Publicly Available Procedures
ISO9001, PAS 43 2018, and NHSS 17 / 17b
The company was formed by the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators ( AVRO ) in 2002 to provide a range of services to their member companies operating in the vehicle recovery sector.
To the present day, this is RIES Ltd primary function.
Being committed to a single sector, RIES Ltd has built up unparalleled and enviable levels of professionalism and expertise throughout the vehicle recovery industry, providing the highest possible service levels and support.
RIES Ltd promotes fairness, understanding and confidentiality in a partnership with each of its clients.
RIES Ltd is a registered organisation with UKAS as an “A” Type Inspection Body and a Certification Body and complies fully with the requirements of BSEN 17020:2012 and BSEN17021-1:2015.
To satisfy compliance with these standards and to promote continuous improvement, RIES Ltd will always display high levels of competence, impartiality and confidentiality. Complaint are treated in an open, fair and transparent manner.
RIES Ltd remains the ONLY organisation which operates SOLELY in the vehicle recovery sector.
Impartiality
RIES Ltd is a stand alone, self financing organisation which ensures impartiality and inspires confidence with professionalism and credibility throughout inspections, audits and certification.
Impartiality will be maintained by strict enforcement of the following :
RIES Ltd Inspectors / Auditors
Are professional people governed by a strict Code of Conduct and display commitment to these principles on an annual basis
Have not in the past and will not in the future act in any form of consultancy
Will not promote the services of any named or identified consultants
Will always act with the utmost confidentiality
Will not at any time use Sub Contractors
An Impartiality Committee has been constituted by RIES Management which will act as an Impartial and Independent Body with no single interest predominating. It will exercise an overview and assist in the formulation of policy matters relating to all matters concerning Certification processes and procedures and oversee efficient and fair implementation.
All Impartiality Committee members have high social standing and are considered experts in their profession, well qualified to give advice.
Operational Matters
Summary of Certification Process:
1.. Initial Application Procedure including agreements between parties.
2.. Contract Documents signed and returned to RIES.
3.. RIES Auditor allocated.
4.. The Stage 1 Audit: Review of Management System Documentation to show compliance with the Standard. Findings will be identified and any actions required will be conducted before the Stage 2 Audit. A timeframe will be agreed for responses.
5.. The Stage 2 Audit : Review of Stage 1 findings. Evaluation of effectiveness of any corrective and preventative actions or procedures.
6.. PAS43 requirements in relation to inspection of organisation.
7.. NHSS17 / 17b requirements in relation to inspection of organisation.
Following satisfactory performance, the appropriate Certificates will be issued.
8.. A further 2 Annual Surveillance Audits will be conducted to ensure continued compliance.
9.. Re Certification
RIES Procedures for Audit:
Stage 1 Audits & Objectives
- Identify the person / persons with responsibility
- Assess the documents relating to the Quality Management System ( QMS )
- Do you understand ISO 9001 requirements
- What is the scope of your Management System.
- Does it detail how and where you will operate and show compliance with legal requirements
- Inspect locations and sites for compliance
- Identify any Opportunities for Improvement
- Identify arrangements for Management Reviews and Internal Audits
- Plan the Stage 2 Audit and show preparedness
Stage 2 Audits, Re-Audits and Transfer Re-Audits & Objectives
- Assess and evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of your QMS
- Assess your performance against targets and objectives. How do you monitor, measure, report and review
- Legal compliance, Operational Control, Internal Audits, Management Reviews
- Show compliance with stated objectives. Review the quality policy, performance objectives and targets, responsibilities, competence of personnel, operations and procedures, relevant documentation.
- Identify Opportunities for Improvement.
Surveillance Audits & Objectives
- Ensure the QMS is still current and appropriate
- Review Internal Audits and Management Review programmes
- Review outcomes identified during previous Audits
- Are complaints being addressed and handled correctly
- Is the QMS achieving its objectives
- Evaluate legal compliance and performance
- Is continual improvement being achieved
- Are the controls effective
- Include details of new procedures and processes
- Are Accreditation Body marks being used appropriately
- Identify any areas for potential Improvement of the Management System
Audit Objectives
RIES are accredited to authorise issue of Certification for ISO9001:2015 by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service.
To maintain this accreditation, RIES are audited and inspected on a regular basis to ensure compliance.
Part of this process involves the RIES auditor being assessed during a live audit.
It may be that the company being audited will be asked for permission, in advance, for this procedure to be allowed during their audit. This is not compulsory.
Audit Objectives
Stage 1
Confirm that the company is a legitimate and trading entity
Confirm all locations, offices, yards and satellite depots
Assess suitability and condition of sites
Assess Senior Management commitment and knowledge of the Standard applied for
Evaluate the Documents of the Management System and its Scope, Regulatory Aspects, and any identified Risks
Agree where there are potential Improvements
Assess the arrangements of Internal Audits and Management Reviews
Address Non Conformities
Consider preparedness for advancement to Stage 2
Stage 2 ( Including Transfers & Re-visits )
How is the Management System implemented and how effective is it.
Are targets and objectives achieved
Are all compliance requirements being achieved
Is there effective monitoring, measuring and reviewing including Internal Audits and Management Reviews
Are there suitable, competent resources, properly informed
Are operations effective, efficient and controlled
Address Non Conformities
Agree where there are potential Improvements
Compliance means gaining approval for Certification
Surveillance :
Have there been any changes in the organisation which may affect certification
Does the Management System continue to perform as intended
Are Management Reviews and Internal Audits performed and satisfactory
Is the Management System still appropriate and effective and are objectives achieved
Are legal obligations still being correctly addressed
Is there suitable planning to identify areas to ensure continual improvement
How are complaints dealt with
Is the use of Logos and Trademarks properly controlled
Address Non Conformities
Re-Certification :
A review of the whole of the management systems and processes from beginning to end alongside investigating continued commitment to continual improvement.
The RIES certificate is valid over the standard 3 year cycle
There is no need to conduct a Stage 1 Audit
Managements continued commitment to continual improvement.
A review of the whole of the management systems and processes to ensure continued relevance
Performance targets and objectives identified in Surveillance Audits will be investigated
The review also includes management performance and commitment, customer satisfaction, documents and records, internal audits and management reviews.
Non conformities, review of the effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions
Review of future performance, goals and objectives
Development of the management system.
Other :
There are a number of reasons where other audits are required and each will be addressed on its own merits