Purpose
At GCAI, we are committed to making certification decisions that are impartial, evidence-based, and consistent across all management system certification schemes.
This policy outlines how we manage key certification decisions, including granting, renewing, suspending, restoring, or withdrawing certifications, as well as expanding or reducing certification scopes.
๐ Scope
This policy applies to all types of certification decisions, including:
– Initial certification
– Recertification
– Suspension or withdrawal
– Scope expansion or reduction
– Transfer of certification from other bodies
– Multi-site certifications
๐ฅ Our Approach to Certification Decisions
Independence of Decision-Makers:
Certification decisions are made by qualified personnel who are independent of the audit team and free from conflicts of interest.
Comprehensive Evidence Review:
Before any decision, we review:
– Audit reports and supporting documentation
– Closure and verification of nonconformities
– Client complaints or feedback
– Audit objectives and certification scope alignment
Special Considerations:
– Initial Certifications: Ensuring all audit stages are complete
– Recertifications: Verifying continued effectiveness
– Multi-site Certifications: Assessing sampling and central controls
– Transfers: Confirming existing certification validity and history
โ Types of Certification Decisions
Depending on audit outcomes, we may decide to:
– Grant or maintain certification
– Renew certification
– Expand or reduce the scope
– Suspend or withdraw certification
– Restore certification
– Refuse certification (with documented rationale)
All certification outcomes are communicated in writing, and clients are informed of any conditions, timelines, or corrective actions required.
๐ Certification Transfers
When transferring certifications from other bodies, we ensure:
– The previous certification is valid
– No outstanding nonconformities or complaints
– Certification history is reviewed
– The certification cycle is continued or reset as appropriate
๐ Confidentiality & Transparency
All certification decisions are:
– Based on confidential, securely stored audit data
– Communicated with clear justification
– Supported by records maintained for a minimum of two certification cycles
๐ก๏ธ Oversight & Governance
GCAI regularly monitors:
– Timeliness and consistency of decisions
– Feedback from clients and stakeholders
– Risk factors affecting impartiality
– Opportunities for continuous improvement
Top management ensures resources and oversight structures are in place to maintain the quality and trustworthiness of our certification decisions.
๐ฌ Have a Question?
If you have questions about a certification decision or wish to appeal, please contact us at:
๐ง operations@gcaicert.com | โ๏ธ +91 9986877136