A new Memorandum of Understanding establishes a formal framework for collaboration on training, knowledge exchange, and capacity development — connecting APSCA members with ITC-ILO's expertise in international labor standards.
APSCA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC-ILO), formalizing a collaboration that will bring new professional development opportunities to social auditors across APSCA's global membership.
ITC-ILO is the ILO's dedicated capacity development institution, delivering training in decent work, labor rights, and sustainable development to professionals and organizations worldwide since 1965. The partnership unites ITC-ILO's depth of expertise in international labor standards with APSCA's role as the global professional body for social compliance auditors.
The MoU provides a framework for the two organizations to work together on areas of shared interest, including collaboration on training activities, ongoing knowledge exchange, and the sharing of expertise, case studies, and good practices in social auditing and labor rights.
"Our collaboration with ITC-ILO reflects APSCA's commitment to strengthening the skills and professionalism of social auditors worldwide. By connecting our thousands of Member Auditors with ITC-ILO's learning — grounded in international labor standards — we are supporting auditors through expanded access to expertise provided by intergovernmental organizations like the ITC-ILO, with the continued goal of positively impacting work conditions across global supply chains."
— Ross Nova, President and CEO, APSCA
As an initial step under the partnership framework, ITC-ILO's course Decent Work Essentials for Social Auditors: Purpose and Practice has been recognized within APSCA's Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program. APSCA members are encouraged to explore the course as part of their ongoing professional development. In parallel, APSCA will engage its professional expertise and membership insights to contribute consultative input on areas of relevance to social auditing practice, helping ensure that training remains aligned with evolving auditor competencies and field realities.
The course is designed to strengthen auditors' understanding of international labor standards and their practical application in social auditing. It combines a strong normative grounding with practical tools, real-world case studies, and peer learning opportunities — making it well-suited to auditors working across diverse geographies and industry sectors.
"Social auditors play a critical role in translating international labour standards and human rights due diligence requirements into practice across global supply chains. Through this partnership with APSCA, ITC-ILO reinforces its commitment to strengthening professional capacities and supporting more effective, credible, and impactful social auditing that contributes to decent work and respect for human rights worldwide."
— Linda Deelen, Manager, Sustainable Enterprises and Economies, ITC-ILO
APSCA members can find further information about the Decent Work Essentials for Social Auditors course and CPD recognition via the ITC-ILO course page. The current course run is open for registration now and closes on 29 May 2026, with the course commencing on 1 June 2026.
About APSCA
APSCA is a global non-profit membership association whose mission is to enhance the professionalism, consistency, and credibility of individuals and organisations performing social compliance audits. APSCA sets professional standards, provides certification for individual auditors, and supports the ongoing development of the social auditing profession worldwide.
About ITC-ILO
The International Training Centre of the International Labour Organization (ITC-ILO) is the training and learning arm of the ILO. Based in Turin, Italy, ITC-ILO has been delivering face-to-face and online training programmes promoting decent work, human rights, and sustainable development since 1965. For more information, visit itcilo.org.
