SERVICE
Independent audits without the third-party theatre.
Social compliance, EHS, RBA, SA8000, C-TPAT, and SMETA audits conducted without certification body affiliation. I'm not here to issue a certificate — I'm here to tell you what's actually happening and what needs to change.
Is this for you?
Not every engagement is the right fit. Here's how to tell.
This fits if…
- You need an independent pre-audit to understand what a formal audit will find.
- Your brand requires a shadow audit before a third-party certification visit.
- You want findings structured for action, not for filing in a compliance folder.
- You're a brand conducting supply chain due diligence under HREDD requirements.
- You need an unannounced or semi-announced audit conducted with discretion.
- You want audit findings explained to factory management in Vietnamese.
This doesn't fit if…
- You're looking for an auditor who will soften findings to protect your supplier relationship.
- You need a formal SA8000 or RBA certification audit — those require accredited certification bodies.
- You want an audit completed in a single day for a facility with 500+ workers.
- You're only auditing to satisfy a buyer requirement with no intention of acting on findings.
What's included
- Pre-audit document review (policies, records, payroll, HR files)
- On-site facility walkthrough and physical condition assessment
- Confidential worker interviews (mixed group, individual, voluntary)
- Management interviews against standard requirements
- Corrective action report with severity classification (Critical / Major / Minor)
- Priority matrix for remediation planning
- Post-audit debrief with factory management (Vietnamese and English)
- Optional: 60-day follow-up verification visit
Typical single-facility audit: 1–2 days on-site. Multi-site programmes quoted separately. Follow-up verification available as standalone.
The process
Scope and logistics
3–5 days before auditWe agree on the standard framework, facility size, workforce profile, and whether the audit is announced or semi-announced. I confirm the document checklist and schedule with facility management.
Document review
Half dayPayroll records, HR files, training logs, inspection records, and management system documentation are reviewed before on-site work begins. Problems in the paper trail are the starting point, not the conclusion.
On-site assessment
1–2 daysFacility walkthrough, worker interviews, management interviews, and physical condition review. Worker interviews are conducted separately from management — this is not optional and is a condition of every engagement.
Findings report
3–5 days post-auditA structured report covering every finding with evidence, severity classification, and a specific corrective action recommendation. The report is written for the facility team, not for a certification body.
Management debrief
2–3 hoursA structured debrief session with facility management walks through every finding, answers questions, and establishes a shared understanding of what corrective action means in practice.
ELECTRONICS — CONTRACT MANUFACTURER · SOUTH-EAST ASIA
A contract manufacturer with an imminent RBA VAP audit had received a sourcing suspension warning over recruitment fees, migrant worker documentation, and health-and-safety record-keeping. An independent pre-audit mapped every gap. A structured 67-day remediation cycle addressed all critical and major findings. The RBA VAP audit passed on first attempt.
See more cases →Common questions
What's the difference between your audits and a formal certification audit?
A formal certification audit (SA8000, RBA VAP) must be conducted by an accredited certification body and results in a formal certificate or rating. My audits are independent assessments — they give you an honest view of your compliance position before a formal audit, support due diligence, or provide a brand with a second opinion. They cannot replace formal certification.
Are your audits announced or unannounced?
Both are possible and each has a legitimate purpose. Announced audits allow document preparation and management availability. Unannounced or semi-announced audits give a more accurate picture of day-to-day conditions. We agree the approach in scope and I'll be direct about what each approach does and doesn't reveal.
How do you conduct worker interviews?
Interviews are conducted separately from management, in a space where workers cannot be observed by supervisors. Participation is voluntary. Interviews are conducted in Vietnamese. I take notes but no recordings. Interview content is reported as aggregate findings — individual workers are never identified in the report.
Can you audit facilities outside Vietnam?
Yes — Cambodia, Bangladesh, and other Southeast Asian facilities are within scope. For facilities in regions where I don't travel regularly, I work with a network of independent auditors and can co-audit or peer-review their work.
Do you work with both brands and factories?
Yes. Brands engage me to audit their supply chains independently. Factories engage me to prepare for formal audits or to understand their compliance position. In both cases, the audit methodology and findings standards are identical — the client relationship doesn't change what I report.
How long does a findings report take?
A draft report is typically delivered within 3–5 business days of completing the on-site assessment. Final report after management review and debrief takes another 2–3 business days.
Let's talk
The first conversation is always a scoping call. Tell me what you're dealing with and we'll figure out whether I'm the right person to help.