In alignment with SIZA’s commitment to supporting businesses during third-party audits, an independent dispute procedure is available to ensure that suppliers have the opportunity to raise concerns when they disagree with audit findings. This dispute process is independent from the grievance procedure and focuses on legal interpretations and compliance matters identified during Social and Environmental audits.
Auditors are not permitted to be influenced or coerced during the audit process, nor are they allowed to alter findings based on corrections made on the day of the audit. Therefore, this dispute procedure also protects auditors in situations where differing views exist regarding the implementation of the SIZA Standard or relevant legal requirements. It provides all parties involved in the audit with a fair and transparent opportunity to assess the legal grounds and application behind any disputed findings.
It is important to note that SIZA can only become involved in the audit process once a formal dispute has been submitted in writing via the MySIZA Platform. From that point onward, SIZA acts as an independent facilitator, ensuring a fair and objective review of all perspectives to reach a balanced and legally sound outcome.
Once the supplier submits a dispute via the MySIZA Data Platform, SIZA compiles an anonymous case study based on the non-compliance raised. All references to the business name and audit team are removed, and only factual evidence is included to ensure anonymity.
The anonymised case study and the supporting evidence and justification provided by the auditee are submitted to the SIZA Audit Expert Group. This group comprises independent specialists in relevant fields and the value chain, such as labour and environmental law, human resources, social responsibility, and environmental practices. Each expert independently reviews the case and submits individual feedback to SIZA, without visibility of the opinions of other members to ensure impartiality. The Expert Group operates online, and members remain anonymous to one another to avoid any potential influence or collaboration.
Once all input is received, SIZA compiles the majority opinion of the Expert Group to communicate it to the audit firm.
Recommendation to Audit Firm: The majority opinion is than formally recommended to the audit firm for consideration regarding whether the original finding or risk rating should be upheld, amended, or removed.
If the audit firm accepts the recommendation and approves a change once they have completed their internal review processes, the necessary amendments can be made. SIZA updates the audit status to “In Progress,” allowing the auditor to revise the audit accordingly and submit it for final review and approval to the audit firm reviewer.
In cases where the Audit Expert Group cannot reach a consensus, SIZA seeks legal guidance from external counsel and, when necessary, consults with the Department of Employment and Labour to ensure a legally sound resolution.
The dispute and outcome are uploaded to the supplier’s profile on the MySIZA Data Platform and communicated via email. Once this is completed, SIZA closes the audit dispute on the platform.
