How SLF is Governed with Integrity
Here at SLF, we understand the importance of integrity within our scope of work on behalf of the leather industry. That’s why we have a robust system of policies and procedures to guide the way in which we work, from standard setting to audit delivery and certification, to ensure that we uphold exemplary governance. In 2024, SLF underwent an external third party review of all our standards and benchmarks, governance systems, procedures and guidance notes, following which the SLF Environmental, Social and Governance Standards became the first leather specific Standards to be published on the ITC Global Standards Map. This year will see our auditing division, SLF Auditing Services Ltd, further our commitment by undertaking UKAS accreditation as a certification body. We are pleased to announce that we have appointed Stuart Cranfield, as a consultant, to manage our accreditation process with us and look forward to strengthening our ability to continue to meet industry and regulatory requirements.
The ITC Global Standards Map
The Trade for Sustainable Development (T4SD) Programme at the International Trade Centre (ITC) of the
United Nations is a partnership-based programme which empowers and equips micro, small and medium
sized enterprises (SMEs) to improve their sustainability performance for better efficiency and international
competitiveness.
Navigating the constantly moving landscape of sustainability standards can be challenging. That’s why the
United Nations have developed a range of tools, specifically tailored for the different actors along value
chains, enabling them to make informed decisions, better understand the sustainability initiatives
landscape and connect with like-minded business partners.
The Standards Map presents in-depth information on
over 300 voluntary sustainability standards, applicable
to sectors including agriculture, textile and garments,
consumer products, forestry, mining and services.
They are active in 192 countries and sorted across
1650 criteria.
The registration of SLF’s Environmental, Social and Governance Audit Certification programme is recognised as meeting all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and key themes covered include Human and Labour Rights, Due Diligence, Environment and Climate Change, Sustainable Business, Quality, Traceability and Credibility.
Find out more below:
UKAS Accreditation
The UKAS Accreditation process can take 12-18 months, from initial enquiry to successfully gaining accreditation. SLF hopes to have our initial assessment complete by the end of the 2025.
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole National Accreditation Body for the United Kingdom. UKAS is recognised by government, to assess against nationally and internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide conformity assessment services such as certification, testing, inspection, calibration and verification.
Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators. In short, UKAS ‘checks the checkers’.
It is Government policy to recommend the use of UKAS accredited conformity assessment services whenever this is an option. The Conformity assessment and accreditation policy in the UK requires UK conformity assessment bodies seeking accreditation to do so from UKAS as the sole NAB for the UK.
UKAS is appointed as the UK’s national accreditation body under the UK Accreditation Regulations 2009 for the purposes of Article 4(1) of RAMS (Regulation (EC) 765/2008, as amended and has effect in Great Britain), setting out the requirements for accreditation.