Triangulation

“To ensure accuracy, Assessors must rely on observable, objective data and facts (not inference).”

Triangulation

Triangulation is the gathering and comparing of information from multiple sources to arrive at objective, validated findings.

When you validate data through Triangulation, you are able to:

• Test the accuracy of the data gathered from one source against data from other sources

• Provide sufficiency by using multiple sources of information

• Consider different perspectives to validate the information gathered

Example

.

Worker Interviews

100% of interviewed workers stated that they paid fees of up to 25,000 Baht to a combination of the sending and receiving country brokers.

Documents and Records

Document Review

Facility does not have a policy or procedure limiting the amount workers pay in recruitment fees.

Management Interviews

Interview with Employment Site Management

Facility has not yet implemented the standards on zero fees to workers, and does not have procedure limiting the amount workers pay in recruitment fees.

Validated Finding

Assessment Finding

The facility does not cover the recruitment fees and costs for foreign migrant workers. 100% (11 of 11) of sampled migrant workers from Cambodia paid recruitment fees ranging from 20,000 - 25000 Baht,

Knowledge Check

Choose the correct answer.

Read the questions carefully and choose the best answer based on what you learned.

1. Worker Interviews

Data point 1:

Workers interviewed did not understand the terms and conditions when they signed the contract before they left for the destination country. Workers reported that they signed the agreement on the day of their departure.

Data point 2:

Workers interviewed confirmed that the contract they signed is not written a language that they understand, and the recruitment agent did not explain the contents of the document they signed.

2. Documents and Records

Data point:

The employment contract is not written in the language that the workers understand, and does not contain all the required provisions of the law and the customers’ requirements.

3. Management Interviews

Data point:

Management reported that the contract is not written in the native language of the workers but they expect the recruitment agents in origin countries to explain the terms and conditions to the selected workers before they sign the agreement.

4. Validated Finding

Finding Statement

There are gaps in the mechanisms to ensure that workers understand the terms and conditions of the job prior to signing the employment agreement. The employment agreement is not written in the language that the workers understand.

The Systems Approach and Triangulation are ways to ensure auditors are gathering sufficient and accurate evidence for the audit findings.

If you found this module helpful the Verite Ethical Recruitment and Employment Auditor Training offers simulated auditing for implementers, as well as systems and risk identification. More information on this and other courses can be found here. 

Please note that the photos included in this toolkit are used solely to illustrate the locations and situations in which risks of violations to the standards are being discussed. The people shown in the photo(s) do not represent any specific person or group of people noted in the text.

Cover: Audrie Siahainenia/Conservation International

Objectives:
Peter Hershey/Conservation International

Figure 1: Systems Approach Framework:
Verité

Figure 2: PDCA Framework:
Verité

Photo background for Systems Assessment statement:
Pexels.com

Figure 3. Systems Approach and PDCA Frameworks:
Verité

Knowledge Check:
Arina Ertman/Unsplash.com

Figure 4. Triangulation Framework:
Verité

Example:
Jessa Marie Pedrola/Conservation International