Management System Process
Accredited Management System Process
International Assessment Bureau operates and manages its certification activities with consistency and rigour. The process below outlines how an organisation's management system is assessed and certified, from application through to certification and ongoing surveillance.
From Application to Certificate
Application & Review
The process begins with an application describing the organisation, its activities, sites and the scope of certification being sought. We review this information to confirm the scope is clearly defined and that we have the competence and resources to carry out the assessment.
Audit Planning & Team Selection
An audit team is assigned based on competence in the relevant standard and sector, and is checked for any conflict of interest before the engagement proceeds. An audit plan and timetable is agreed with the client.
Stage 1 Audit
A documentation and readiness review is carried out to confirm the management system has been designed to meet the requirements of the relevant standard and that the organisation is ready to proceed to the Stage 2 audit.
Stage 2 Audit
An on-site (or remote, where justified) audit is conducted to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the management system, including a review of objective evidence, interviews with personnel, and verification of conformity with the applicable standard.
Certification Decision
The certification decision is made by a competent person or panel who was not involved in conducting the audit, based solely on the audit findings and evidence, safeguarding impartiality throughout.
Certificate Issuance
Once a positive certification decision is made, a certificate is issued that states the certified standard, the scope of certification, and the certificate's validity period.
Surveillance & Recertification
Certification is maintained through periodic surveillance audits, typically annually, to confirm the management system continues to meet the requirements of the standard. A full recertification audit is carried out before the end of each three-year certification cycle.
Impartiality is protected at every stage of this process – see our Impartiality Policy for how we manage conflicts of interest. If you have any questions, please get in touch or request a quote.
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