Certification Process

First Contact

At first contact, we identify your company's needs and requirements for certification. Facts about the company is collected and we explain what the certification involves and what it means. We discuss concepts and terms. You will then receive an offer and we match that what we agree on in the content. An acceptance on your part means that we see you as our partner.

Meeting / Planning / Stage 1 Revision

Document audit is a mandatory element in which the documented management system and other materials are reviewed by the auditor appointed to be responsible for your company. The auditor gets into the management system and examines it against the requirements of the current standard. After this review, we will inform you of our observations and any deviations. We recommend all customers that this communicated towards your customers, which is also a requirement of the certification audit of the environment standard (ISO 14001).

Pre-Audit

By the vision is voluntary. Would you like to know how you stand with the implementation of the management system or would you simply have a dress rehearsal for the certification audit, we recommend a pre-audit. It is probably the best way to get views on what might need to be addressed. Furthermore, it gives you experience on how audit work is performed. At a pre-audit visit our accountant firm and conducting a limited audit of the management. After the audit, you may find out the result and have the opportunity to address any deficiencies before the mandatory certification audit

Certification Audit Stage 2

The certification audit was conducted on-site by an audit team that, depending on the size and complexity of the operation and the locations / establishments concerned, is composed of a lead auditor, auditors and industry experts. The audit begins with an opening session and then followed an agreed program. The objective of the audit is to ensure the management system implementation, it is operating as intended and that it complies with the relevant standard. At a closing conference presented the results and any deviations are reviewed. These must then be corrected before the certificate can be issued. Where it is necessary, due to higher tolerances, made return visits to revise the revised area. Finds the auditor that the system is in place and meet the requirements, submitted audit documents to the Nordic Certification review team. This will then review the audit, issues a decision and ensure that certificates are issued. At step 1, a document audit, and the auditor examines how well the system is implemented and provides tips on improvements for step 2. At stage 2 audit is expected the system to be fully incorporated. According to the guidelines, there should elapse at least 6 weeks between the two auditing sessions.

Follow-up Audit

The follow-up audit is normally once a year and we plan together with you they will be performed. Approximately fourteen days before the time of the audit, you may an audit program that describes what is to be audited. The entire management system shall be reviewed in three years. Uppföljanderevisioner required to maintain the certification.

Re-Certification

Then there is always the basis for further improvements must be made according to a recertification requirements of the standard and carried out every three years. The purpose is to verify that the company's management system as a whole has undergone improvements during the certification period and the system meets current standards requirements and ensure the effectiveness of the management system and the better performance is achieved. (Eg, we verify that an EMS has lead to less environmental impact) Nordic Certification announces decision to continue the certification when the auditor's audit documentation has been reviewed and approved.

Benefits of Certification

The reasons to becoming certified are many. The trend towards increased demand for third-party certified quality, safety and environmental management systems, both from the business and from government agencies. Requirements for approved quality and environmental systems are increasingly being used as a criterion for obtaining contracts. Moreover, it is a good foundation for a successful marketing strategy. Many certified companies feel that they have gained new customers thanks to their certification. In particular, the application of quality and safety management to a more structured activities which provide advantages in the organization.

Today, much is happening in the environment. No one has been able to escape the ongoing debate on climate change and environmental sustainability. Consumer awareness and standards in environmental issues is ever increasing and growing environmental legislation can be seen in part as a result of the influence from the market side. To show to its environment that it has environmental certification can lead to significant market benefits, mainly because the company themselves have actively chosen to consciously make an effort for the environment.

An ethical perspective is also a mainstay on the certification of the working environment. A certification according to AFS 2001:1 or OHSAS 18001 demonstrates not only that the company complies with the law, but that the work environment is a priority of the business. In addition to its advantages, it also sends out signals to the public that this is a company that cares about its employees. It also attracts future talent.

The introduction of a management system is an opportunity to bring order into the company, evaluating their potential and put more specific targets. A company that knows its own possibilities and where it is headed has a good foundation to stand on when it will meet future demands, changes and challenges.

Complaints / Appeals

If you for some reason wish to complain / appeal against the Nordic Certification or a certified client of Nordic Certification, this can be done orally or in writing to the president, Michael Persaud of Nordic Certification. Contact information can be found here.