Remote Audits to help maintain certification during COVID-19 pandemic

The Bureau Veritas Certification team continues to offer a wide range of service to support our clients within the current restrictions which have been put in place to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

As part of this, we are using existing technology to offer remote Management System Audits, covering partly routine audits including surveillance, re-certification and transfer.

All of our auditors and technical reviewers have now completed Remote Audit Learning in order to conduct remote audits and maintain the validity of accredited certifications during the COVID-19 crisis.

This rapid deployment means we can help maintain accredited certification for clients, continue our standard of service in the best way possible, whilst also ensuring the health and safety of our staff.

Adapting our services

Following completion of a risk assessment, remote audits will be undertaken usually via video link, which allows our auditor and the client to communicate, share and review documents in real time. An audit report will be issued and then complemented by an on-site audit within the next six months to cover any clauses not audited during the remote audit.

With a few exceptions, remote audits are permissible for stage 1 audits, surveillance audits, recertification audits (where applicable) and follow up audits (where applicable) across ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO18001, ISO22001, ISO27001, ISO45001, ISO50001, ISO55001 and ISO22301.

There will be some exceptions to this offering whereby guidelines advise against remote auditing, such as transition and migration audits, stage 2 audits for brand new clients, recertification and follow up audits for low performing systems.

Maintaining standards

Karolina Lachi Kolarova, Business Unit Director for Certification at Bureau Veritas Certification, said: “As part of our innovative strategy, the technology was already in place and now with restrictions due to COVID 19, we are able to support our clients to maintain robust, accredited certifications during these unprecedented times.

“Our auditors have full access to Bureau Veritas systems whilst working remotely and a range of tools that can be used for video conferencing, remote calls and screen sharing. 

“We are doing everything possible to help maintain our standards of service and we remain grateful to clients for doing their bit by ensuring that all relevant management system documentation is available in digital format to share through the online connection.

“This process will help prevent any issues when we are able to return to normal site-based audits.”