Social audits · Sedex · corrective actions
SMETA and Sedex software: audits, actions and the 24-month rule
SMETA software usually means the Sedex platform, where suppliers complete self-assessments and share SMETA audits with their customers.
Around it sit tools for managing corrective actions and, for buyers, tracking audit status across hundreds of sites.
The audit is explained on the Sedex and SMETA guide.
The platform
What does the Sedex platform do?
Sedex is a paid membership platform: suppliers register, complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire tailored to their industry, size and country, and share audits with linked customers (Sedex).
SMETA is Sedex’s on-site social audit methodology, measuring a site against the ETI Base Code, ILO conventions and local law (Sedex).
The current version is SMETA 7.0, launched in September 2024, which added Workplace Requirements and a Management Systems Assessment (Sedex).
Who audits
Can software or the buyer run a SMETA audit?
No: only Sedex-approved Affiliate Audit Companies may conduct SMETA audits, Sedex itself does not audit, and every lead auditor must be APSCA registered or certified (Sedex).
Software can schedule audits, track corrective actions and hold evidence, but the audit itself is done by an approved auditor on site.
Beyond SMETA
Which ESG software supports social compliance audits beyond SMETA?
Sedex says a SMETA audit has no official expiry, but it no longer accepts one as a robust assessment of current conditions after 24 months (Sedex).
EcoVadis generally does not select a supplier for site verification if it provides a recent third-party social audit such as SMETA (EcoVadis).
No UK law requires a SMETA audit; the Modern Slavery Act asks for a statement that may cover due diligence (Home Office).
So the useful buyer tool tracks audit age, protocol and findings across suppliers; see supply chain risk software, EcoVadis software and modern slavery reporting software.
The demonstration
What should you test before buying?
Ask the vendor to load audits for five of your supplier sites.
Software demo · evidence check
Social audit demo coverage
Tick a test only when the vendor has demonstrated it with a representative record and shown the evidence or export.
0 of 5 tests demonstrated (0%). This is a checklist result, not a score for the vendor.
Still to test: Show each audit’s protocol, version and date, and flag those over 24 months; Track each non-compliance to a corrective action and its evidence; Separate SMETA findings from self-assessment answers; Map findings to the topics in the company’s modern slavery statement; Export the audit register.
Frequently asked
SMETA and Sedex software, answered
What is SMETA software?
The Sedex platform is where SMETA audits are shared; other software helps suppliers manage corrective actions and evidence, and helps buyers track audit status across their supply base.
Is a SMETA audit a legal requirement in the UK?
No. No UK law requires a SMETA audit or an EcoVadis rating; the Modern Slavery Act requires a statement that may cover due diligence.
How long is a SMETA audit valid?
Sedex says there is no official expiration period, but since June 2025 it no longer accepts SMETA audits as a robust assessment of current conditions after 24 months.
Does EcoVadis recognise SMETA audits?
EcoVadis says a supplier that provides a recent third-party social audit, naming SMETA among recognised protocols, will generally not be selected for an EcoVadis site verification.
Sources
Primary sources
Every figure, date and status on this page traces to the instrument’s owner.
Secondary commentary is never the source for a number.
- SedexSupplier membership
- SedexSMETA audit
- SedexSMETA consultation on Collaborative Action Required
- SedexAffiliate audit companies
- SedexUpdates to SMETA guidance: consultation summary
- Home OfficeTransparency in supply chains: a practical guide
- LegislationModern Slavery Act 2015, section 54
- EcoVadisSustainability Rating methodology disclosure
- ETIETI Base Code
- APSCAAssociation of Professional Social Compliance Auditors