Certification Stage One - Assessment
Assessment
The stage one assessment is the first of two stages that together comprise Initial Certification and it is the first step in the formal certification process. A stage one assessment will typically take place at your organisation’s head office or primary location, its purpose is to determine an organisations readiness for stage two (certification assessment). This assessment is primarily a documentation review, but the assessor will also evaluate site geography and processes that take place there to establish a plan for the following stage two assessment.
What to expect
Stage one is usually the first time you and your team will meet our assessor/s although they’ll usually make contact with you prior to the visit to introduce themselves and answer any questions you might have.
The stage one assessment will begin with an opening meeting, the meeting will address introductions, confirmation of scope, objectives of the audit, logistics for the day and site-specific safety information among other things. Following this the assessor will usually ask for a site tour to give them a better understanding of your organisation and its order of processes before getting into the documentation review. The assessment is only concerned with documentation and records that comprise your management system and its supporting evidence. The assessor may also direct various questions to members of staff as supporting evidence.
The assessor will compile a report for the assessment giving a conclusion for their findings, at this stage the assessor might raise “Observations or Opportunities for improvement” which you may consider addressing before moving forward to stage 2, in addition the assessor will compile a plan for the stage two assessment and work with you to determine a date for the next assessment based on any findings that might need to be addressed and the mutual availability of the assessor and your organisation. This will all be discussed during a closing meeting before the assessor leaves site.
Southgate House, Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1UD. UK
Getting ISO certified in your industry is becoming more and more critical as the competitive landscape tightens. Maintaining an advantage over your competitors is crucial to not only surviving but to prosper in these economic times.