Before you begin your certification journey, it’s worth noting that there isn’t one, definitive, end goal. The certification process actually works in three-yearly cycles, and should you need us to work alongside you through these, we can do so.
Every clause of the standards that you are certified to, or are aiming for, is reviewed in extensive detail to ensure you meet all the requirements. This is split into a Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit.
Stage 1 is an overview, where your auditor ensures that you have a system in place and the key documents required by the standard. If they find any issues, they will raise these as improvements that need to be made by the Stage 2 audit.
Stage 2 is the full works! Every clause must be evidenced, so samples of documents and records are taken to verify this. If any non-conformities are raised during this audit, they must be closed out before your certificate can be awarded. This may mean an additional visit from the auditor if the non-conformity is major.
Aspects of your system are sampled to ensure it still meets the requirements of the standards. If non-conformities are raised, you will have to submit a plan to show you are working towards closing these out – they will be checked in the following audit.
If any non-conformities are raised during this audit, they must be closed out prior to your certificate being reissued. Often this audit takes place three months prior to your certificate expiry date, to allow for any non-conformity close outs.
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