• Social Accountability International (SAI) is dedicated to improving workplaces and communities by developing and implementing socially responsible standards.
• SAI is an accreditation and standards setting organization.
• Founded in 1997 to develop Social Accountability 8000 (SA8000), SAI convened an international, multi-stakeholder advisory board.
• SA8000 is a voluntary standard for workplaces based on ILO and other human rights conventions. Its independent verification method draws many key elements from ISO programs.
• There are nine elements in the SA8000 standard: child labor, forced labor, health and safety, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, discrimination, discipline, working hours, remuneration and management systems.
• There are currently 1038 SA8000 certified facilities in 55 different countries and 58 different industries.
• SA8000 is widely recognized by trade unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as one of the strongest workplace standards.
• Retailers, brand companies and other employers worldwide with annual sales over USD175 billion are using SA8000.
• SAI licenses qualified auditing firms and individual auditors to certify facility compliance with social accountability standards.
• SAI provides oversight and review of the auditing process, including an open complaints and appeals system.
• SAI and other similar NGOs work through ISEAL (International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labeling Alliance).
• SAI is a tax-exempt charitable organization, funded through grants, donations, fees, and publication sales.