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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Regarding the VAP Audit Recognition Program
Question 1: What is the VAP Audit Recognition Program?
RBA aims to drive continuous improvement – in an effort to expand on the current VAP
Recognition Program, and to encourage the closure of findings in a VAP, we are offering three
levels of recognition for a VAP audit, when a corrective action plan (CAP) is submitted, completed,
and verified during a VAP Closure Audit. The VAP Closure Audit focuses on reviewing findings
from the original audit and is not a full re-assessment. The RBA Site Recognition is NOT an RBA
certification or a guarantee that a site is without issues. The site is responsible for being and
remaining in conformance.
Question 2: Which audit types are eligible for recognition?
Only Full VAP audits for Manufacturing facilities are eligible for recognition.
The following audit types are NOT eligible:
• SVAP
• Customer Managed Audit (CMA)
• Auditee Managed Audit (AMA)
• VAP90
• Customized Assessment
• New Factory Evaluation
• VAP: Service Provider
• VAP Audit Report completed with exceptions
Question 3: What are the levels of recognition?
There are three levels of recognition: Platinum, Gold, and Silver.
Question 4: What is required for Platinum level recognition for my audit?
Platinum is the highest level of recognition for an audit. Platinum is given when a VAP Initial
Audit is conducted, a complete CAP is submitted to the RBA via RBA-Online, and a VAP Closure
Audit is conducted to verify all findings from the original VAP audit are closed: Priority, Major and
Minor. The VAP Closure Audit shall obtain full score of 200.
Question 5: What is required for gold level recognition for my audit?
Gold is the next highest level, given when a VAP Initial Audit is conducted, a complete CAP is
submitted to RBA via RBA-Online, and a VAP Closure audit is conducted to verify and close all
Priority and Major findings from the original VAP audit and achieve a minimum score of 180 on
the VAP Closure Audit.
Question 6: What is required for silver level recognition for my audit?
Silver is the final level of recognition in the program given when a VAP Initial Audit is conducted,
a complete CAP is submitted to RBA via RBA-Online, and a VAP Closure audit is conducted to
verify and close all Priority findings from the original VAP audit and achieve a minimum score of Question 7: How long is the recognition good for?
The audit recognition expires when the initial audit report expires, two (2) years from the
closing meeting of the initial audit.
Question 8: Where can RBA site recognition be posted and for how long?
RBA Site Recognition can only be posted at the recognition site until its expiration date.
Question 9: What is the form of recognition?
Each recipient will receive a digital copy of the recognition, downloadable via RBA Online and, upon
request, a plaque sent to the factory, acknowledging your recognition level.
Question 10: Is a factory with findings in child labor or forced labor eligible for the
recognition program?
Yes, if the factory closes the finding from the original VAP audit in child labor or forced labor and
this is verified by a VAP Closure audit (or Priority Closure Audit). Factories with findings in child or
forced labor are subject to an unannounced audit in the next 12 months. If evidence of forced or
child labor are found, the recognition will be revoked.
Question 11: When is the program effective? I had a VAP earlier this year, am I eligible
for recognition?
If you have a VAP Initial Audit that meets the criteria for the program, RBA will automatically
issue the recognition for your audit.
Question 12: Is an AQM Managed CAP required?
An AQM Managed CAP is not mandatory. The CAP may be managed by the auditee, the
customer or the AQM but must be verified with a VAP Closure Audit.
Question 13: Can I announce the recognition to my customers?
Yes. The recognition can be shared with customers, investors, employees, or anyone you like. It
is important to remember that the recognition is for a single audit, for a specific site, and has an
expiration date. When sharing the recognition, it is also important to note that an audit is not a
guarantee of compliance; the site is responsible for being and remaining in conformance.
Question 14: Why is RBA implementing this VAP Audit Recognition Program?
RBA aims to drive continuous improvement and recognizes the value of factories closing the
findings in an VAP audit. The VAP, with 3rd. party audits and its unique 4th party global quality check, helps companies assess their performance against the RBA Code.
Question 15: Can Site Recognition be taken away?
If the APM or AQM discovers any falsification of audit information or deception which will result
in an invalid audit, the Site Recognition will become null and void. Otherwise, the recognition
will expire 2 years from the initial VAP audit date.
Question 16: Where is a list of RBA recognized sites located?
This is available to members only by contacting VAP@responsiblebusiness.org.
Question 17: Can I publicize my VAP Audit Recognition level (Platinum, Gold, Silver)? Yes,
however any mention of the RBA or use of the RBA logo must be consistent with the RBA’s
requirements and must be approved by the RBA prior to publication. This can be done by
contacting communications@responsiblebusiness.org
Note: All RBA member companies must have a signed AA on file for this request.
Question 18: Can anything prevent my full VAP from receiving recognition if I meet the
basic criteria?
Yes, if you have “risk of non-conformance” as a finding in an audit, it means that conformance
could not be proven or disproven. In these cases, a statement is added to the executive
summary of the audit report and recognition may not be issued.
