URSA (Unilever Responsible Sourcing Audit) is a certification program developed to evaluate supplier compliance with Unilever’s Responsible Sourcing Policy, applicable laws, and country-specific regulations. It goes beyond industry-standard protocols, assessing a wide spectrum of corporate responsibility practices including labor standards, human rights, business integrity, environmental management, and land use rights.
Suppliers who wish to work with Unilever must demonstrate compliance through successful URSA audits conducted by authorized and approved certification bodies.
What Makes URSA Unique?
Unlike many social compliance programs that focus on a narrow set of labor or safety issues, URSA is holistic. It integrates Unilever’s global sustainability values and sets the benchmark for responsible sourcing, regardless of supplier size, product, or service.
URSA evaluates five core areas:
- Labor Standards
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Human Rights
- Business Integrity
- Environmental Management & Land Use Rights
These areas are aligned with Unilever’s vision of sustainable growth, ethical sourcing, and long-term supplier accountability.
URSA Audit Process – Step-by-Step
If you are a Unilever supplier, participation in URSA is mandatory and begins with registration in the USQS (Unilever Supplier Qualification System). The typical audit lifecycle includes:
- Audit Request Submission (via USQS)
- Preparation for Audit (documentation and readiness)
- On-site Audit Execution (conducted by an accredited body)
- Audit Report Submission
- Post-Audit Verification & Follow-up
During the audit, your practices will be reviewed against a detailed URSA Checklist, which reflects Unilever’s compliance expectations.
Key Documentation for URSA Compliance
To pass a URSA audit, organizations must maintain accurate, up-to-date records across several operational areas. These include:
1. Personnel & Payroll Records
- Employee attendance logs
- Wage and payroll records
- Employment contracts
2. Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Records
- Building layout and evacuation plans
- Fire brigade inspection reports
- Business operating licenses
- Fire safety equipment (e.g., number and placement of fire cabinets)
3. Environmental Compliance Records
- Environmental permits and licenses
- EIA exemption reports (if applicable)
- Waste declarations and environmental monitoring reports
4. Additional Organizational Records
- Hiring and termination procedures
- Historical audit records
- Lists of internal and external subcontractors
QIS URSA Consultancy Services
As a professional audit consultancy, QIS offers comprehensive URSA Audit Preparation and Support to help your organization achieve compliance and build a trusted relationship with Unilever.
Our services include:
- Initial Gap Assessment: Evaluation of your current compliance status
- Document Review & Creation: Assistance in developing or correcting audit-related documentation
- Training Programs: Tailored workshops and training for management and staff
- Mock Audits: Rehearsal audits to simulate URSA inspection scenarios
- Corrective Action Guidance: Support for post-audit non-compliance issues
Why Choose QIS for URSA Consulting?
- Deep knowledge of Unilever’s Responsible Sourcing Policy
- Experience in preparing clients for multinational audit programs
- Focus on long-term compliance, not just one-time certification
- Trusted partner for leading brands and global supply chains
📞 Contact QIS Today
Ready to pass your URSA audit? Let us help you build a responsible, compliant, and globally recognized operation. Reach out now for a free initial consultation.