We are pleased to announce that due to the pragmatic and positive approach to the pandemic adopted by the NPCC, BAFE, SIA and UKAS, as they apply to our certification schemes we are able to continue offering certification services to most new clients and maintain the certification of our existing clients.
Due to the restrictions imposed by government relating to travel and social distancing audits for certification, surveillance and re-certification will need to be conducted remotely. We have amended our ICT infrastructure as required to support our remote operations.
Certification auditing arrangements for each scheme differ and details of these arrangements will be provided to applicants as part of the application process.
Arrangements for surveillance and re-certification audits also differ for each scheme and registered organisations will be made aware of these in advance of surveillance or re-certification audits becoming due.
The SSAIB’s head office functions, including phone lines, remain operational but we have taken measures, including home working, to safeguard the health of our staff.
By continuing our operations, we are primarily seeking to support our existing clients whilst at the same time providing an opportunity to gain certification, for organisations seeking certification for the first time.
These arrangements will remain in place for as long as financial constraints allow. It may be necessary to amend our services, particularly if the lockdown remains in place for a long time. In the event of it becoming necessary to reduce the services we can offer we will do so in a phased and managed manner to minimise the impact on the services we provide.