COVID-19: OPTIONS FOR THE DELIVERY OF BRCGS CERTIFICATION

Over the course of the last few months BRCGS have launched a number of initiatives either as temporary solutions or permanent new options for certification based on experience from the use of new technologies.
The summary below shows the options available and when each is applicable.

Certificate Extension
 
Where it is not possible to carry out an onsite audit of an existing certificated site then the certificate may be extended for up to 6 months. Granting of the extension is based upon a risk assessment and review between the site and certification body of the controls in place at site. 
Further details can be found by following the link below
https://www.brcgs.com/media/2165017/brcgs072-certificate-extension-for-audits-impacted-by-covid-19-v6-09092020.pdf

Full remote assessment
 
This option is not GFSI Benchmarked. Available for sites when the certificate extension has expired, and it is still not possible for an audit to take place onsite due to Coronavirus restrictions or where a site does not need a GFSI recognised certificate. The remote audit includes a review of internal audit results, a remote documentation revue and video audit of production/storage facilities. A 6- or 12-month certificate based on grade (except for Consumer Products foundation level and the Gluten-Free Certification Program where there is no grade and normal the pass/fail criteria apply) may be issued on successful completion.
Further details can be found by following the link below
https://www.brcgs.com/media/2165018/brcgs086-remote-audits-during-the-pandemic-v1-09092020.pdf
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Blended Audits
 
This will be a permanent option for announced audit programmes for the Standards. The audit takes place in two parts. A remote online assessment of some or all of the documentation followed by a shorter on-site audit. This provides the opportunity for a rigorous audit but with a reduction in auditor time spent onsite.
Further details can be found by following the link below
https://www.brcgs.com/media/2165016/brcgs080-blended-audit-remote-audit-using-ict-v2-09092020.pdf

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