In terms of "conformity assessment" and the way we do things, we’ve identified three areas for consideration going into 2021 - all from client and auditor feedback.

1.       Remote Auditing - loved by Certification Bodies £££$$$$ ching-ching, but utter nonsense!

2.       UKCA Marking - new for the UK market...more about awareness than change!

3.       Certification Fees - contract values (not days) and self-certification the future?

This podcast will provide a summary of observation, supported by both client and auditor feedback. Taking each in turn as follows:

Certification bodies are promoting the benefits of remote auditing, which on the whole is completely opposite to auditor and client company experiences. 

Certification bodies are keen to maintain and income stream by positively spinning the wonders of remote auditing, and for that matter so are auditors. This begs the question, if remote auditing is so great, why was this never promoted as an option years ago?

With reference to the UKCA Mark, why are so many still confused by both CE and the UKCA. Let us be clear, the legal liability is on the “importer” and or “the one placing product onto the market” and therefore, they need to ensure product compliance. 

Therefore, exporting industry simply need to make the life of the importer easy, by ensuring high integrity compliance supported by documented evidence. Whether importing or exporting, this has always been the requirement.

On to the subject of fee rates. Certification bodies cannot continue with the “day rate” as the model for costing the “certification product”. The day is over and died at the time of introducing remote auditing. Some certification bodies are issuing memos to auditors demanding they audit for the day, even remotely. Whether the audit is completed or note!

The above three things have been put out there to raise awareness and hopefully stimulate the debate. Have a great listen and once again, many thanks for your continued support.