Avetta Introduces ESG Social Desktop Audit to Strengthen Supply Chain Responsibility
Avetta®, a global leader in supply chain risk management (SCRM) software, has announced the launch of its ESG Social Desktop Audit, a new digital assessment solution developed in partnership with sustainability advisory firm ReGen Strategic. Embedded within the AI-powered Avetta One platform, the new tool is designed to help organizations rapidly identify, assess, and mitigate social responsibility risks across their supply chains while supporting suppliers in strengthening their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) maturity.
The ESG Social Desktop Audit addresses growing regulatory, reputational, and ethical pressures faced by businesses, particularly in relation to human rights and modern slavery compliance. By delivering faster, scalable, and independently reviewed assurance, Avetta aims to move organizations beyond traditional, slow-moving audit models and toward proactive, future-ready ESG oversight.
Responding to Increased Scrutiny Under Australia’s Modern Slavery Act
The launch comes at a critical time for Australian businesses navigating heightened expectations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth). Following the Act’s 2023 statutory review, regulatory scrutiny has intensified, with stronger emphasis on due diligence, transparency, and accountability throughout supply chains.
In December 2024, the Australian government agreed to implement 25 of the 30 recommendations outlined in the independent review. These changes include stricter reporting requirements, increased penalties for non-compliance, and a clearer focus on meaningful action rather than box-ticking disclosures. In parallel, the government continues to consult on further reforms that could introduce even tougher obligations for businesses operating in Australia.
As a result, organizations across industries—including retail, manufacturing, construction, logistics, and energy—are reassessing their approaches to ESG risk management and social responsibility assurance.
Moving Beyond Traditional Compliance Models
According to Avetta, many conventional audit frameworks rely heavily on lagging indicators, infrequent site visits, and limited visibility into deeper tiers of the supply chain. These limitations can leave organizations exposed to hidden risks, including forced labor, unethical labor practices, and insufficient remediation mechanisms.
“Our goal is to help our customers move beyond simple, lagging indicators of compliance,” said Katie Martin, Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Avetta. “The ESG Social Desktop Audit is designed to eliminate blind spots associated with traditional audits, allowing organizations to achieve proactive assurance while making a real, lasting impact on worker welfare and human rights across modern supply chains.”
By leveraging digital workflows and structured assessments, the new solution enables faster risk identification while maintaining rigor and credibility.
Built With Expert ESG Insight From ReGen Strategic
The ESG Social Desktop Audit was developed in close collaboration with ReGen Strategic, a firm specializing in sustainability strategy, ESG risk, and responsible business practices. The partnership ensures the assessment framework aligns with leading international standards and reflects evolving regulatory expectations.
“The Modern Slavery Act already requires businesses to conduct due diligence to identify and address human rights risks across their supply chains,” said Colin Davies, General Manager for Sustainability and ESG at ReGen Strategic. “The 2023 independent review highlighted opportunities to strengthen these practices, particularly around risk-based due diligence and transparency. While not all recommendations have yet been enacted, the direction of travel is clear—expectations are rising, and businesses that act early will be better positioned.”
Davies noted that organizations must increasingly demonstrate end-to-end supply chain visibility and effective governance, rather than relying on high-level policy statements alone.
Comprehensive Due Diligence Across Key Social Risk Areas
The ESG Social Desktop Audit requires suppliers and contractors to complete a structured assessment and submit supporting documentation across several critical areas of social responsibility, including:
- Modern slavery policies and governance controls
- Supply chain risk identification and transparency
- Labor policies, employment conditions, and worker protections
- Supplier audits and third-party assessments
- Training, awareness, and internal accountability
- Remediation processes and corrective action mechanisms
These inputs are then reviewed by Avetta’s trained ESG auditors, who form part of the company’s Risk Advisory practice. Each supplier or contractor is assessed against industry-leading benchmarks to determine their readiness and maturity
Actionable Feedback to Drive Continuous Improvement
Rather than stopping at risk identification, the ESG Social Desktop Audit emphasizes continuous improvement. Suppliers and contractors that do not meet required standards receive clear, actionable guidance outlining where gaps exist and how they can strengthen their practices over time.
This approach supports both mandatory reporters, who must comply with regulatory requirements, and voluntary reporters, who are seeking to demonstrate leadership in ethical sourcing, responsible procurement, and sustainable operations.
“There are now increased penalties for failing to act in accordance with the Act, making a proactive approach to risk management essential,” Davies added. “This solution enables businesses not only to mitigate immediate risk but also to operate ethically and sustainably in anticipation of future regulatory shifts.”
A Future-Ready Pathway for Responsible Supply Chains
With the ESG Social Desktop Audit, Avetta is reinforcing its commitment to helping organizations build safer, more transparent, and more responsible supply chains. By combining technology, expert oversight, and scalable processes, the solution offers a practical pathway to stronger governance, reduced risk exposure, and meaningful social impact.
As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, Avetta positions the ESG Social Desktop Audit as a forward-looking tool that helps businesses safeguard human rights, protect brand reputation, and create long-term value through responsible supply chain management.
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