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CAF 1.7.0 Updates

  • Updated

The Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) is a comprehensive and robust tool and verification methodology developed by the Social & Labor Convergence Program signatories. The social impact assessment evaluates the social performance of global manufacturing facilities.

The CAF is regularly updated to respond to signatory and stakeholder feedback, and to ensure the tool remains relevant. In 2025, the SLCP launched CAF v1.7, which features Data Collection Tool Enhancements, Key Verification Protocol Updates, and Technical Enhancements.

 

Data Collection Tool Updates

CAF v1.7 introduced the following key Data Collection Tool changes:

Questions added, deleted, and moved to a new position

Some questions were added, removed, or moved to new positions. This graphic taken from the CAF v1.7 Launch Webinar shows the total questions applicable to facilities, as well as the average number of questions in a finalized assessment between Feb 2024 and Feb 2025.

Screenshot 2025-04-04 at 3.38.39 PM.png

Numeric data type requirements updated

SLCP runs automated data quality checks on each verified assessment to ensure correct answer formatting. The launch of CAV v1.7 introduced three new numeric data types, including:

  1. Numeric percentages - Values between 0 and 1 with up to 2 decimal places
    • EX: 0.22, 0.49, 0.87
  2. Numeric whole numbers - Positive whole numbers including 0
    • EX: 0, 1, 2
  3. Numeric longitude and latitude - GPS coordinates with appropriate validation logic
    • EX: The approximate coordinates for New York City are 40.71 degrees latitude and -74.01 degrees longitude

 

Questions that seem repetitive in Step 1 now separated and moved to Step 2

In total, 5 questions pertaining to facilities implementing practices that are beyond what the law requires were moved to step 2. In addition, these questions were changed to be conditional to the answer "No applicable legal requirements' for the law-based questions. Anyone reviewing the report can now clearly understand whether a facility is implementing something even if they are not required to by law.

 

Question wording updated to more clearly identify non-compliance

Some questions have updated working to better identify when a facility is not complying. These updates now capture negative or opposite meaning.

Screenshot 2025-04-04 at 3.50.32 PM.png

This change was made so that non-compliance is indicted with something that is not blank.

For example, previously in CAF v1.6, the answer could be a positive answer such as “are maintained” or “are matched." If it is not answered with a positive answer it would remain blank.

In CAF v1.7, you can answer the opposite meaning without leaving it blank.

 

Questions in the Management Systems section streamlined

Updates were made to the training and communication category. Instead of answering who receives communication and training, CAF v1.7 covers the type of communication and training the facility provides. Answers to these questions include the type of communication AND the type of workforce or entity associated with the facility.

These changes make it easier for facilities and verifiers to answer this section's questions.

 

New questions to support Human Rights Due Diligence

Aligning CAF v1.7 with the Human Rights Due Diligence framework included key activities such as analyzing legislation, conducting tool gap analysis, gathering expert feedback on prioritized themes, and updated the CAF.

The new questions that support the Human Rights Due Diligence frameworks capture additional information across 5 key themes:

  1. Grievance Mechanisms
  2. Meaningful SHE / Worker Involvement
  3. Worker Turnover
  4. Climate Impact on Workers
  5. Privacy Rights

Click here for a list of downloadable links related to the Data Collection Tool. You can also watch the SLCP technical webinar on Reading and Interpreting an SLCP Assessment Report.

 

Verification Protocol Updates

Mandatory language support for interviews

If there are more than four languages spoken at a facility to support communication with workers, the verification team must support the top three spoken languages. If a Verifier Body (VB) cannot meet this requirement, the VB must file an exception and the facility must engage in Worker Engagement Technology.

 

Clarified: Mandatory Offsite Day

The existing requirement for VBs to include one mandatory offsite day for Verifiers will be clarified in the updated Protocol.

 

Opening Meeting: Topic of honest data

In an Opening Meeting with the facility, Verifiers must share SLCP emphasis on honest data. It is recommended that VBs and Verifiers provide a printout of CAF Terms of Use to emphasize SLCP's commitment to accurate data.

 

Technical Enhancements

CAF v1.7 includes enhancements to data content and quality, facility experience, verification, and process flow.

Data content and quality

  • Mandatory narratives
  • Mandatory attachments
  • Mandatory data quality checks

Facility experience

  • Verification only
  • Additional country support
  • Additional language support

Verification

  • Quality assurance reviewer role
  • Pre-verification notifications

Process flow

  • Immediate notifications
  • Further control over assessment deletion and finalization