How to gain registration ?

The process of registration follows three simple steps:

• Initial stage 1 audit- Assessment to ISO 9001:2008
• Stage 2 audit
• Maintenance is confirmed through a programme of annual surveillance visits and a three yearly re-certification audit.

Initial Certification Audit

The assessment process for achieving certification consists of a two stage Initial Certification Audit as follows:

Stage 1- The purpose of this visit is to confirm the readiness of the organisation for full assessment. The assessor will:

• confirm that the quality manual conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001:2008
• confirm its implementation status
• confirm the scope of certification
• check legislative compliance
• produce a report that identifies any non-compliance or potential for non-compliance and agree a corrective action plan if required.
• produce an assessment plan and confirm a date for the Stage 2 assessment visit.

Stage 2- The purpose of this visit is to confirm that the quality management system fully conforms to the requirements of ISO 9001:2008 in practice. The assessor will:

• undertake sample audits of the processes and activities defined in the scope of assessment
• document how the system complies with the standard
• report any non-compliances or potential for non-compliance
• produce a surveillance plan and confirm a date for the first surveillance visit
• If the assessor identifies any major non-conformance, the organisation cannot be certified until corrective action is taken and verified.