETA and uphold the highest standards of ethical practices in your organization.

Complying with the 4 pillars of SMETA guidelines

To comply with SMETA guidelines, start by understanding the SMETA standards. Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria evaluated during audits. Conduct a self-assessment to identify areas needing improvement.

Develop a detailed action plan to address these gaps, assigning responsibilities and setting timelines for corrective actions. Implement the necessary steps to address non-compliance, including updating policies and providing employee training.

Prepare for the audit by gathering relevant documentation and ensuring employees understand their roles. Conduct the audit with a certified SMETA auditor. Review the audit report to address any findings.

Ensure continuous improvement by regularly updating policies and conducting periodic self-assessments and audits to maintain high ethical standards.

Benefits of SMETA audits for leading companies and teams

Implementing SMETA in your organization offers several benefits:

  1. Improved Compliance: Ensuring adherence to labor standards, health and safety regulations, environmental management, and business ethics reduces legal risks and penalties.
  2. Enhanced Reputation: Commitment to ethical practices boosts your organization’s reputation and builds trust with stakeholders like employees, customers, and investors.
  3. Operational Efficiency: Standardizing processes through SMETA audits enhances operational efficiency and minimizes errors and inconsistencies.
  4. Employee Satisfaction: High labor standards and a safe working environment improve employee satisfaction and retention.
  5. Sustainability: Responsible environmental practices promote sustainability and reduce your organization’s environmental impact.
  6. Risk Management: Regular audits and continuous improvement efforts help identify and mitigate risks, ensuring long-term success.

Embrace the strategies in this guide to meet and exceed SMETA standards, making a lasting industry impact by integrating these best practices today.

Take the SMETA challenge: Elevate your standards today!

The tools of SMETA are within your reach. Challenge yourself to implement changes this week. Watch your organization’s ethical standards rise. Use Lumiform’s platform for template creation and automation.

Access extensive libraries and conduct impactful audits. Collaborate with your team to boost compliance. Improve areas needing attention.

Click here to begin your transformation journey today with powerful template tools from Lumiform!

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Frequently asked questions

Can we use internal auditors for SMETA audits?

While internal audits can be valuable for self-assessment and continuous improvement, it is essential to use certified external auditors for official SMETA audits. External auditors provide objectivity and credibility, ensuring that the audit results are unbiased and trustworthy. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the audit process and enhances stakeholder confidence in your compliance efforts.

What happens if we do not meet the SMETA standards?

If your organization does not meet the SMETA standards, the audit report will highlight areas of non-compliance and provide recommendations for improvement. It is crucial to develop and implement corrective action plans to address these issues promptly. By taking these steps, you can work towards achieving compliance and improving your organization’s ethical performance.

How can we ensure continuous compliance with SMETA standards?

Continuous compliance with SMETA standards requires a proactive approach. Regular self-assessments and periodic audits help identify and address potential issues. Ongoing training for employees ensures they are aware of the latest standards and best practices. Additionally, continuous monitoring and improvement of your organization’s practices are essential to maintain high ethical standards and compliance.

Author
Oti Francis
Oti Francis is a versatile Content Writer specializing in B2B and B2C content. Passionate about using content to drive audience engagement, brand ROI, and business success, Oti excels in creating impactful, SEO-optimized materials. At Lumiform, they contribute to enhancing workflow automation and operational excellence, bringing creativity and strategic insight to every project.
Lumiform offers innovative software to streamline frontline workflows. With over 12,000 ready-to-use templates or custom digital forms, organizations can increase efficiency and automate key business processes. The platform is particularly user-friendly, offering advanced reporting capabilities and powerful logic functions that enable automated solutions for standardized workflows. Discover the transformative potential of Lumiform to optimize your frontline workflows. Learn more about the product

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