What is SAQ 5.0?

The SAQ 5.0 is a Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, created by Drive Sustainability - a Group of Automotive OEMs, and available exclusively on the NQC platform.

Background

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

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 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.

I received an invitation code from my customer. What is it for and how do I use it?

An invitation code allows you to either start a new questionnaire requested by your customer or share an existing completed questionnaire with them instantly. You should always check if you already have an existing questionnaire on your account to meet the request of your customer.

Background

Invitation codes streamline the sharing process. They directly link your questionnaire response (new or existing) to your customer's request, granting them access immediately.

Steps

Find and share an existing questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the existing questionnaire on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Share' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
5. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
6. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
7. If the questionnaire is not yet complete, you must answer the remaining questions and send for validation.

To start a new questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Select 'Enter invitation code' on the top right side of your Dashboard.
3. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
4. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
5. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
6. Complete the questionnaire and send for validation.

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.

How does the platform decide which SAQ 5.0 questions are mandatory?

Mandatory questions are automatically determined based on the number of employees at the location in question and the industry sector(s) you select for your organisation when filling out the SAQ 5.0 (your answers to questions 0b and 0e).

Background

The SAQ 5.0 is an adaptive, materiality-based assessment that prioritises questions based on a supplier's size, sector, and operational impact. By selecting the correct number of employees at the location in question and your industry sector, using the standard NACE® classifications, the platform identifies the core sustainability topics considered most material for your organisation, making those questions mandatory.

Steps

The following questions determine the mandatory questions for the questionnaire:

1. Within the Profile Details section of the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire, questions 0b and 0e will influence which subsequent questions are considered mandatory or optional for you.
2. Question 0b refers to the number of employees at the location in question.
3. Question 0e refers to your primary industry category based on NACE®, which is a global classification system of products and services.
4. Carefully select the correct responses for these questions. Your response to these questions will determine which questions are mandatory for your completion.

How can I download a PDF report of a completed questionnaire?

Once a questionnaire is completed and validated, buyers can download the PDF report. Suppliers can download the report if they have paid to take ownership of the questionnaire by upgrading to "Share Unlimited".

Background

The PDF report contains the questionnaire results, associated rating and corrective actions, and a record of the answers sent for validation.

If you are a buyer, you can download the report once the questionnaire has been completed and validated, regardless of whether the questionnaire was paid for by the buyer or supplier.

If you are a supplier, you can download the report once the questionnaire has been completed and validated and you have upgraded to "Share Unlimited". If the buyer paid for the questionnaire, selecting Download report will give you the option to upgrade and make a one-time payment. Once upgraded, you can download the report and share your questionnaire with unlimited buyers.

Steps

To download a PDF report

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your 'Dashboard', find the completed questionnaire you want to access (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the questionnaire tile to open the overview page.
4. On the 'Overview' screen, select the three-dot menu on the right side.
5. Select 'Download report'.
6. If you are a supplier and have not paid to take ownership of the questionnaire, you will be prompted to upgrade to unlimited sharing before you can download the report.
7. Complete the payment process to unlock the report and unlimited sharing.

If I completed an older SAQ version, do I have to start a new SAQ 5.0 questionnaire?

No, if you completed a previous SAQ (like SAQ 4.0), your relevant answers are saved and you can update this against version SAQ 5.0. You only need to review existing answers and respond to new or changed questions.

Background

The transition to SAQ 5.0 was designed to preserve your previous work. When you choose to 'Update' an existing questionnaire, the system pre-fills answers from your last questionnaire submission, where applicable. You'll encounter a mix of your old answers to review and new questions reflecting updated requirements (e.g. environmental and human rights focus).

Steps

To update an older version of a questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the completed questionnaire on your dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Progress through the questionnaire, edit the answers that you want to change and respond to new or modified questions offered in the SAQ 5.0 version of the questionnaire.
5. Once you have made all the updates needed, make sure you send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an updated SAQ 5.0 Rating.

Why are some questions in my SAQ 5.0 showing as locked or read-only?

Some questions and answers might show as locked as you progress through the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire because another user, with the Reviewer user permission, on your organisation's account has chosen to provide template answers and evidence for one or more questions.

Background

The platform allows users, with the 'Reviewer' user permission, to set template answers for the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response. This ensures consistency for company-wide policies or certifications within the SAQ 5.0. Answers are locked within a template SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response which can be completed on the headquarter location on your organisation account. When you or another user on your account completes an SAQ 5.0 for any other location, these locked answers appear as read-only as they automatically use the approved template response. The Reviewer user might also suggest answers which you can use or edit. If you believe a locked answer is incorrect for your specific location scope, you should contact either the user with Reviewer or User Manager permission.

Steps

To update answers on a questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the questionnaire that you want to respond to 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 questionnaire. Locked questions use HQ template answers set by your colleagues and require no evidence or input.
5. Progress through the questionnaire, answering all remaining editable questions.
6. Upload evidence only for the editable questions where required.
7. Send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an SAQ 5.0 Rating.

What is the Global Questionnaires screen?

The Global Questionnaires screen allows buyers to search, view, and request access to questionnaires (such as the SAQ) completed by suppliers across the platform. When requesting access, buyers can proceed via three paths depending on payment ownership: Gratis (zero-cost because the supplier has already paid), Buyer Pays, or Supplier Pays.

Background

The Global Questionnaires screen enables seamless sharing of verified sustainability assessments across multiple organisations without requiring suppliers to complete duplicate questionnaires.

Understanding the "Gratis" Status:
When a supplier takes ownership and purchases their questionnaire assessment, a "Gratis" badge (accompanied by a crown icon) appears on the questionnaire tile.
For buyers, "Gratis" means zero cost: no credits or payment fees are required to request access and view the supplier's verified questionnaire and score.

Request & Payment Paths:
When requesting access to an existing questionnaire from the Global Questionnaires screen, the workflow follows one of three routes:

1. Gratis (Supplier-Owned):
- Applicable when the supplier has already paid for the questionnaire.
- The buyer can request and gain immediate access at no cost to the buyer.

2. Buyer Pays:
- The buyer elects to cover the questionnaire fee.
- Once payment is confirmed by the buyer, the share request is processed.

3. Supplier Pays:
- The buyer initiates the access request but selects the supplier to bear the cost.
- The supplier receives a notification/action alert to accept and purchase the questionnaire before full access is granted to the buyer.

Statuses & Expired Access:
Status Indicators: Questionnaires on the Global tab typically display as "Available" or "Requested" (if a share request has been sent and is awaiting supplier acceptance).
Expired Access: If your organisation's access to a previously shared questionnaire expires, it automatically returns to the Global Questionnaires tab with an "Expired" label so you can easily locate and re-request access when needed.

Steps

To search and request a questionnaire from Global Questionnaires:

1. Sign in to your NQC account as a buyer/manager.
2. From the navigation menu, go to Global Questionnaires.
3. Use the search bar and filter criteria (e.g. organisation name, location, status, or Expired) to find the desired questionnaire.
4. Review the questionnaire tile:
   • If marked with Gratis (crown icon), the supplier has already funded the assessment and access is completely free of charge.
   • If not marked as Gratis, you will be prompted to select a payment option when requesting access.
   
   


5. Click Request Access (or Share) on the questionnaire tile.


6. If prompted for payment responsibility, choose either:
   
   • Buyer Pays: Complete payment using your organisation's account credits or billing details.
   • Supplier Pays: Send a request to the supplier to fund and release the assessment.
   
   


7. Once the request is accepted and payment is fulfilled, the questionnaire will move to your active dashboard view under Supplier Questionnaires.

How do I access or start the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire?

If you have completed an SAQ 5.0 questionnaire, you can view and update it, at any time. If you have been asked to complete a SAQ 5.0 questionnaire by a customer, you should use the invitation code that was included in the email about the customer request. Alternatively, you can complete an SAQ 5.0 questionnaire and obtain an SAQ Rating, without waiting to be invited, at any time.

Background

When SAQ 5.0 was launched, existing completed SAQs (like SAQ 4.0) were transitioned. Their scores were kept but marked with a 'U' for 'Unclassified'. To get an official SAQ 5.0 rating, you must 'Update' the questionnaire, review previous answers, and respond to the new/changed questions.

Steps

To view a questionnaire that you have already completed

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the completed questionnaire on your dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. If you want to update a previously completed questionnaire, select the 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Progress through the questionnaire and edit the answers that you want to change.
5. Once you have made all the updates needed, make sure you send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an updated SAQ Rating.

To start a new questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Select 'Enter invitation code' on the top right side of your Dashboard.
3. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
4. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
5. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
6. Complete the questionnaire and send for validation.

How do I remove a label in bulk from my questionnaires (SAQs)?

You can remove a label from all associated questionnaires simultaneously by typing out the exact label name in the label search bar and selecting the delete option.

Background

Labels help organise and filter questionnaires across your platform dashboard. If a label is no longer needed or was applied widely across multiple SAQs by mistake, you can quickly clear it across all assigned questionnaires rather than removing it individually from each item.

Steps

To remove a label using the Dashboard:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your Dashboard, select either My questionnaires or Supplier questionnaires from the dropdown menu, depending on which set you wish to manage.
3. Filter your questionnaires to display only the ones you would like to remove the label from.
4. Locate the label search bar at the top of the questionnaire list.
5. Type the exact name of the label you wish to remove.
6. In the dropdown list under All labels, locate the matching label.
7. Click the minus symbol (-) next to the label name to remove the label.

How do I edit an SAQ answer that has been locked as a template answer?

If an SAQ 5.0 answer is showing as locked, only users with the 'Reviewer' user permission can unlock it.

Background

The platform allows users with the Reviewer user permission, to lock or offer suggested answers across all SAQ 5.0 questionnaires on one organisation account. This helps to maintain consistency for company-wide policies or certifications within the SAQ 5.0. A user with the Reviewer user permission can lock the answer in a template SAQ 5.0 response on the headquarter location. When you, or another user, complete any other SAQ 5.0 questionnaire, these locked answers appear as read-only as they automatically use the approved template response. Some answers may not be locked but rather suggested which means that you can choose to use them or edit them. If you believe a locked answer is incorrect for your specific location scope, you should contact either the user with Reviewer or User Manager permission.

Steps

To unlock a template answer (if you have the Reviewer user permission)

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the completed SAQ 5.0 questionnaire for your headquarters location on your dashboard (the location address will be abbreviated with HQ - use filters and search if needed).
3. Click on the HQ questionnaire tile to go to the questionnaire details.
4. Select 'Answers' from the dropdown menu.
5. Select the relevant section of the questionnaire answers to view individual questions and their locked template answers.
6. For each answer you want to unset as a template response, select 'Unlock HQ template answer'.
7. Confirm your choice to unlock when prompted.
8. Repeat the step for all answers that you want to unset as a template response.

Can I copy answers from a previous questionnaire to a new one?

Yes, the platform allows you to re-use answers from a previously completed questionnaire to save time when starting a similar new one.

Background

You might need to complete multiple questionnaires for different customers or scopes (locations, products). To save time and ensure consistency, especially for policy questions, you can copy answers from an existing questionnaire. You can always edit the copied answers before sending the new questionnaire for validation.

Steps

To copy answers to a new questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your 'Dashboard', find the questionnaire you need to complete (use filters and search if needed) or start a new one if you have received an invitation code.
3. If responding to an existing questionnaire, select the 'Respond' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Select the option to re-use answers from another questionnaire.
5. Important: Carefully review all copied answers. Edit any answers that must differ based on the scope of the new questionnaire.
6. Complete the rest of the questionnaire and select 'Send for validation' to send your response.

What does the red dot mean on my questionnaire tile?

A red dot indicates that there is an outstanding action or pending request on your questionnaire tile that requires your attention.

Background

A red dot is displayed on specific action buttons on your questionnaire tile to alert you when immediate action is needed to progress or share your assessment:

- Share button: You have a pending share request from a buyer, or there is an outstanding payment to complete before the questionnaire can be shared.
- Respond button: A buyer has requested a questionnaire response, or an accepted share request requires you to complete the assessment.
- Update button: There are outstanding minimum requirements or requested updates to address on your questionnaire.

Once the required action has been completed, the red dot indicator will automatically disappear.

Steps

To view and complete the outstanding action on your questionnaire:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your Dashboard, locate the questionnaire tile displaying a red dot.
3. Check which action button displays the red dot (Share, Respond, or Update).
4. Click the button with the red dot and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the required action (such as accepting a share request, updating sections, or completing payment).
5. Once the action is completed, the red dot will be removed from the tile.

The questionnaire won't let me send it for validation because of missing answers. What do I do?

To send a questionnaire for validation, all mandatory fields require an answer.

Background

If you genuinely cannot provide the information or a question is not applicable, you should answer negatively ("No") for now. This will allow you to complete and send the questionnaire for validation. You can always update it later.

Steps

To respond to all missing questions

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the questionnaire on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Respond' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Navigate through the questionnaire and answer all questions you can, selecting 'No' where you cannot provide a response.
5. Progress through the remaining questions until all required responses are complete.
6. Send the questionnaire for validation.

What are Labels?

Labels allow you to organise, group and filter questionnaires using custom tags that are shared across your organisation.

Background

Labels replace the previous Category functionality, providing a more flexible way to organise questionnaires. Multiple labels can be assigned to a single questionnaire, allowing organisations to group questionnaires in ways that reflect their own workflows and reporting requirements. Labels are shared within your organisation but are not visible to external organisations.

Steps

To organise questionnaires using Labels:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your Dashboard, access the Labels filter.
3. Create labels that match your internal processes or reporting needs.
4. Assign one or more labels to questionnaires.
5. Use labels to filter and organise questionnaire views.
6. Share a consistent labelling structure across your organisation.

Is completing the SAQ 5.0 mandatory?

If you have been asked to complete the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire by a customer, it is highly likely that completing or sharing the SAQ 5.0 is a requirement for your business relationship with that specific customer.

Background

Many customers use SAQ 5.0 as part of their supplier selection, compliance management or sustainability programmes. Fulfilling their request demonstrates your commitment. Check the communication you received directly from your customer or the invitation details for specific requirements.

Steps

To start a new questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Select 'Enter invitation code' on the top right side of your Dashboard.
3. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
4. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
5. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
6. Send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation in order to receive an SAQ 5.0 Rating.

Where in the SAQ 5.0 do I upload my Extended Minerals Reporting Template (EMRT)?

You can upload your completed EMRT file (in XLSX format) within the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire at question 20d.

Background

The EMRT is a standard template used for due diligence reporting specifically for cobalt and mica supply chains. If these minerals are relevant to your products (you should declare this at question 20), you can upload your EMRT within the SAQ 5.0 assessment.

Steps

To upload your EMRT template in your SAQ 5.0 response, follow these steps

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' or 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Progress through the questionnaire to the Responsible Sourcing of Raw Materials section until you reach question 20.
5. At question 20, select 'Cobalt' (and/or Mica if applicable) if contained in your products. Select 'Next question'.
6. Answer questions 20a, 20b, and 20c.
7. Select 'Choose file' and upload the latest version of your EMRT (it must be an .xlsx file).
8. Select 'Next question' and continue completing the SAQ.
9. Send the SAQ for validation.

How do I filter questionnaires using Labels?

Labels can be used within the Filter menu to quickly find and organise questionnaires.

Background

The Labels filter allows users to locate questionnaires associated with specific projects, risk areas, business units or other organisational groupings. Multiple questionnaires can share the same Label, making it easier to manage large volumes of assessments.

Steps

To filter using Labels:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your 'Dashboard' Open the Filter menu.
3. Select the Labels filter.
4. Choose one or more Labels.
5. Apply the filter to display matching questionnaires.

How do I apply labels to questionnaires?

Labels can be applied to individual questionnaires or to multiple questionnaires at the same time using filters.

Background

Labels help organise questionnaires using custom tags that are shared across your organisation. Labels can be applied individually from a questionnaire tile or in bulk using filtered questionnaire results.

Steps

To apply a Label to an individual questionnaire:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your dashboard locate the questionnaire you wish to update.
3. Select the Label field displayed beneath the questionnaire details.
4. Enter the name of an existing Label or create a new Label.
5. Select the Label you wish to apply.
6. The Label will immediately be displayed on the questionnaire tile.

To apply a Label to multiple questionnaires:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your Dashboard, select Filter from the top bar.
3. Apply the required filters to display the questionnaires you wish to label.
4. Close the filter side menu.
5. Select the Label option from the action bar at the top.
6. Enter the name of an existing Label or create a new Label.
7. Select the Label you wish to apply.
8. The Label will be applied to all questionnaires currently displayed in the filtered results.

My company address is wrong in the questionnaire. How can I correct it?

Company addresses directly reflect the official details registered with your organisation's DUNS number and cannot be manually edited within an existing questionnaire.

Background

To ensure data accuracy, compliance, and proper vendor verification across the NQC platform, company profile details are aligned with official Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) records. Depending on whether you need to update details on file or register a completely different entity, different steps are required to ensure your records remain synchronised.

Steps

Choose the option below that applies to your situation:

Option 1: You need to use a completely different address & DUNS number

If your organisation needs to register under a different legal entity or DUNS profile, you must complete a new questionnaire entirely.

1. Initiate a new questionnaire setup for the correct business entity.
2. Search for and select the correct entity using its corresponding DUNS number.
3. Complete and send the new questionnaire for validation.

Option 2: You want to add or clarify information for your current address

If the base address matches your DUNS record, but you need to add supplemental details (such as a suite number, building name, or internal routing information):

1. Submit a support ticket or contact a customer service representative.
2. Provide your questionnaire details and the specific additions required for your address.
3. Our team will review and update your record accordingly.

What are the key terms related to the Deforestation SAQ?

The Deforestation SAQ uses specific terms related to land use, environmental protection, forestry, rights, traceability and commodities. Understanding these definitions is important for accurately completing the assessment.

Background

This assessment is aligned with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The terms defined help clarify the specific information and evidence required regarding the sourcing of certain commodities (like cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy, wood) and associated due diligence practices.

Where in the SAQ 5.0 do I upload my Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT)?

You can upload your completed CMRT file (in XLSX format) within the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire at question 20c.

Background

SAQ 5.0 includes a specific question (question 20) about the presence of 3TG minerals (Tin, Tantalum, Tungsten, Gold) in your products. The CMRT is the standard template for reporting on the origin of these minerals.

Steps

To upload your CMRT template in your SAQ 5.0 response, follow these steps

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' or 'Update' button on the questionnaire tile on your Dashboard.
4. Progress through the questionnaire to the Responsible Sourcing of Raw Materials section until you reach question 20.
5. Declare the relevant 3TG minerals present in your products. Select 'Next question'.
6. Answer questions 20a and 20b.
7. At question 20c, select 'Yes' if you have a CMRT to upload.
8. Select 'Choose file' and upload the latest version of your CMRT (it must be an .xlsx file).
9. Select 'Next question' and continue completing the SAQ.
10. Send the SAQ for validation.

Why did I receive an invitation email from NQC?

You received an invitation because one or more of your customers uses the NQC platform for their supply chain due diligence requirements and they want you to complete a specific questionnaire or share an existing one.

Background

Many organisations, globally, use the NQC platform to manage supply chain due diligence requirements, often related to sustainability, compliance or supplier vetting processes. Responding to their request for information, by completing or sharing questionnaire responses, shows your commitment and may be necessary to maintain your business relationship or meet their compliance requirements.

Steps

Review the email that you have received to understand what the request relates to. You may need to complete a questionnaire for your customer and the email should outline the scope requested. It is most likely that the request will relate to a questionnaire for one of your locations or products.

If you need to register

1. Go to the NQC platform home page.
2. Select the 'Register' link.
3. Enter your user details (name, telephone number, organisation email address).
4. Create and confirm a secure password.
5. Select your organisation's headquarters country from the dropdown list.
6. Search for your organisation by name or DUNS number. Select it if found.
7. If your organisation is not found, select 'Add organisation details manually' and provide the required information.
8. Scroll down, read, and accept the terms of use.
9. Select 'Register'.
10. Check your email for an activation link and click it to finalise your account setup.

How do I start a new questionnaire using an invitation code?

On your dashboard, select 'Enter invitation code' and input the code provided by your customer.

Background

If your customer has sent you an invitation code for a specific questionnaire, you can use it to start filling out the required questionnaire. This code links your response directly to your customer's request.

Steps

To complete a questionnaire using an invitation code

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your Dashboard, select 'Enter invitation code' on the right side.
3. Enter the invitation code you received from your customer.
4. Select 'Continue' to open the questionnaire.
5. Complete the questionnaire.

Can I change the DUNS number for my SAQ 5.0?

You cannot change the DUNS number within an SAQ 5.0 questionnaire once it has already been completed. This is because it may have already been shared with one or more customers. You can only change a DUNS number during the first revision of your questionnaire response. The DUNS number must be a valid DUNS number and not already in use on your account or on the platform. If you need to complete a questionnaire for a different DUNS number, you should start a new questionnaire.

Background

A valid DUNS number is needed for you complete the SAQ 5.0. The DUNS number helps your customers to correctly identify your business.

Steps

If you are completing the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire for the first time

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the SAQ 5.0 questionnaire that you are in the process of completing (for the first time) on your dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Respond' button on questionnaire tile.
4. Move through the questionnaire to the Profile section to question 0a.
5. Enter the new DUNS number at question 0a.
6. If you see an error when you enter the DUNS number, it means that either the DUNS number is already in use on another SAQ 5.0 questionnaire on your account or is in use on another organisation account on the NQC platform.
7. If the DUNS error includes a link, select the link to be directed into the existing questionnaire on your account. Otherwise, use our chat service for support with the DUNS number.
8. Once you have entered a valid DUNS number at question 0a, progress through the questionnaire using 'Next question'.
9. Send your SAQ 5.0 questionnaire response for validation.

If you need to complete an SAQ 5.0 questionnaire for a new DUNS number:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. If you have received a request from a customer with an invitation code, choose the 'Enter invitation code' option from the top right of your Dashboard.
3. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
4. Enter the invitation code that is in the email request from your customer.
5. Select 'Share' to complete the action.
6. Complete the questionnaire and send for validation.
7. If you do not have a request from a customer, choose 'Start a new SAQ 5.0' from the other options menu on the top right of your Dashboard.
8. Progress through the questionnaire and enter the new DUNS number at question 0a.
9. You may be asked to make payment before you can send the SAQ 5.0 response for validation and receive an SAQ Rating for this new DUNS number.

How do I manage Labels?

Labels can be edited, shared and deleted from the Labels management screen.

Background

Labels can be shared within your organisation and can be used to organise questionnaires. Depending on your permissions, you can update a Label's name and colour, control who can access it, and remove Labels that are no longer required.

Steps

To manage labels:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your 'Dashboard', click on a questionnaire.
3. Select Labels from the dropdown menu.

To edit a Label:

1. Locate the Label you wish to update.
2. Select the 'Edit Label' icon.
3. Update the Label name and/or colour.
4. Select Save to apply your changes.

To manage access to a Label:

1. Locate the Label you wish to manage.
2. Select the 'Manage Label Access' icon.
3. Add users and assign the appropriate permission level.
4. Choose whether the Label should be available to specific users or your entire organisation.
5. Select Add or save your changes.

To delete a Label:

1. Locate the Label you wish to remove.
2. Select the 'Delete Label' icon.
3. Review the confirmation message.
4. Select Yes to permanently delete the Label.

My colleague received a request to complete a questionnaire, but we already completed one for the same scope. Do we need to do it again?

No, if the new request covers the same scope (e.g., same location or product) as your existing completed questionnaire, you do not need to complete it again. You can simply share the existing one.

Background

The platform is designed to avoid redundant work. If you have a completed questionnaire that meets the requirements of a new customer request (for the same scope), you can share those existing results instead of starting over. This saves time and ensures consistency.

Steps

If your colleague received an invitation code with a request to complete a questionnaire

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the existing questionnaire on your Dashboard (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Share' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Choose the option to 'Enter invitation code'.
5. Enter the invitation code that your colleague received in the email request from your customer.
6. Select 'Share' to complete the action.

If your colleague did NOT receive an invitation code (or if you want to share proactively)

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the existing completed questionnaire (use filters and search if needed).
3. Select the 'Share' button on the questionnaire tile.
4. Choose the option to 'Search for a buyer'.
5. Search for or find the customer who made the request or who you want to share your questionnaire with.
6. Select Share to complete the action. (The customer will be alerted to accept your request).

How do I ensure that SAQ 5.0 answers and evidence remains consistent across all SAQ 5.0 questionnaires on my organisation account?

You can complete an SAQ 5.0 questionnaire on your headquarter location on your organisation account and once it has been completed and validated, you can use the response as a template for all other questionnaires on your account. You do this by locking specific answers which are then automatically applied to all other SAQs on your organisation account.

Background

This SAQ 5.0 HQ template feature helps ensure that standard company policies or evidence are used consistently across different sites or divisions completing their own SAQs on the same platform organisation account. You can either 'lock' an answer in the HQ template which makes it read-only in other SAQs, or you can create a template answer to a question and allow it to be edited. Both options promote consistency and uniformity in your sustainability performance reporting. Only the completed SAQ 5.0 questionnaire, which is on your Headquarters location, can be used as a template questionnaire response.

Steps

To make use of the HQ template functionality (Reviewer permission required)

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. Find the completed SAQ 5.0 questionnaire for your headquarters location on your dashboard (the location address will be abbreviated with HQ - use filters and search if needed).
3. Click on the HQ questionnaire tile to go to the questionnaire details.
4. Select 'Answers' from the dropdown menu.
5. Select the relevant section of the questionnaire answers to view individual questions and answers.
6. For each answer you want to set as a template response, select 'Lock HQ template answer'.
7. Confirm your choice to lock when prompted.
8. Repeat the step for all answers that you want to set as your template response.

What happened to Categories?

Existing Categories have been migrated to Labels.

Background

To provide greater flexibility and support multiple classifications per questionnaire, the platform now uses Labels instead of Categories. Existing Category data is automatically migrated during deployment to ensure historical information is retained. Campaign functionality remains available and is not affected by this change.

Steps

To find migrated Categories:

1. Sign in to your NQC account.
2. On your dashboard access the Labels filter.
3. Review the Labels available to your organisation.
4. Continue managing questionnaires using Labels instead of Categories.