Q: Why do I 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 individual.
Q. Is it possible to have more than one business under one membership?
A. Each individual business must hold its own membership.
Q: When will I receive my assessment and who will the assessor be?
A. Once your SQWV application form has been processed, your assessment will be allocated to the assessor covering your local area, providing a conflict of interest does not arise. If a conflict of interest should occur, please notify the SFQC office and your assessment will be allocated to an alternative assessor. One assessment will be carried out per site every 6 months.
Q. What does an assessment entail?
A. A copy of the assessor’s checklist will be included in your new member’s pack which covers all the areas to be assessed. Once the assessment has been completed the assessor will agree any necessary changes with you and a signed copy of the report summary will be left with you.
Q. Who assesses the assessor?
A. The assessor undergoes shadow assessments annually, carried out by an ISO qualified Lead Assessor. Assessor training meetings are held two or three times annually dependent on any changes being made within the scheme and scheme standards.
Q. How do I know if my membership has been approved?
A. After your assessment report has been considered by the Certification Officer, you will receive a letter detailing any non-compliances which require corrective action. On receipt of a satisfactory report or once confirmation of the necessary corrective actions has been received by the Scheme Manager, a letter of approval will be sent to you, along with your Certificate of Conformity.