In preparing for the audit exercise, candidates should focus on how to establish "buy-in" within their organization (SUPERMARKET) and with external stakeholders.

There are four parts to this exercise: A communications plan, an assessment of the current policies, the audit you develop and the recommended changes to policy.

1. Establish buy-in. Unless employees believe in the need for a social responsibility audit, they may not respond to surveys or provide important and meaningful feedback. The reasons for conducting a social responsibility audit, and the benefits of doing so, should be clearly communicated to employees and other participants. For this step, candidates should outline a plan (i.e., a communication plan) to establish buy-in for the social responsibility audit.

2. Assess the current state at your organization. Examine your organization's and your department's mission statement and the key policy statements (such as a code of ethics, policy regarding ethical sourcing, etc.). If there is no policy, do employees appear to adhere to any particular practices?

3. Develop an audit. Identify whether you will be focusing on fair trade or environmental concerns. How will you conduct the social responsibility audit (i.e., create the categories and questions you will ask).

4. Implement change. Identify any gaps between the current and desired states and advise what actions can be taken to close the gap.