Programming and Planning SA8000 Audits 2026 – Module B: Due Diligence Investigation, Stakeholder Consultation & Preparatory Research

This module guides SA8000 Lead Auditors through the mandatory pre-audit preparation process. Participants will learn how to identify and contact the relevant external stakeholders:

• regulators
• trade unions
• NGOs
• trade associations)
• complete the F019 Preparatory Research Report, identify applicable legal requirements, and calculate local living wages.

The module also introduces the use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Artificial Intelligence tools — such as ChatGPT, Perplexity AI and Google Gemini — to conduct structured pre-audit research across 10 key risk areas, including company background, strike history, labour inspections, worker sentiment, supply chain risks, and media analysis. On completion of this module, participants will be able to conduct thorough and consistent pre-audit due diligence in line with IQNet Ltd and SA8000 standards.

CPD: 1 hour | Exam: 30 min, 70% passing grade | Deadline: 31 December 2026