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Supplier Ratings methodology adds dedicated modern slavery screening

Controversies, market intelligence and modern slavery screening are combined into a single new methodology section, alongside a continuous monitoring framework.

Methodology
11 March 2026
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SYNE Ratings today announced an update to its Supplier Ratings methodology, introducing a dedicated modern slavery screening module that draws on the same Market & Trade Intelligence controversy database used across SYNE's other rating products.

The new module screens every rated supplier against known labour-risk indicators specific to their sourcing country and sub-sector, rather than relying solely on supplier self-disclosure. Findings feed directly into the Compliance & Labor Standards dimension already used in the Supplier Rating score.

A continuous monitoring framework has also been introduced, meaning a rated supplier's score can now move between scheduled review cycles if a material controversy or labour-risk finding emerges, rather than waiting for the next full review.

“Self-disclosure alone was never going to catch every risk, particularly several tiers down a supply chain. Screening every rated supplier against independent market intelligence, continuously rather than just at review time, closes a gap our clients had flagged directly.”

Grace Okafor, Head of Supplier Ratings, SYNE Ratings
About SYNE Ratings

Company boilerplate.

SYNE Ratings is an independent provider of ESG, sustainability, carbon and supplier ratings, licensed across 71 countries. SYNE's ratings are built on a shared, published methodology and a common AAA–D grade scale, and are positioned on the SYNE Index - a two-axis benchmark combining standards alignment with data quality and assurance.

SYNE operates under the EU ESG Ratings Regulation (ESMA 2023/2631) and the FCA Code of Conduct, and has adopted equivalent voluntary codes in other markets including Singapore's MAS and Japan's FSA. SYNE Ratings is incorporated as SYNE Limited (United Kingdom and New Zealand), SYNE Australia Pty Limited, SYNE Ratings Private Limited (India), and SYNE Inc. (Canada and the United States).

Media contact: press@syneratings.com