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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.
Validated Assessment Program (VAP)
Specialty VAP on Forced Labor Specialty VAP on Chemical Management
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 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.
The RBA Pulse Assessment is a simpler onsite assessment designed to quickly evaluate risk areas and provide a snapshot of current conditions.
| RBA Validated Assessment | RBA Customized Assessment | RBA Pulse Assessment | |
| RBA-managed scheduling | √ | √ | √ |
| RBA-approved, independent third-party firms conduct the assessment | √ | √ | √ |
| Report available in RBA-Online | √ | √ | √ |
| AI-supported QC | √ | √ | √ |
| RBA-managed QC | √ | √ | 5% 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 | √ |
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
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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