SMETA audit preparation for suppliers whose customers want proof of fair, safe work.

What it is

What is a SMETA audit?

SMETA is an audit methodology owned and published by Sedex, which describes its work as helping companies take action on sustainability. Sedex describes SMETA as a social audit: an independent auditor visits a supplier's site, reviews records, walks the workplace and interviews workers to see how labour, health and safety and related conditions are managed in practice.

Suppliers usually meet SMETA because a customer has asked for it. The audit gives that customer one recognised picture of a site instead of every brand sending its own auditor, and it gives the site a clear list of what to put right.

Current version. Sedex publishes material on SMETA 7.0 and has announced work on its audit methodology. Ask your customer which version and which scope they expect, and confirm the details with Sedex and your audit company before the audit is booked.

Who it is for

Who asks for a SMETA audit?

The request almost always comes from outside the business. Sites come to Sterling for SMETA readiness from four starting points:

• A retailer or brand has asked for one. The request names SMETA and a deadline. Clarify the scope and the version they expect before the date is fixed.
• A new export customer is qualifying you. Buyers in food, apparel, consumer goods and packaging often want an ethical audit before the first order.
• A previous audit raised findings. Non-compliances on hours, wages, documents or safety need real corrective action, with evidence, before the follow-up visit.
• Several sites need one approach. A group with factories in different countries wants the same labour policies, records and grievance channel at each.

The audit tests what workers say and what the records show on an ordinary day. That is what preparation has to change.

Requirements

What does a SMETA audit look at?

Sedex sets the SMETA methodology and its measurement criteria; the detailed structure is in Sedex's own guidance and is not reproduced here. The list below is what Sterling's preparation work covers at a typical site.

• Labour management: policies, contracts, recruitment and agency arrangements, and a working grievance channel.
• Working hours and wages: time and payroll records that reconcile, with overtime and pay explained.
• Health and safety: risk assessments, fire safety, protective equipment, training and incident records.
• Environment and business ethics: where your audit scope includes them, the policies and records that show how they are managed.
• Worker voice: people who know their rights and can explain how concerns are raised and handled.
• Corrective action: a tracked plan that closes previous findings with evidence.

Your engagement

What your SMETA engagement includes

One team prepares the whole site, under one all-inclusive proposal, from the first document review to the day the auditor arrives.

• Scope confirmation and gap review

  Against the scope and version your customer requested, with owners and dates.

• Policies, records and procedures

  Labour, hours, wages, safety and grievance records set up to work in daily practice.

• Effivity ISO & GRC software

  Records, actions and indicators in one workspace, included with the engagement at no additional cost.

• Training for managers and workers

  Rights, procedures and safety awareness, with preferential Sterling Academy access, including complimentary awareness training for your people as part of the engagement.

• Mock audit and worker interview rehearsal

  Conducted as the auditor would, with every gap closed with evidence.

• Audit day and corrective action support

  Support during the audit and until findings are closed.

Sterling does not conduct SMETA audits. An independent audit company audits the site and writes the report.

Often combined with

Standards organisations pair with SMETA (Sedex)

• amfori BSCIamfori BSCI audit preparation for producers: gap assessment across the 13 performance areas, remediation, worker-facing evidence and support from Sterling.
• CSDDDCSDDD compliance and requirements after Omnibus I: scoping, risk-based due diligence, complaints, monitoring and the 2029 start, delivered in one all-inclusive proposal.
• FairtradeFairtrade certification and requirements: which Fairtrade International standards apply, FLOCERT's audit, cost and timing, and how Sterling prepares you.
• ISO 26000ISO 26000 social responsibility consulting: apply its seven core subjects in your decisions and reporting.
• ISO 30415ISO 30415 diversity and inclusion guidance applied in your organisation: gap assessment, policies, HR processes, measures and training.
• ISO 45003ISO 45003 psychosocial risk consulting: manage work-related stress and wellbeing within your ISO 45001 system.