Many major corporations, mostly with household names, have been subjected to international pressure to ensure that the welfare of the employees manufacturing their products (generally in third world countries) is considered and enhanced. The conscience of these organizations has been pricked – either voluntarily or by outside pressure – and consequently, it became apparent that some guidance should be applied to the manufacturers in ensuring the workers are not being exploited.

Such guidance has been developed in the form of SA8000, a 'standard' for specifying minimum criteria to meet 'socially acceptable' levels. This standard is not subject to accreditation by any of the National Accreditation Bodies e.g. UCAS, therefore it was felt more appropriate for IQCERT to develop its own scheme to match or exceed the requirements of SA8000.

Whilst the IQCERT scheme SRM is not accredited, IQCERT does not apply any lower level criteria for the selection of competent auditors and/or specialist therefore the integrity of the scheme will be assured.