Date: 2024-07-26 Page is: DBtxt003.php txt00006271
Iniitatives
SAAS
Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS)
Burgess COMMENTARY
Peter Burgess
Contact Us
For questions about accreditation and the application process, please contact:
Lisa Bernstein
Program Manager
Phone: +1-212-684-1414, extension 204
Fax: +1-212-684-1515
E-mail: lbernstein@saasaccreditation.org
About SAAS Accreditation Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) is an accreditation agency founded to accredit and monitor organizations as certifiers of compliance with social standards, including the Social Accountability 8000 standard for ethical working conditions. SAAS began work as a department within Social Accountability International (SAI) in 1997 and was formally established as its own not-for-profit organization in 2007. 15 West 44th Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10036 tel: (212) 684-1414 fax: (212) 684-1515 Company Overview - Accreditation - Certification - SA8000 - Complaints Process Accreditation - Accreditation Process - To Apply - Fees - Complaints & Appeals What is Accreditation? Accreditation is the process by which formal recognition of competence is given to qualified organizations, known as Certification Bodies (CBs), who are then granted the ability to perform certifications. Certification of compliance to SA8000 and other verification codes within the SAAS scope of accreditation is available only through qualified CBs granted accreditation by SAAS. Certification bodies need to be accredited to assure stakeholders that the CBs are able to consistently, reliably and effectively perform certification audits and that these audits are carried out in a professional manner. SAAS sets strict standards and oversight procedures for accreditation of qualified organizations to certify against SA8000 and other verification codes within its scope. The accreditation process by SAAS includes documentation review, site audits and observation of auditors in the field. SAAS undertakes impartial assessment and surveillance of CBs to ensure that the SAAS-accredited certification process is functioning and meets the SAAS criteria. SAAS maintains a public list of accredited CBs and certified facilities.
What Is Certification - The Certification Process - Accredited Certification Bodies and Course Providers - Certified Facilities List What Is Certification? Certification is the process by which individual facilities and organizations undergo assessment by a third-party auditor. If the facility meets the requirements set out in the standard or code, it can earn a certificate attesting to its compliance. Third party assessment occurs when a facility is voluntarily audited against a standard or code by an independent, external body that is neither a direct purchaser nor a consultant. Performance deemed to be in compliance with the standard is acknowledged by the granting a certificate. This certificate can be displayed and its contents communicated to relevant parties such as buyers or brands. In the case of SAAS, certification bodies accredited by SAAS can verify facilities that conform to the: • SA8000 Standard • InterAction Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) Standard • Business Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI) Code of Conduct • Magen Tzedek Certification Standard
FAQs Company Overview • What is SAAS’s relationship with SAI? • What is the oversight process of SAAS? • How do I contact SAAS? Accreditation • How does my company become accredited to certify factories and facilities to the SA8000 Standard? • How does my non-governmental organization (NGO) become accredited to certify factories and facilities to the SA8000 Standard? • How long does it take to be accredited? • What are the average costs of SAAS accreditation? • What is the renewal process for accreditation? Certification • What is certification? • How do I become certified? • How long does it take to be certified? • What are the average costs of earning certification? • What are the benefits of certification? SA8000 • How widely recognized is the SA8000 standard? • What is the impact of SA8000 worldwide? • How do I know if a facility is certified to SA8000? • Where can I buy a product made at an SA8000-certified facility? • How do I become an SA8000 auditor? Complaints Process • How do I make a complaint?