SA 8000 is developed by the SAI - Social Accountability International (formerly known as CEPAA - Council on Economic Priorities Accreditation Agency), an affiliate of the Council on Economic Priorities (CEP)

Founded in 1969, CEP is a public service research organization in New York; its mission is to provide accurate & impartial analysis of companies’ social performance

SAI was established in early 1997. It convened a group of experts for an Advisory Board. The Board is responsible for drafting the SA 8000 standard, as well as providing direction and recommendation regarding the function, operation and policy of SAI.

SAI’s Advisory Board includes representatives from unions, organizations for human rights and children’s rights, academia, retailers, manufacturers, contractors, non-governmental organizations, consultants, accounting firms, as well as certification bodies.

Members of the SAI Advisory Board do not represent the interests of particular organizations; they have been appointed for their experience and knowledge of particular sectors. This is to ensure that the interests of different sectors are appropriately represented, thereby enabling the Advisory Board to maintain a balanced view