Use Your Consultant

What is the role your consultant can play in the certification process?  The answer is very situational and highly dependent on your resource needs.

In the ‘before’ stage, ask for help in the selection process.  Determine how many you should approach, who to target, are there industry specialists, price expectations, FTEs, are there any CB specific quirks and so on.  A good consultant will also have a fee comparison tool to help with the process.  Get them involved with the planning, document review and stage 1 reviews of the certification process.  At least one of the major certifiers has an exhaustive precertification process that your consultant can complete on your behalf.

In the ‘during’ stage, their involvement will be dependent on their scope of work.  Make sure you have agreed what that scop is and to what extent they will be visible to the certification provider.  Once that is done, let the provider know.  Your consultant will advise you on timing, reporting, corrective actions requirements of the specific certifier.  They should also know the proposed auditor and advise accordingly.  If they don’t, they should have the resources to ensure you are getting the most appropriate person for your needs.  The visibility of your consultant during the audits will depend on whether they are contracted to do any of the actual work.  If they are not, they really should only be present as an observer or a resource as needed.  They should never get involved in the face to face process or the determination of findings unless asked to.  They should be present at the entry and exit meetings, again to observe and participate as requested.

After the event, your consultant can help with the planning and structure of the remedial actions needed for any findings.  They will advise on the format of the correspondence and reporting needed.  And if within their scope of work, provide the documentation for you.

Just remember, let you certifier know you have a consultant in support and as needed, let them know to what extent.  It is far better they know well in advance e then to be surprised on the day.