SourceUp data validation and verification approach

Data credibility is critical for SourceUp. Data on the platform will be used by stakeholders to make strategic decisions dialogue on critical sustainability issues. This data is foundational to Compacts’ efforts to retain and attract stakeholders.

SourceUp is pursuing a mixed data assurance method, that seeks to maximize the involvement of local stakeholders in the producing regions. A panel review is added to enhance the quality and integrity of data, and to provide constructive feedback.

Local validation by Compact partners

Local validation of sustainability data is done through self-review; a yearly meeting where local stakeholders come together to discuss progress on the targets and indicators. The objective is to review progress and provide clarifications in case there is no or limited progress on a target, discuss and agree if there are issues that need to be addressed and/or targets to be adjusted, and to confirm data on indicators that is to be reported through the SourceUp platform.

The Compact stakeholders will be able to confirm that they have reviewed the data through e-signatures on SourceUp. The total packages of data and meeting minutes are stored on SourceUp, for review by the SourceUp panel, further explained below.

Panel reviews

The annual Panel Review will verify progress through documents submitted prior to the meeting, and a workshop where Compact stakeholders present their data on KPIs and processes to the Panel, and discuss progress, challenges, and learnings.

• Objective. The Panel is a small group of sustainability experts who review progress reported by Compacts. They verify what evidence is provided and assess the credibility of the data being reported.
• Composition. The Panel consists of five to eight people with  at least two external experts from NGOs;  one from a Committed Buyer, one representative from SourceUp; and one representative from another Compact that is assigned by SourceUp.
• Process. The Panel Review process will start with verification of documents and reports shared by the Compact. The panel review is conducted annually and the results of the panel review will be made available on SourceUp.

SourceUp is currently in the process of testing the Panel verification process with various Compacts globally. To stay up to date on the latest developments, please create an account or sign up to the SourceUp newsletter.