What to expect

How the RLWS works in practice

Together, the following elements show how the RLWS works in practice, ensuring transparency, accountability, and steady progress toward living wages.

Audit outcomes

Based on the outcome of the RLWS process, your organisation will be awarded one of three compliance levels. While only the first level includes a certificate of compliance, the other two levels credibly demonstrate that your organisation is on track to achieve the goal of implementing living wages throughout the workforce.

Living Wage Provider – Certified

This is the only level that includes a certificate of compliance.

All workers earn a verified living wage, and all core criteria are met.

Valid for 36 months (if surveillance and follow-up audits are passed)
Living Wage Provider - On track

Does not include a certificate of compliance.

A credible roadmap is in place with partial compliance.

Valid for 12 months.
Responsible Living Wage - In progress

Does not include a certificate of compliance.

Facility shows commitment and progress; a follow-up audit is required.

xValid for 12 months.

Type of Audits

Once your site applies and the information is validated, the audit process begins. There are several types of audits—initial, surveillance, follow-up, and recertification—each with its own purpose. Together, they ensure compliance is checked at the start and continuously strengthened over time.

Purpose
Establishes a baseline of compliance with RLWS

Timeline
Required for all new applicants

Process
Full audit covering all requirements; document review, worker interviews, site visits (sampling for multi-site); scope based on risk assessment
Purpose
Confirms continued compliance, tracks improvements, and ensures no regression

Timeline
Annually between the initial and recertification audits

Process
Shortened audit; focus on CAP progress, wage/employment data, management systems; reduced sampling; can be on-site, remote or hybrid
Purpose
Verifies that non-compliances (NCs) have been corrected

Timeline
If organisation fails an audit but submits a CAP within 3 months (must be completed within 12 months)

Process
Focus only on issues identified previously; Desktop (for documents) or On-site (for worker/structural issues)
Purpose
Re-establishes compliance and renews certification

Timeline
Every 3 years (after the initial audit + 2 surveillance audits)

Process
Full audit covering all requirements; includes documents, worker interviews, site visits (sampling for multi-site); scope based on risk assessment

RLWS Checklist Topics

The RLWS Checklist makes audits clear and straightforward for the auditor. It sets out practical, facility-level requirements that show exactly what compliance looks like, helping auditors highlight strengths and pinpoint where improvements are needed.

The following 10 topics are included within the checklist, to ensure that companies are not only making commitments on paper but also creating meaningful, lasting change in practice:

01

Living Wage Commitment and Governance

02

Training and Stakeholder Communication

03

Living Wage Commitment and Governance

04

Legal compliance and Awareness

05

Living Wage Benchmarking Methodology

06

Working Hours and Timekeeping Compliance

07

Payment Cycle Requirements

08

Verification Procedures

09

Corrective and Preventive Action Planning

10

Grievance Mechanisms

Approved certification body

Control Union is our current approved certification body and is formally recognized to assess and certify compliance with the relevant standards.

Learn more

Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice.

— Nelson Mandela

Join the movement

Looking for a credible way to turn your commitments into measurable progress? The RLWS team is here to help! Feel free to reach out to us via email or LinkedIn.

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