Sozialaudits

Sozialaudits are systematic, independent evaluations of an organization’s social performance, focusing on areas such as labor conditions, human rights, health and safety, and worker rights. They are commonly used to assess compliance with codes of conduct in supply chains and to provide assurance to customers, investors, and regulators that social standards are met. The audits can cover employees directly employed by a company as well as workers in suppliers and subcontractors.

A typical social audit includes planning and documentation review, on-site inspections, interviews with workers and management, and a final report with a corrective action plan. Audits may be conducted by external auditing firms or internal teams. They can be announced or unannounced, and may vary in scope to address specific risks, sectors, or regions. Some audits result in formal certification, while others serve as surveillance or compliance checks within supplier programs.

Standards and frameworks commonly encountered in Sozialaudits include SA8000, a social accountability standard developed by Social Accountability International, which draws on ILO core labor standards and national laws. Other widely referenced frameworks include ILO conventions, OECD due diligence guidance, ISO 26000 guidance, and sector-specific programs such as SEDEX/SMETA or BSCI. The audit output typically comprises findings, an overall conformity status, and a corrective action plan with deadlines.

Applications span many industries, with notable use in apparel, electronics, and other manufacturing sectors, as well as service providers seeking to demonstrate social performance. Critics point to limitations such as the snapshot nature of audits, potential power imbalances, cost, and the risk of focusing on compliance over continuous improvement. Effective use often combines audits with ongoing monitoring, worker voice mechanisms, and supplier development initiatives.