Monitoring + Verification Term Guide

The following is a glossary of commonly used terms in the current field of monitoring and verification of codes of labor practice in the garment and sportswear industries. The aim of this terminology guide is to clearly define key concepts in order to harmonize terminology and thereby better facilitate debate and improve the quality of work being done in relation to monitoring and verification. Both newcomers to this field and those who have been involved in these debates for years recognize the need to eliminate confusion over the words we use. Because the field of monitoring and verification is evolving it is clear that terms themselves will evolve and will come in and out of usage. The appendix, which includes some insights into current debates regarding the usage of terms (audit, stakeholder, and verification), reflects this. Therefore this terminology guide is seen as a dynamic document that needs to be regularly updated.