Q: Why does our company 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: How many assessments will I have in a year?
A: Plants will generally have three assessments scheduled throughout the year
Q: When will I know the assessor is planning to visit?
A: The assessor will arrange a suitable date for the next visit a few weeks in advance. Assessments are generally held every 3-4 months.
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. It is accepted that particularly for small throughput plants personnel are not always going to be available at short-notice,
Q: What if there is a change in plan and no-one is available to accompany the assessor?
A: It is accepted that circumstances can change. However it must also be recognised that assessor schedules are booked up to 3 months ahead. A sudden vacancy in the work diary cannot always be filled and represents a loss of business to the assessor. Therefore plants should notify SFQC as soon as possible or at least 7 working days before the scheduled appointment. A cancellation fee will be charged with any less notice than that.
Q: What happens if the assessor notes a problem with our plant?
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. The findings of the assessment will be discussed, anonymously, at the next Technical Advisory Committee meeting. These meetings take place quarterly and are comprised of industry representatives from across the sector. SFQC will contact you very soon after the meeting to let you know the committee's findings.