Responsible Business Alliance VAP / CMA

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) is a global industry coalition dedicated to promoting responsible business conduct across supply chains. 

It establishes a common Code of Conduct covering key areas such as labor, health and safety, environmental practices, and business ethics, aligned with internationally recognized standards. Through its programs RBA enables independent assessments to evaluate compliance, identify risks, and support continuous improvement. 

This approach provides companies with a structured framework to strengthen supply chain performance, enhance transparency, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. 

RBA Audit Types

Validated Assessment Program (VAP) 

  • Standardized RBA audit conducted by RBA-approved audit firms  
  • Widely recognized and required by leading global brands  
  • Results uploaded to the RBA platform and shared across multiple stakeholders  

Customer Managed Audit (CMA) 

  • Audit initiated by a specific client or RBA member  
  • More flexible in scope and application  
  • Typically used for specific supply chain or customer requirements 

Audit Methodology

 

  • Audits are conducted by RBA-qualified and authorized auditors
  • Assessments are initiated and managed through the RBA-Online platform
  • Audit team composition depends on the scope and type of assessment (VAP or CMA)

 

 

 

 

Code areas

A Labor 

B Health and Safety 

C Environment 

D Ethics 

E Supply Chain Management 

Audit Tools

  • RBA audit protocols and tools (including VAP Protocol v8)
  • Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ)
  • RBA Voices (Worker voice platform that includes worker surveys, onsite support, mobile learning, and feedback/grievance channels)

How long is the RBA audit valid?

Validated Assessment Report (VAR) is valid for 2 years from the date of the initial assessment closing meeting, unless significant changes occur at the site.

CMA audits are typically valid for 2 years, depending on client requirements and site conditions 

Benefits of having the audit

  • Gain a Comprehensive evaluation of the facility aligned with the RBA Code of Conduct, widely required by leading global brands.
  • Ensure consistency and comparability through a structured methodology and standardized tools
  • Identify risks and improvement opportunities across labor, health & safety, environment, and ethics, while strengthening your position in global supply chains
  • Own and share your VAP report with customers and stakeholders, supporting transparency and collaboration

How does it work?

  • 01

    Initial Assessment Scheduling (up to 9 months in advance)

  • 02

    RBA selects an audit firm.

  • 03

    Auditee signs agreements

  • 04

    Report review and feedback from the auditee

  • 05

    Report review and auditee feedback

  • 06

    VAP report release

  • 07

    Completes satisfaction survey

What makes us different?

We combine technical expertise with a people-centered audit approach, enabling more accurate insights and more effective outcomes across the supply chain. What makes ALGI unique is: 

  • Clear, concise, and objective reporting that enables effective understanding of audit outcomes. 
  • Strong understanding of local contexts, allowing for accurate identification of social compliance risk. 
  • Highly experienced auditors with continuous training anlearning. 
  • A professional and respectful audit approach during on-site assessments that supports clear and reliable information gathering. 
  • Independent quality assurance process that reinforce alignment with audit standards. 
  • Global Management System based in ISO 9001:2015, ISO 17021:2011. 
  • Real-time visibility and management of audit status through our digital tools 
  • Confidentiality, Integrity and Impartiality are our core business values.