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FSLM – FAQ

1. Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP)

2. Facility Social Labor Module (FSLM)

3. Law Guidance (Country Law Overlay in SLCP)

4. ILO Better Work

5. Training

1. Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP)

Please click here to get the full guidance of SLCP and SLCP gateway. 

Learn more about the relationship between SLCP and Higg FSLM here.

2. Facility Social Labor Module (FSLM)

What is the difference between the Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) and
Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) ?

The SLCP is an independent multi-stakeholder program which has developed the Converged
Assessment Framework (CAF) (this includes a Data Collection Tool and verification methodology) as
well as data hosting and sharing process.

SAC is one of the Accredited Hosts (AH). We are approved by the SLCP to store SLCP assessment data
on their platform and provide additional data analytics and sharing services to users such as brands,
standard holders, and manufacturers.

Facilities are able to complete a self/joint-assessment and the verification of that assessment through
the Higg.org platform. The SLCP’s Converged Assessment Framework (CAF) is available on Higg.org
platform and is found through the Higg Facility Social & Labor Module.
Assistance
What is the difference between this SLCP converged assessment framework and the
Higg FSLM?
 gg S ?

Since 2018, the SAC has replaced its own proprietary tool Higg Facility Social & Labor Module (FSLM)
by using the Converged Assessment Framework as the backbone of the updated Higg FSLM.

SAC believes that the apparel & footwear industry should converge and harmonize efforts through the
Social & Labor Convergence Program (SLCP) Converged Assessment Framework in order to reduce
the number of social and labor audits. This eliminates audit fatigue, enables data comparison, and
frees up resources for improvement programs.

The Social & Labour Convergence Program question sets are incorporated into the updated Higg
FSLM and the verification methodology developed by the S&L Convergence Prgram is now valid for
Higg FSLM.

Is the SLCP tool the same as Higg FSLM? If it is the same, why do I need to purchase
Higg FSLM?

See previous answer. In October 2019, SAC started to pilot the scoring methodology for the Higg
FSLM. The scoring is specific to the Higg Index and not available in SLCP gateway or other accredited
hosts. We released a scored version of the Higg FSLM CAF 1.3 in 2020.

SLCP data can only be completed as a self-assessment and verified on an accredited host platform (e.g.
higg.org). Therefore the first step for a facility to take is to purchase a Higg FSLM self-assessment on
higg.org. So far as now, verified modules are available for purchase only for factories located in some
countries/regions.

What is the difference between Higg FSLM and Higg vFSLM?

Higg FSLM is the Facility Social Labor Module self-assessment version, and vFSLM is the verified
version of the FSLM self-assessment. Only the vFSLM can be transferred between Higg.org and the
SLCP Gateway.
Is Higg FSLM scored?

Yes, for FSLM CAF 1.3 version. The FSLM CAF 1.4 scoring system will be released later of 2021. 
Will the Higg FSLM be completely aligned with the latest version of the SLCP tool?
Yes. SLCP is working closely with the accredited hosts to make sure that the latest version of the tool is
integrated with their systems.
What languages is Higg FSLM available in?

Higg FSLM CAF 1.4 are currently available in English and Chinese. The other languages will be
coming soon. However, please note that all responses within the tool must be completed in English.
Why can’t I buy a vFSLM? When can I buy it?

More information: https://www.sumerra.com/programs/slcp/active-vb-list/

Therefore only factories located in these countries can access and purchase a vFSLM. Verification will
be expanding to other countries in 2020. As the SLCP expands their verification program into other
countries, the SAC will continue to update our vFSLM purchasing availability in the added locations.
SLCP is currently available in the following countries / regions:

Africa: Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Tunisia

Americas: Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico,
Peru, USA
Asia: China, Hong Kong, India, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka,
Taiwan, Thailand
Europe: Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey
After the launch of CAF v1.4 in April 2021, SLCP will also be available in:
Africa: South Africa
Americas: Canada
Asia: Japan, Singapore
Europe: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy,
Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands,  Russia, Serbia, United Kingdom, Ukraine

SLCP is also already available for facilities that are not eligible for the ILO-BetterWork program in the
following countries / regions:
Asia: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam

SLCP will fully roll-out in these countries in May / June 2021. Additionally, we will launch in Pakistan
in May. SLCP will become available in other ILO-BetterWork countries in Q3 2021 / 2022 (TBC).

Please refer to SLCP gateway website: https://gateway.slconvergence.org/home

What is the deadline for completing Higg FSLM? Is it the same deadline for Higg FEM?
Higg FSLM should be completed once every 12 months. This module is on a “rolling cycle” meaning
there is no deadline and the assessment can be completed at any time throughout the year. The SAC
encourages its members and users to follow the same timeline as Higg FEM, to post their modules by
June 30th. The consistent timeline encourages streamlined planning and reporting.
Why do I have to pay for a verification fee if I purchase a vFSLM?
SAC charges a fee for Higg.org platform access and support when you purchase a vFSLM.  SLCP
charges a verification fee to cover verification program management. This fee is captured by verifiers
as a part of their verification fee.
How will SLCP feed into the FSLM. Since SAC is one of the accredited hosts, will there
be a direct link?
Users on Higg.org will be able to import data from the SLCP gateway if they completed their
assessment on a different accredited host platform and share with their business partners that are on
Higg.org           
A facility would require to purchase a vFSLM on the Higg.org platform so that the data can be
transferred from the SLCP gateway into the Higg.org platform. Facilities will also be able to push their
Higg FSLM data to the SLCP Gateway and share with other accredited host platforms. All facilities
that plan to complete Higg FSLM will need to create an account on the SLCP gateway:
gateway.slconvergence.org
Can Higg FSLM be verified on SLCP gateway?
No. Higg FSLM can only be verified on an approved accredited host platform (e.g. Higg.org). To verify
a Higg FSLM, a vFSLM must be purchased before the verification starts. Please note that verification
(vFSLM) is only available in many countries. Click here to learn more. 
In order to verify Higg FSLM in China, do Higg FSLM verifiers have to be approved or
qualified? Can Higg FEM verifiers also verify Higg FSLM?
The verifiers for FSLM will have to be approved by SLCP through their verification process.

Only SLCP approved verifiers can conduct an SLCP/FSLM verification and produce a valid verified
assessment report. Approved Higg FEM verifiers that are interested to also become an approved
verifier for FSLM should apply through the SLCP :
More information : https://slcp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/categories/360002174513-FAQ-
Verifiers
What functions are available for FSLM on higg.org?
You can link your SLCP gateway facility ID to start your Higg FSLM module. Once started you will be
able to complete, post, share, and request to share your Higg FSLM module. You are able to track any
shared Higg FSLM modules and import/export the module. You can also submit your completed
FSLM for verification if you are located in the SLCP 2019 operation countries/areas and have
purchased the vFSLM. 

Where can I find Higg FSLM training guidance?

All training materials have been posted here. All these materials are also posted in the resource
section of https://slcp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us.
If my FSLM is completed and verified on another accredited host platform, like FFC,
can I share my FSLM data on higg.org?

Yes. If your SLCP assessment is completed and verified on another accredited host platform, you can
transfer it to Higg.org via the SLCP Gateway. You will need to purchase a vFSLM on higg.org in order
to import and share your assessment with your business partners. You should go to your SLCP
gateway account and choose to link SAC/Higg Co. Then you will need to purchase a vFSLM. Go to the
FSLM tab in higg.org and click “transfer SLCP” to purchase. Then you can see the vFSLM data in your
FSLM module page. 
How do I start my Higg FSLM on higg.org?
If you only plan to complete the Higg FSLM self-assessment, you don’t need to create any accounts in
SLCP gateway and link it with Higg.org. You just need to have your account created in Higg.org. Login
to your Higg.org account and go to the FSLM tab. Click “purchase Higg FSLM” , then you can start to
work on your Higg FSLM.
For step by step guidance please click here.
Do I need to pay to register on the SLCP gateway?

No. Registration on the SLCP Gateway is free.

3. Law Guidance (Country Law Overlay in SLCP)

What is the Law Guidance in SLCP? 

The Law Guidance is a new feature of the Social & Labor Convergence Program’s Converged
Assessment Framework. It is a guide that outlines information about international labor standards,
national laws, and ILO norms. The Law Guidance determines a facility’s compliance with these legal
standards.
Why is the Law Guidance important?
The Law Guidance raises awareness of legal requirements for a facility. It ensures that laws and labor
standards are consistently followed and that areas of non-compliance are noted so they may be
addressed.
Where is the Law Guidance available? 

The Law Guidance is available for Step 1 of the CAF in Better Work program countries. Facilities in
those countries have access to the national Law Guidance. It is also available via the Higg platform in
Bangladesh. It will be available in Indonesia and Vietnam later this year.
Who can use the Law Guidance? 
 Stakeholders including facilities, brands, retailers and verifiers can use the Law Guidance to
understand legal compliance at a facility.
How can a facility use the Law Guidance? 
Facilities can view the Law Guidance directly in the FSLM assessment interface on the Higg.org
platform. However, the Law Guidance is not able to show in the offline excel file of FSLM.

How can verifiers use the Law Guidance?

Once the verification of FSLM starts, the verifiers will be able to access facilities’ vFSLM and view the
law guidance for the related questions on our platform.

4. ILO Better Work

Here you can learn more about ILO Better Work. 

5. Training

Click here to join more training hosted by Higg. 

Click here to join more training hosted by SLCP. 

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