SHL Membership:
our story,
and what happens next
2004 — Sedex is founded.
A group of businesses came together with a practical idea: share data about supply chains, so that everyone could raise standards faster. That idea became Sedex. Over two decades, Sedex grew into a global community, built the world’s most widely used platform for supply chain data, and created the SMETA audit — now the world’s leading social audit.
2023 —
Investment to fuel growth.
Demand for supply chain transparency grew rapidly, and the Sedex platform needed significant capital to keep pace.
To raise that capital, Sedex was separated from the membership organisation and, backed by private equity investment, transformed its platform.
The membership organisation remained a shareholder throughout — ensuring members' interests were front and centre as the technology grew
2026 — A new chapter.
This year, Apax, a leading global investor, acquired a majority stake in the Sedex platform business. The membership organisation — now renamed SHL Membership — remains a shareholder in Sedex.
Crucially, this transaction gives us something new: the resources to invest directly in our enduring mission — improving the lives of the workers whose labour powers global supply chains.
What this means…
Sedex continues empowered.
With fresh investment, Sedex is evolving its leading solutions and collaborative network for global supply chains.
We remain a shareholder.
SHL Membership retains a stake in Sedex and its future growth.
A new foundation.
We are establishing a charitable foundation to invest in solutions that drive lasting social change.
New investments.
We plan to invest in external initiatives that align with our mission.