Driving improvement is a constant challenge for organizations. It’s becoming mandatory for organizations to become certified to ISO standards as business continuation hinges on recognized certification. In many cases companies are no longer able to bid on projects or submit RFQ’s if they cannot provide certification to ISO standards.
We can supply you with the technical and business expertise to simplify that challenge, regardless of the business you’re in. We can provide independent, 2nd and 3rd party certified assessment services.
A Management System program offers a step-by-step approach aimed at providing you with confidence in your system’s capability to meet the needs of the organization and your customers. This process addresses the philosophies of good management practice covered by the ISO standard.
In addition, our unique Business Assurance approach can give your business the edge by turning the assessment process into a powerful management tool to improve performance. By understanding what really matters to your organization and stakeholders, we can help you improve your management system. This has a direct impact on your Quality Systems which in turn promotes a healthier bottom line for your organization.
Steps to Certification
An early application is advised to enable us to plan and adjust our service delivery process to best suit the needs and expectations of your organization. Upon receiving your filled application, you will be contacted by our Client Services team to set up an date and time for audits.
2. Stage 1 Audit:
This involves an on-site assessment of selected policies, procedures and safety practices already in place. This first visit will familiarize the auditor with your facilities and identify any gaps between your management system and the requirements of the specified scope. Opportunities for improvement will be highlighted, and recommendations made regarding the next stage of the process. The Stage 1 Audit will provide your management and staff with the opportunity to discuss any problems or improvements, and address other queries regarding the Stage 2 Certification Audit process.
These activities will essentially test the system’s state of readiness for Certification and provide input to the planning of Stage 2 Audit.
3. Stage 2 Certification Audit & Registration:
The Certification Audit is a detailed full system assessment which verifies conformance to the Principles of the required standard.
When the management system documentation and practices effectively satisfy the requirements, then implementation is deemed to be effective and certification will be recommended.
Areas identified not in compliance generate an NCR (non-conformance report). The Certification Authority, is the body that makes the final certification decisions and issues certificates of conformity.
When approved, a Certificate of Registration is issued and is valid for a three-year term (subject to ongoing compliance demonstrated at the prescribed number of surveillance audits during the license period).
Your organization’s certification details will then be added to the Register of Certified Companies. An annual License Fee applies, covering the costs of licensing, accreditation and use of the certification Mark.
4. Certification Maintenance
Once certification is achieved, the organization will be required to undergo periodic Surveillance Audits to ensure the system is being maintained. The intention is to provide feedback on system performance.
Surveillance Audit frequency will be based on audit performance as well as accreditation and any retailer supplier requirements.
5. Re-Certification Audit:
The Re-Certification Audit is a 67% system assessment, which verifies conformance of the management system to the requirements of the ISO Standard.
Any issues identified will also be reviewed to ensure they have been appropriately addressed.
When the management system documentation and practices effectively satisfy the ISO Standard’s requirements, re-certification will be recommended.
A Certificate of Re-Registration will be re-issued and is valid for a three-year term (subject to ongoing compliance demonstrated at the prescribed number of surveillance audits during the license period).
Your organization’s certification details will then be added to the Register of Certified Companies. An annual License Fee applies, covering the costs of licensing, accreditation and use of the the Mark.
NCRs:
An NCR (non-conformance report) is issued when a requirement of the ISO standard cannot be met or verified. In the event that an NCR is issued during the audit, a corrective action process will be initiated. The auditor will explain how we will follow up with the company in order to cancel the NCR.
The auditor will be required to close out the NCR either on or off site based on the severity of the NCR. This is called the Follow-up Audit. The auditor will advise the company at the time of NCR initiation as to how much time will be required to close out the NCR.
