3.0 Definitions

Introduction to 3.0 language 

Specific Abbreviations and Vocabulary

Words that appear in blue are words that are also defined in this document – you can find them in their proper place (words and phrases are listed alphabetically)  

Assessment: To assess compliance means to determine (check) the level of compliance. An assessment is not an audit. In 3.0 we talk about two different kinds of assessments:    

-Self-Assessment (SCAT): the supplier answers questions about a defined area of the compliance code

- Independent External Assessment (IEA) where an external assessor visits the supplier site and asks questions (assesses the situation) and verifies documentation.  

In either of these two kinds of assessments, the questions are multiple-choice questions that result in a degree, or level, of compliance (scale of 1-5).

Assessment Portal: The web site where a supplier goes to fill out the SCAT and download the SCIs

Capacity Building: Efforts aimed at strengthening and developing human resource skills (management and technical) within an organization to reduce the level of risks and manage them There are different levels of capacity building: upgrading of skills; review and improvement of methodologies; policies and procedures; and organizational restructuring  

IEA – Independent External Assessment The IEA is an assessment done when Capacity Building has taken place. An IEA is done to assess the progress and impact of the Capacity Building initiatives in an independent or unbiased manner.

Monitoring Committee: The Monitoring Committee is a subgroup of the FLA that includes different stakeholders (FLA, Participating Companies, NGOs, licensees, and suppliers). For 3.0 purposes, the Monitoring Committee makes recommendations to the board in regards to which countries 3.0 will next be implemented in and other strategic decisions. Example: In 2007 we start 3.0 in China and Thailand. The Monitoring Committee also has a role as a stakeholder determining the Priority Issues

Monitoring Matrix: A tool based on which participants in stakeholder forums identify Priority Issues. This tool collects compliance data from various stakeholders (including Participating Companies, Suppliers and NGOs). The data is compiled into one matrix that is used during the stakeholder forum where decisions on Priority Issues are made through a collaborative decision making process.

Participating Company (PC): A Participating Company is an accredited member of the FLA. A Participating Company is a customer of a Supplier. The PC will offer the possibility of participating in 3.0 to their suppliers and has a role in supporting the supplier(s) during the process.

Priority Issue An issue or problem that is widespread in a certain country or region. Example: Hours of Work is a Priority Issue for China and Thailand because this is a persistent non compliance in all areas. For 3.0 the Priority Issues for a country or region are determined by the FLA Board after the Monitoring Committee has held stakeholder consultations.

Root Cause Analysis: A root cause analysis is the search for the underlying reasons of why there is a low result on a certain area of a SCAT and/or SCOPE. The root cause analysis takes place first internally, and then during a discussion between the Participating Company (FLA Member Company) and the Supplier (workers and other stake-holders might be included where possible).

SCAT – Sustainable Compliance Assessment Tool A SCAT is an on-line questionnaire with multiple-choice questions. It is a self-assessment filled out by you (supplier) on the Assessment Portal. The results of the SCAT will help you see where your strengths are and where you may need to improve things in your organization. Taking the SCAT: It is not always the same person in the supplier organization who fills out the SCAT but we always provide the information on who the appropriate person to take a certain SCAT is. A different SCAT is developed for each Priority Issue  

SCAT+: The SCAT+ is also a Sustainable Compliance Assessment Tool. It covers the same areas as the SCAT, but the SCAT+ is filled out by an Assessor during the Independent External Assessment done once Capacity Building has taken place. SCAT + also includes additional check lists and verification of documents.

SCI – Sustainable Compliance Indicator: A SCI is an indicator developed to measure and record the progress made during Capacity Building on a Priority Issue. SCIs can be downloaded from the Assessment Portal. SCIs are filled out by the supplier. A SCI is basically a key performance indicator.

SCIM – Sustainable Compliance Instructional Material A SCIM can be a face to face training, written documentation, or an interactive on-line course with examples and videos. SCIMs are developed for each Priority Issue either by the FLA or in collaboration with local service providers. Local SCIM training exist on issues such as: Dispute Settlement (Grievance Procedures), Hiring and Discipline. More SCIMs will be added over time.

SCOPE – Sustainable COmpliance PErceptions SCOPEs are worker interviews done by a local service provider. The SCOPE and the SCAT (or SCAT+) results together give a more complete picture of a supplier’s situation. A different SCOPE is developed for each Priority Issue. The questions are multiple-choice ones, and the result is given as a degree of compliance (scale of 1-5).

Service Provider: A NGO (Non Governmental Organization), CSO (Civil Society Organization), consultant or other organization present in the supplier’s country that has expertise in 3.0 relevant subjects. A Service Provider can have one of the following two functions: 1. Accredited by the FLA to perform SCOPEs. A service provider who wants to perform SCOPEs will need to fill out the appropriate application form and will be evaluated by the FLA to determine its’ suitability to perform SCOPEs. Training is provided by the FLA. 2. To provide resources, programs or training to suppliers or FLA companies following the FLA methodology in order to install Capacity Building A service provider who wants to be accredited to provide FLA SCIM training to suppliers will need to participate in a training and evaluation given by a FLA international or local trainer. Service providers who wish to provide other capacity building services than SCIMs may present them to the FLA with the request to be listed on the FLA training portal.  

Stakeholder: A person or group with an interest in the success of a project

Supplier: A Supplier provides production and sales of finished goods bought by a Participating Company. The Supplier is one of the main players in the 3.0 process. Another term often used for the Supplier is factory  

Training Portal: A web site where suppliers can consult or download (certain) SCIMs and find information that is distributed and used in training. Participants in FLA training courses will be given a username and password to access information on the TP. If a supplier wishes to access a SCIM that is not available free of charge their user rights will be updated once they have purchased the right to access that SCIM.