Impartiality Statement

Standards International takes its status as a certification body extremely seriously. One of our key requirements is that we remain impartial when making the decision as to whether to award certification.

Policy

Impartiality is defined as “not having prejudice towards or against any particular side or party”.

We recognise the following as a threat to our impartiality:

Self-interest, threats that arise from a person or body acting in their own best interest  •  Self-review, threats that arise from a person or body reviewing their own work  •  Familiarity, threats that arise from a person or body being too familiar with or trusting of another person or entity instead of seeking out objective audit evidence to back up conclusion  •  Intimidation, threats that arise from a person or body having a perception of being coerced openly or secretively, such as threat to be replaced or displaced.

To ensure impartiality is maintained, ALL applicants, candidates, clients and certified persons are required to follow the same documented certification process, as detailed within the Standards International Management System (SIMS).

We have measures in place that allow us to identify any threats to our impartiality and we are structured to ensure we safeguard our impartiality throughout ongoing contact with clients. This includes provisions to assure clients of the impartiality of Standards International and its Assessors to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Procedure

Confidentiality and impartiality are continually reviewed through:

• Partnerships and third party agreements • Internal audits • External assessments • The Best Practice Development Forum • Risk, Opportunities and Objectives analysis • Risk and Opportunities Register

Raising a concern

Impartiality concerns, must be addressed to the Client Services Manager and should ideally be submitted in writing (Email or Post), to one of the following:

E: enquiries@standardsinternational.co.uk
P: Standards International. Manor Farm, Church Lane, Graveley, Hitchin, SG4 7BN
T: +44 (0) 1462 790 894 (Please note that you may be requested to submit a verbal concern in writing for our records)

All impartiality concerns are investigated and where necessary appropriate action taken, to address the concern raised.

The impartiality process is monitored by the Standards International Best Practice Development Forum to ensure that all investigations and decisions are made fairly and equitably.

All instances of impartiality are logged and reviewed regularly to identify improvements which can be made.

Call us on +44 (0) 1462 790 894 or click here to request a copy of our full Impartiality Policy and Procedure.