
The Cost Of ISO 27001 Certification
Find Out More: How Much Does An ISO 27001 Information Security Management System Cost In The UK? The Cost of ISO 27001 Certification UK Typically,
As companies with various levels of complexity in their processes go through certifications to comply with ISO 90001 standards, fire and workplace safety protocols and a host of other requirements, they often have to go through a certification audit.
This is a guide to the certification audit and how a company can best prepare for, and handle the process of, such an audit.
The United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) is the sole accreditation body in the UK. Appointed by the government under the Accreditation Regulations 2009 (S.I. No 2009/3155) and Schedule 33 of the Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696):
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/3155/introduction/made
UKAS is the national body that can certify companies that provide testing, inspection, calibration and certification services based on internationally accepted standards. While they are recognised as the government body, they are independent from the UK Government.
When UKAS checks the checkers, they are essentially providing a guide to the certification audit for any business owner that is looking to get certified and searches for a professional group to conduct the audit. Any company that is UKAS certified is guaranteed to perform capably in their role, demonstrating the competence and impartiality that is required.
Since a UKAS assessment is viewed by everyone as having high integrity, suppliers who get certified from an accredited consultant can get by with a uniform audit from a single checker, and avoid situations such as having to be accredited by each of their customers.
Through their participation with multiple international forums such as European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and International Accreditation Forum (IAF), UKAS provides a further service to suppliers working with overseas clients – helping them to avoid costly and time consuming audits with overseas buyer.
The UKAS is the National Certification body in the UK. The first step for any company looking to complete a certification audit is to choose a UKAS certified certification evaluator, as explained above.
The UKAS website allows you to search for accredited organisations by name:
https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/
Another thing to check is whether or not the evaluator appointed has a well established track record in terms of the specific certification being conducted. Not every accredited consultant is equally good at all standards.
Below is a step-by-step guide to the accreditation audit. For illustration, we have chosen the ISO 9001 certification process. Other types of certifications will have their own requirements, but many of the steps below will be similar – since these are the typical ways to conduct a certification audit.
If the above steps can be done with a minimum of fuss, things will go smoothly. Once the initial audit is completed, there is a repeating pattern that comes into play, as follows:
In this guide to the certification audit, we have explained both the importance of a UKAS certification and the steps that an organisation will have to go through.
Here are a few tips to make sure that your organisation is fully prepared and passes the audit with flying colors:
As discussed, a UKAS certified checker is vital to have everything in place for businesses in the UK. Hopefully, the above guide to the certification audit will help you streamline your process and make the right choices that can help you in this regard.
At RKMS we are determined to make a business run as efficiently as possible. Will that next business be yours?
Find Out More: How Much Does An ISO 27001 Information Security Management System Cost In The UK? The Cost of ISO 27001 Certification UK Typically,
Services:
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, H&S Support, First Aid Training, issosmart™
Outcome:
Successfully retained certification to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 ensuring continuation of current accredited certification.
Successfully trained staff in Level 3 First Aid at Work.
At RKMS we are determined to make a business run as efficiently as possible. Will that next business be yours?
At RKMS we are determined to make a business run as efficiently as possible. Will that next business be yours?