SFQC

Q: Why does our market have to join?

A: There is no compulsion to join. The scheme is entirely voluntary and any decision to join must be based on the business needs of the company

Q: What is the definition of a ‘seasonal’ market?

A: Currently a market is defined as ‘seasonal’ if it has less than 15 sales per year.

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 ~ 1 week before he plans to conduct your assessment.

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: Are seasonal markets assessed in the same way as permanent markets

A: Seasonal markets are assessed for compliance to all scheme standards like permanent sites. However it is possible that the assessment will be carried out in 2 stages. Firstly ‘office/admin’ related standards will be assessed at the company Headquarters. The second stage will involve an assessor visiting the market on a sale day and observing compliance with all ‘sale/ animal welfare’ related standards.

Q: What happens if the assessor notes a problem with our market?

A: The assessor will tell you that there is a problem when carrying our 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 sorted in an agreed time (often 30 days).

Q: How often will I be assessed?

A: Assessment intervals vary between 9-15 months. Seasonal markets will be assessed in late summer/ autumn of each year.