Actions on Non-Fulfilment of Requirements
Oversight of Certified Clients
Risk Associates monitors all certified organisations to ensure continued conformity with the applicable management system standards and contractual obligations. While our aim is to maintain the integrity of accredited certification, we will take action whenever certification requirements are not fulfilled.
When a non-conformity or other breach is confirmed, Risk Associates will review the circumstances and determine the appropriate action.
Continuing certification subject to specified conditions
Reducing the scope of certification
Conducting an evaluation review of the certification decision
Suspending certification pending remedial action
Withdrawing certification where corrective action is not completed within the agreed timeframe
Suspension details, including the reason and required corrective actions, will be communicated in writing to the client. Public records and certificate status will be updated to reflect any suspension or withdrawal in accordance with accreditation requirements.
Certification Suspension Policy
Risk Associates may suspend a certificate when the certified management system no longer demonstrates ongoing conformity with the applicable standard or contractual requirements. Grounds for suspension include, but are not limited to:
Persistent or serious non-conformities: Repeated or significant failures to meet certification requirements, including evidence that the management system is not effectively implemented or maintained.
Audit access issues: Refusal or failure to allow required surveillance or recertification audits at the agreed frequency.
Client request: A formal written request from the certified organisation for temporary suspension.
Misuse of certification marks: Improper or misleading use of the certificate, accreditation symbol, or logo.
Substantiated complaints: Verified complaints indicating that the management system is not being maintained in accordance with the standard.
Breach of contract: Failure to meet contractual obligations with the certification body.
Policy
Certification Suspension
Risk Associates may suspend a certificate when the certified management system no longer demonstrates ongoing conformity with the applicable standard or contractual requirements. Grounds for suspension include, but are not limited to:
Persistent or serious non-conformities: Repeated or significant failures to meet certification requirements, including evidence that the management system is not effectively implemented or maintained.
Audit access issues: Refusal or failure to allow required surveillance or recertification audits at the agreed frequency.
Client request:
Improper use of the certificate, symbol, or logo
Existence of a serious complaints indicate that the system is not being maintained
Failure to meet contractual conditions of the certification body.
Continuation of certification under conditions specified
Reduction in the scope of certification
Evaluation review of a certification decision
Withdrawal of certification
Suspension of certification pending remedial action
Status of Certification
Risk Associates will, upon request from any interested party, provide the current status of a client’s certification. The status will be reported only as valid, suspended, withdrawn, or scope-reduced, in accordance with our accreditation and confidentiality requirements.
Requests for Withdrawal or Scope Reduction
Organisations seeking to voluntarily withdraw from certification or reduce the certified scope must submit a formal, signed request to the Certification Manager.
Requests may be lodged by either of the following methods:
- Email: certification@risk-associates.org
- Online Form: the “Contact Us” form on our website.
All requests are reviewed for completeness and processed in line with our accredited certification procedures. Confirmation of the decision and any resulting changes to the public certification record will be provided in writing to the client.
