Committed to Ethical Trade: What SEDEX Means for Our Partners & Clients
Quality is often judged by what you can see: the finish, the detailing, the design. Yet true quality is equally defined by what lies behind it: the standards upheld, the responsibility taken and the integrity maintained throughout the supply chain.
What is SEDEX and SMETA?
SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) is a leading global ethical trade organisation, helping businesses manage and improve working conditions across their supply chains.
SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) is the world’s most widely used social audit methodology. It measures sites against internationally recognised standards, including:
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) Base Code
International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions
Local labour laws
Audits are conducted by independent, third-party Affiliate Audit Companies (AACs) approved by Sedex. These on-site assessments review documentation, operational processes, working conditions and environmental practices. Each audit concludes with a detailed Corrective Action Plan, creating accountability and a clear framework for continuous improvement.
What Does It Mean For Our Partners
For hospitality groups, care operators, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturers and international distributors, ethical assurance is now a fundamental requirement, particularly within specification-led projects where compliance, governance and brand reputation are critical.
Transparency
Clear oversight of labour standards, health and safety practices, environmental performance and ethical governance.
Risk Management
A structured process for identifying and addressing potential risks before they escalate.
Legislative Confidence
Support in meeting modern slavery regulations and growing supply chain transparency requirements.
Ongoing Improvement
A measurable pathway for strengthening standards over time, not simply maintaining them.
Built on Responsibility
With more than 150 years of manufacturing heritage, responsibility is inseparable from craftsmanship. A commitment to quality materials and precision engineering extends naturally to the people behind the product and the environments in which it is made. Working within a recognised audit framework means ethical standards are independently reviewed and clearly documented. It brings visibility to the processes behind the product and ensures responsible practices are consistently applied in everyday operations.
For partners, this provides assurance that every piece of decorative hardware specified for luxury hospitality,
care environments or bespoke kitchens is supported by a supply chain that prioritises:
Worker welfare
Fair pay and safe conditions
Environmental responsibility
Transparent governance
Commitment to Ethical Trade and Supply Chain Transparency
SEDEX membership and alignment with the SMETA audit framework form part of a structured approach to responsible manufacturing and ethical supply chain management.
For partners who require further information on our ethical trade standards, audit scope or compliance processes, our team would be happy to assist.
To learn more about our SEDEX membership and SMETA alignment, please contact us directly via general@crofts.co.uk or speak to your Crofts & Assinder account manager.