Enquiry and application
You provide the information needed to understand your organisation, sites, activities, management system, requested scope and use of outsourced processes. We use it to establish competence needs, audit time and a suitable audit programme. See how multiple sites and remote teams affect a certification quote.
Application review
Before accepting an application, we confirm that we have the competence and capacity to perform the work, that the proposed certification scope is clear and that any known impartiality concerns can be managed.
Stage 1 audit
Stage 1 reviews readiness for Stage 2. It considers the management system's documented information, scope, sites, significant aspects or risks, internal audits, management review and the organisation's understanding of the standard. We report areas of concern that could become nonconformities at Stage 2.
Stage 2 audit
Stage 2 evaluates implementation and effectiveness. The audit team gathers objective evidence through interviews, observation and records, then reports conclusions and any nonconformities.
Corrections and corrective action
Where nonconformities are raised, the client analyses causes and takes correction and corrective action. We review the response and verify effectiveness as required before a positive initial certification decision can be made.
Independent certification decision
Competent personnel who were not members of the audit team review the audit information and make the certification decision. A positive outcome results in a certification document that defines the certified scope and locations.
Surveillance
Surveillance audits monitor continuing conformity during the certification cycle. They sample parts of the management system and consider items such as internal audit, management review, actions on previous findings, complaints, effectiveness and use of certification references.
Recertification
A recertification audit evaluates continued fulfilment of the standard and the management system's continuing effectiveness before certification expires. Special audits may also be needed to consider a scope extension, significant change or complaint.
Timeframes we commit to
Quote: within one business day of a complete scoping request.
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Audit report: within 10 business days of the closing meeting.
Certification decision: within 15 business days of nonconformity close-out, by someone independent of the audit.
Certificate: issued the same day as a positive decision.
Surveillance and recertification: dates booked for the whole cycle when you sign.
Read our commitments