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RBA onsite assessments provide companies with a range of assessment and verification options benchmarked against the RBA Code of Conduct and referencing international frameworks to prevent, identify and mitigate risks and support continuous improvement in global supply chains. Whether you need a comprehensive, full-scope validation, a more focused deep-dive into specific critical risks, or a simplified snapshot of current conditions, the RBA offers flexible, credible, and internationally recognized assessment programs to meet your company’s needs. All RBA onsite assessments are conducted by RBA-approved, independent third-party firms trained on the assessment protocols. These assessments also include AI-generated Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
AI-generated Corrective Action Plans Validated Assessment Program (VAP) RBA Pulse Assessment Specialty VAP on Forced Labor Specialty VAP on Chemical Management Customized Assessment Responsible Factory Initiative
RBA onsite assessments provide actionable insights that help facilities identify risks, uncover nonconformances, and drive continuous improvement. RBA-approved third-party assessment firms use our protocols to evaluate facility performance against the RBA Code of Conduct and identify findings where practices do not meet Code criteria. Each finding carries a defined severity rating and a remediation timeline. Facilities are expected to not only correct the issue but implement preventive measures to help ensure it does not recur. These corrective and preventive actions are documented through Correction Action Plans (CAPs).
Going forward, the RBA will include an AI-generated CAP with each onsite assessment. Upon completion of an assessment using this new process, assessed entities will be provided with a draft Corrective Action Plan that is specific to the findings from their assessment and takes into account the context available in the assessment report. All CAPs can be uploaded into RBA-Online by the assessed faclity to begin the CAP management process. By simplifying the process, increasing automation, and embedding AI-supported tools, the program reduces administrative burden and enhances assessment quality and corrective actions.
While the ultimate responsibility for compliance and remediation rests with the facility, the RBA can provide guidance, resources, and support to help organizations develop effective CAPs. For those who need additional assistance with CAPs, the RBA has a Responsible Factory Initiative (RFI). RFI can tailor a project to your company or facility's needs, including Corrective Action Plans.
The Validated Assessment Program (VAP) is the RBA’s flagship assessment, offering a comprehensive evaluation of facilities and alignment with RBA Code of Conduct criteria across labor, health and safety, environment, and ethics issues, as well as management system structure.
The VAP can be conducted in a manufacturing environment (Standard VAP) or in service provider environments (Indirect Spend VAP). Indirect Spend VAP follows the full VAP protocol but is not eligible for the VAP Recognition Program.
Learn more about the Standard VAP
The new RBA Pulse Assessment is a simpler onsite assessment designed to quickly evaluate risk areas and provide a snapshot of current conditions.
The Specialty VAP (SVAP) on Forced Labor is a specialized onsite assessment designed to detect, assess, and address forced labor risks using expert auditors and tailored methodologies.
The SVAP on Chemical Management is a onsite assessment to evaluate facilities’ management of risks related to chemical safety, worker exposure, and hazardous materials.
Customized Assessments allow companies to define a tailored scope, focusing on specific risks, allegations, or areas of concern.
| RBA Validated Assessment | RBA Pulse Assessment | RBA Customized Assessment | |
| AI-generated Corrective Action Plans | √ | √ | √ |
| RBA-managed scheduling | √ | √ | √ |
| RBA-approved, independent third-party firms conduct the assessment | √ | √ | √ |
| Report available in RBA-Online | √ | √ | √ |
| AI-supported QC | √ | √ | √ |
| RBA-managed QC | √ | Random sample | √ |
| Full-scope, comprehensive assessment | √ | ||
| Selective/limited scope in line with complexity or risk | √ | √ | |
| Appropriate for complex and high-risk suppliers | √ | √ | |
| Supports companies that need to meet certain regulatory requirements | √ | Yes, in case of allegations | |
| Counts toward RBA membership compliance | √ | ||
| RBA VAP Recognition Program eligibility | √ |
The Responsible Factory Initiative (RFI) provides factories with access to a suite of tools, services and trainings that improve labor conditions, health and safety protocols, environmental practices, and alignment with the RBA Code of Conduct, regardless of a factory’s level of maturity.
To learn how the Responsible Factory Initiative can assist you with Corrective Action Plans, contact rfi@responsiblebusiness.org.
It is important to understand your company’s details and scope. We suggest you complete your Facility Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) to determine risk level and then decide on your next step. Some of the questions below may also help you decide:
If you are still unsure which assessment is right for you, contact the RBA VAP team at VAP@responsiblebusiness.org and we will guide you through the determination process.
A customized assessment may be most suited for this situation, so you can choose the specific element that needs the assessor’s attention.
Based on these parameters, a Pulse Assessment may be the best option.
The Validated Assessment Program (VAP) is the most comprehensive RBA assessment available and is best suited to help companies meet regulatory obligations. For regulations specifically focused on forced labor, we might also recommend conducting a Specialty VAP (SVAP) on Forced Labor in conjunction with the standard VAP. It is important to understand that an assessment by itself will not meet regulatory requirements, but it remains an essential tool within your due diligence exercise.
Please log in to your RBA-Online account and use the Help function to access the relevant user guides. If you do not have an RBA-Online account yet, you can register your company here. In case of further questions, please contact the RBA VAP Team at VAP@responsiblebusiness.org
Please contact the RBA VAP Team at VAP@responsiblebusiness.org
Yes. The RBA's Responsible Factory Initiative (RFI) can tailor a project to your company or facility's needs, including Corrective Action Plans. Learn more about the RFI here and contact rfi@responsiblebusiness.org to discuss your project.
Founded in 2004 by a group of leading electronics companies committed to supporting the rights and well being of workers and communities worldwide affected by the global electronics supply chain.
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