SFQC

Q: Why do I have to join?

A: All Assurance schemes are voluntary and the decision to join must be based on the business needs of the individual.

Q: How quickly will my assessment be carried out?

A: We aim to complete initial assessments as quickly as possible but certainly within 4 weeks of receiving your application form. The assessor will contact you to arrange this.

Q: Why is the assessment not unannounced?

A: There are a number of different standards that need assessed and it is vital that there is someone suitable to accompany the assessor on their visit. If the assessor just turned up then there is a risk that no-one would be available to help.

Q: What happens if the assessor notes a problem on my farm?

A: The assessor will tell you that there is a problem when carrying out your assessment. They will inform you of this as soon as the problem is identified. They will also re-iterate it and note the non-compliance on their paperwork at the end of the assessment.

Q: What happens after my assessment has been carried out?

A: The assessor returns their report to the SFQC office where your report will be reviewed and evaluated. If any non-compliances are noted these will be graded according to their severity and you will be advised in writing how to proceed.

Q: Are all non-compliances treated the same?

A: No. Major non-compliances will need to be rectified before membership can be approved. This may need to be verified by a quick re-visit by an assessor or submission of evidence by post. Membership will be provisionally approved if there are only minor non-compliances. In this case they will need to be rectified and confirmed in writing to the office within 30 days time.

Q: How often will I be assessed?

A: Assessment intervals vary between 9-15 months.  This is to ensure the farm is seen at a different season each year.

Q: I am also a member of the National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme I would like a joint visit.

A: We run the assessment schedules for both schemes at the same time to try and identify opportunities for joint assessments. Intervals between assessments for the dairy scheme are 17 months so it is not always possible to arrange joint visits every year.

Q. I do not want that Assessor again- we have a clash of personality!

A. If this happens please do not hesitate to contact the Scheme Manager who will reallocate the assessment to another assessor.

Q. How can I check if the cattle I've bought are all scotch assured?

A. Log on to the QMS website, select member's directory and then PGI status checker. Enter the holding number from the passport and this will confirm membership status. Alternatively, you can contact SFQC and a member of staff will be happy to help.