What is SAQ 5.0?

The SAQ 5.0 is the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, created by Drive Sustainability - a Group of Automotive OEMs, and available exclusively on the NQC platform. The SAQ is designed as a location based assessment that assesses the sustainability performance of an organisation's defined site/location.

The SAQ is based on the fundamental principles of social, environmental and governance responsibility that are consistent with applicable laws and international standards, which include the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ILO Conventions, OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, as well as the Paris Agreement.

Background

The SAQ was created to remove duplication and improve efficiency for suppliers when responding to standard questions relating to sustainability activities.

The SAQ assesses the policies and practices of suppliers in areas of human rights and environmental sustainability, health and safety, business ethics and compliance, responsible sourcing of raw materials and responsible supplier management.

Steps

What does the SAQ measure?

The SAQ is designed to assess and verify a supplier's compliance with CSR and sustainability expectations. It evaluates the policies, processes, functions, tools, and internal controls that an organisation has in place to manage its operations, meet objectives, and support continuous improvement.

Can I update my questionnaire after it has been completed?

Yes, you should regularly review your questionnaire and update it to reflect changes, improvements, or to address customer minimum requirements.

Background

You can update your questionnaire at any time, except when it is in the validation process. You might want to update your questionnaire to improve your rating, to upload new evidence, or to reflect any changes within your organisation and operation.

Steps

To update your questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the questionnaire that you want to update on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Navigate through the questions and change those that you want to.
5. Upload new or revised evidence that directly addresses any changes made.
6. Progress through the questionnaire.
7. Send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an updated SAQ 5.0 Rating.

I don't have a DUNS number. What should I do?

If you don't have your DUNS number yet, we can either help you to find the correct one or we can provide you with a temporary one.

Background

NQC requires a DUNS number for completing the SAQ 5.0 to ensure your customers can correctly identify your business. There is no charge for an organisation to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If you need to complete an SAQ 5.0 urgently and don't have your DUNS number yet, we can provide you with a temporary number.

Steps

To find or request a DUNS number

Visit the Dun & Bradstreet website. A general starting point is the D&B
D-U-N-S Number Lookup/Request page (search online for
"Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number request").

Specific regional links may also be helpful:

• Germany: dnb.com/de-de/upik/
• USA: dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html
• China: dnb.com.cn
• Latin America: cialdnb.com/d-u-n-s-number/
• UK: dnb.co.uk/duns-number/lookup.html
• Other countries: dnb.co.uk/choose-your-country.html

If you require a temporary DUNS number, please raise a ticket:

1. Click your initials in the top-right corner.
2. Click Tickets.
3. Click Raise a new ticket.
4. Select Getting Started from the drop-down menu.
5. Select None of these questions help - Raise a new ticket.
6. Provide your details in the ticket (Name, Organisation, Email, and request for a temporary DUNS number).
7. Click Send.

What information do I need to provide in response to a request for supply chain data?

You'll need to provide high-level details in the one-page Supply Chain Mapper form: the product name/ID requested by your customer, your production location(s), the main components of that product, and location and contact information of the organisations that supply these components.

Background

The request aims for simplicity. Use product part names that your own suppliers will recognise (e.g., from purchase orders) to ensure your suppliers know exactly what product they should complete their own Supply Chain Mapper for. In the supplier country and address fields, provide the country and address your supplier provides you this product from.

Steps

To complete the Supply Chain Mapper request:

1. Sign in or register on the NQC platform.
2. If you use the link in the email, you'll be directed straight into the Supply Chain Mapper page.
3. Otherwise, select 'Enter invitation code' on the top right side of your Dashboard.
4. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
5. Enter the invitation code included in the email request from your customer.
6. Fill in the information request about the specified product and upload information about the components and suppliers using the template provided.
7. Select 'Start' at the bottom to cascade the request to your direct suppliers listed in the form.

Can more than one person from my organisation work on completing a single questionnaire?

Yes, multiple users that are registered on your organisation account, and that have the required user permissions (e.g. viewer and submitter) can typically contribute to completing a single questionnaire.

Background

Collaboration with colleagues can be useful to ensure that you provide the most complete response to questionnaires. Colleagues may have expertise in different areas (e.g. Human Rights, Environment, Supply Chain Management). The NQC platform automatically saves your progress as you move between questionnaire pages. It is recommended that one user is responsible for the final review and submission.

Steps

Ensure all colleagues who need to contribute are registered users under your organisation's account, and ensure that they have the necessary user permissions to edit the questionnaire. If needed, check with your organisation's 'User Manager'.

To invite a colleague to collaborate on a questionnaire:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the relevant questionnaire on your dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Respond' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Move through the questionnaire to the page or section that you want your colleague to work on.
5. Select the 'Invite user to collaborate' option from the right side of the questionnaire page.
6. Enter the email address of your colleague and any instructions that might be helpful for them.
7. Click 'Invite user' to send a platform email to them about the request for their support.
8. You should also communicate internally with your colleague so that they know to expect an email from the NQC platform.
9. Once your colleague has signed into the platform, they will be directed to the page or section within the questionnaire where you invited them to help. They will also see your written instructions.
10. Ensure the questionnaire is sent for validation in order to complete it.