FSSC 24000 is the audit and certification Scheme for Social Management Systems (SMS) that aligns with the ISO Management System approach and the ISO Harmonized Structure.
The Scheme is based on the following normative documents:
- BSI/PAS 24000:2022 – Social management system – Specification
- FSSC 24000 Additional Requirements (determined by the FSSC Board of stakeholders)
The BSI/PAS 24000:2022 in Annex A still makes provision for the core elements as those organisations who are subjected to these types of audits became accustomed to, such as:
- Human rights policy.
- Forced labour.
- Child labour.
- Freedom of association.
- Discrimination/ fair treatment of workers.
- Occupational health and safety.
- Building safety.
- Employment and contractual relations.
- Working hours.
- Grievance mechanism.
- Business ethics.
Although structured slightly different, organisations will still be audited against the same or similar requirements.
However, due to the alignment with the ISO Management System approach and the ISO Harmonized Structure, organisations will now be responsible for establishing a SMS with top management taking responsibility for the effectiveness thereof.
Requirements that could be “new” to organisations in the context of a SMS audit, include:
- Social Policy.
- Consultation and participation of workers (broader scope).
- Addressing risks and opportunities.
- Social performance objectives and planning to achieve them.
- Data analysis and evaluation.
- Internal audit.
- Management review.
- Nonconformity and corrective action
- Continual improvement.
Organisations that are FSSC 24000 certified may move from a “symptom-orientated culture” to a culture of empowerment, ownership and independence (not being reliant on external audits).
