The auditing process is a crucial element of securing ISO9001 and PCG ISO 9001 certification. This stage takes place when the business systems and processes are aligned with the PCG ISO 9001 requirements and when the EQMS is populated.
Within the context of the PCG ISO 9001 process, the objectives of an audit system include:
Within the context of the PCG ISO 9001 process, the objectives of an audit system include:
- Establish that the QMS has been planned and documented
- Verify that the QMS has been implemented and is being followed by the organisation
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the QMS in achieving quality requirements and policy
- Identify QMS nonconformities and weak areas
- Ensure that identified or potential problems are corrected
Within the PCG ISO 9001 process, the stages allow for:
- A pre-audit questionnaire completed by the participant
- A remote internal audit carried out by either a qualified PCG representative or BQI Consulting Ltd
- The ISO9001 Certification (external) audit carried out by Bureau Veritas
These different stages ensure that the business is ready for final certification and also any non-conformities have been identified and resolved.
Generally, timescales from the commencement of the training course to the requesting of a Certification (external) audit are a minimum of three months. The quality management system should have reached a level of maturity that shows it to be sustainable and effective.
There are six distinct requirements the company should have implemented prior to the request for a Certification audit under the PCG ISO 9001 Administration Policy.
