AFi Self-assessment Tool

The AFi Self-assessment Tool can be downloaded here and opened on any computer with access to Microsoft Excel. The first two tabs of the tool provide an overview of its structure and orientation on how to use it, which includes the following process: 

Define the assessment scope  

In the Scope tab, users can define the scope of the company’s responsible supply chain commitments and policies, as well as the specific scope of the self-assessment. This helps define the boundaries of the assessment (eg, by commodity, geography, and/or supply chain position). While the Accountability Framework is intended to be applied company-wide, covering all agricultural and forestry commodities produced and/or sourced, the assessment may be narrower in scope. All Framework elements in the assessment should then be evaluated with respect to the scope specified here. 

Assess alignment and identify gaps  

After defining the assessment’s scope, users can move on to the seven action area tabs, as listed below: 

• Set goals  

• Establish company systems  

• Manage supply chains (for commodity buyers)  

• Manage production (for producers and processors)  

• Collaborate (to drive improvement at the landscape or sectoral level)  

• Monitor & verify  

• Report progress  

Users can benchmark existing company commitments, policies, implementation mechanisms, and reporting systems against each element of the Accountability Framework. The tool includes columns to list company information that corresponds with the given Framework element, specify the degree of alignment, and provide an explanation of any identified gaps. There is also additional guidance to support clear interpretation of the Framework element.  

Develop an action plan  

Once alignment is assessed and gaps are identified, users should move to the Action Plan tab. All information entered into the action area tabs is auto-populated here, allowing a full review of all assessment responses. Users can then define and prioritise actions for closing any gaps identified in the assessment, using the Framework’s guidance and other resources as a starting point. 

The purpose of the assessment is to support a company’s own understanding of its alignment with the Accountability Framework so that it can identify and prioritise actions to achieve responsible supply chains. As such, companies are invited to conduct their own self-assessment. However, many companies have found service providers to be helpful in conducting an objective assessment and providing technical assistance to address gaps.   

Many of the AFi’s delivery partners use the tool to support corporate clients. Find a delivery partner with expertise in supporting companies to conduct an assessment and address gaps by applying the Accountability Framework.

No. The tool is designed to provide a systems-level assessment of a company’s policies and practices for achieving responsible supply chains. It is not an assessment of progress towards meeting specific supply chain goals or performance thresholds, such as how performance is assessed through initiatives like CDP, Forest 500, or GRI. For more information on progress monitoring and reporting, please see Core Principle 11 (Monitoring and verification) and Core Principle 12 (Reporting, disclosure, and claims), and their corresponding Operational Guidance documents. 

The decision to share the results of the assessment is entirely self-directed. Users may choose whether to conduct an assessment on a strictly internal (and therefore confidential) basis, or whether to share the assessment results with stakeholders or business partners to increase transparency or inform discussions about possible solutions to supply chain challenges. The AFi is not an assessment or reporting initiative and does not expect to receive a copy of assessment results.  

No, that is not recommended. To facilitate practical assessment, this tool provides an itemised and simplified presentation of the most substantive elements of the Accountability Framework. Therefore, it is recommended that before initiating an assessment, users read at least the Core Principles to understand the context and intent of the Accountability Framework elements on each topic and the relationships among them.  

Whilst conducting an assessment with this tool, users should consult the resources listed in Column C (Assessment Guidance) to facilitate a better understanding of: a) specific elements of the Framework, b) how to best assess alignment, and c) ways to close gaps in alignment. 

In addition, a link to all the AFi's resources associated with each action area is included in the top right corner of each action area tab.   

No, not necessarily. Whilst most of the Accountability Framework applies to all companies, some elements may not be relevant to certain companies due to production or sourcing characteristics or their role in the supply chain. In the seven action area tabs, Column C (Assessment guidance) provides applicability notes on Framework elements that may not be relevant to certain companies. If an element is determined not to apply, it should be noted as ‘not applicable’ (N/A) in Column F (Degree of alignment), along with an explanation for this determination in Column G (Explanation of gaps in alignment). This will help contribute to a clear and thorough assessment.  

Additionally,  

• The Manage supply chains tab is relevant to companies that source materials from producers or other suppliers.  

• The Manage production tab is relevant to companies that own, control, or manage commodity production or primary processing operations. Companies that manage supply chains and that do not own or manage production sites do not need to assess alignment with this action area. However, they should be familiar with these elements to assess whether they themselves have effective systems and practices in place to manage supplier fulfilment of these expectations.

This tool is primarily designed to help companies conduct internal assessments and develop improvement processes. It is not intended to be used to prove or demonstrate any external-facing claims about a company’s performance.  

However, information collected or used during the assessment (such as policy documents, codes of conduct, procedures, contracts, systems, or reports) may also help substantiate external-facing communications about the degree to which the company’s policies and practices align with the Accountability Framework.  

Any communications or claims regarding alignment with the Accountability Framework must adhere to the AFi Policy on Communications and Claims. 

After completing an assessment with this tool, users can make use of the AFi’s resources to learn how to close gaps in alignment with the Framework. Users may consult the following web pages related to each action area: 

Set goals   Establish systems    Manage supply chains  Manage production  Collaborate   Monitor & verify   Report progress 

Access additional resources 

We also offer additional resources such as the AFi e-learning platform, explainers, how-to guides, and webinars on topics related to responsible commodity supply chains. 

Contact a delivery partner 

The AFi works closely with delivery partners that offer tailored support to companies working to set and achieve supply chain goals that are aligned with the Accountability Framework. These delivery partners can support companies in using this assessment and to develop action plans and implement the guidance of the Framework.