INFORMATION ON THE BRC'S PERFORMANCE RATINGS OF CERTIFICATION BODIES

All audits conducted against a BRC Global Standard are completed by approved third party Certification Bodies who must be independently accredited by a National Accreditation Body.

The key aim of the BRC Global Standards scheme is to ensure integrity and consistency for all users. An audit should be carried out in the same way, irrespective of product type, country of production, Certification Body or auditor.

The scheme defines rules and guidance detailing the responsibilities of the Certification Body and auditors. Adherence to and understanding of these rules is monitored by the BRC Compliance team.

The performance of Certification Bodies is formally reviewed every six months (due January and July).

The five key areas assessed are:

• Quality of written audit reports based on a sample of audit reports
• Compliance to protocols (how audits are undertaken and reported)
• Auditor registration and compliance relating to training, experience and competence requirements
• Speed of upload of audit data to the BRC Directory
• Certification Body communication with the BRC

The aim of the performance rating is to ensure continuous improvement. In cases of poor performance the BRC requires an action plan and demonstrable improvement by the Certification Body.

Approved Certification Bodies are listed at www.brcdirectory.com and all operate satisfactorily. Any Certification Body whose performance is in doubt will have sanctions applied against them, including suspension and withdrawal of BRC approval and are not listed.

To provide transparency each Certification Body is awarded a star rating according to their overall service performance based on the five key areas above. The rating reflects the overall management of the BRC certification scheme by the Certification Body’s head office and does not reflect performance by individual auditors or the validity of individual audits. This rating is published as part of the Certification Body listing at www.brcdirectory.com. An explanation of the star rating is as follows:

The BRC encourages feedback and referrals, for which there is a defined procedure. Feedback and referrals provide invaluable information for ensuring the Global Standards scheme is working as it should.

Further details of compliance activities can be obtained from karen.betts@brc.org.uk