Certification Support

Designed to help companies achieve and maintain Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC Forest Management and Chain of Custody certifications.

Overview

Certification Support

Our comprehensive Certification Support services are designed to help companies achieve and maintain Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC Forest Management and Chain of Custody certifications.

We provide expert guidance and support throughout the certification process, ensuring your business meets the highest standards of responsible forest management and product traceability.

Due Diligence requirements
With the introduction of new regulations like the EU Deforestation Regulation and the UK Forest Risk Commodity Law, companies must now conduct thorough due diligence to ensure their supply chains are free from illegal deforestation and associated risks. Our services include support to meet these new requirements, safeguarding your business from regulatory non-compliance and enhancing your sustainability credentials.

Importance of Forest Stewardship Council & PEFC Certifications

Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC certifications demonstrate your commitment to sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing. These certifications enhance your reputation, improve market access, and meet the growing demand for certified products. They are essential for businesses looking to lead in environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Forest Stewardship Council

STEP 1: Assessing

Initial consultation

Understanding client needs and objectives

Our initial consultation focuses on understanding your specific needs and objectives related to Forest Stewardship Council, PEFC certifications, and due diligence requirements. We assess your business operations, supply chains, and existing compliance status to develop a tailored certification strategy.

Assessing current compliance status

We conduct a comprehensive review of your current practices and compliance status to identify gaps and areas for improvement. This assessment forms the basis for developing an effective action plan.

Developing a customised action plan

Based on our assessment, we create a customised action plan outlining the steps required to achieve certification and meet due diligence requirements. The plan includes timelines, resource allocation, and key milestones to ensure a structured approach to certification.

STEP 2: Getting prepared

Pre-assessment audit

A pre-assessment audit is  performed before a certification/registration audit takes place.

This pre-assessment audit will help us to determine to what degree your organisation currently conforms with the requirements of a certification standard and allow us to plan and map out how we can help your business adapt and grow; making the certification process as smooth and pain-free as possible.

Conducting a gap analysis

Our pre-assessment audit involves a detailed gap analysis to identify areas where your business falls short of certification standards. This analysis helps pinpoint specific actions needed to achieve compliance.

Identifying areas for improvement

We provide a clear and actionable list of recommendations to address identified gaps. Our experts work closely with your team to prioritise and implement these improvements.

Providing detailed recommendations

Our detailed recommendations cover all aspects of the certification process, including management systems, documentation, staff training, and operational practices. We ensure your business is fully prepared for the certification audit.

STEP 3: Putting it into practice

Implementation support

Developing & implementing management systems

We assist in developing and implementing robust management systems that meet Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC certification requirements. Our support includes creating policies, procedures, and protocols that align with certification standards.

Training staff on certification requirements & procedures

We provide comprehensive training for your staff to ensure they understand certification requirements and procedures. Our training programmes are designed to build internal capacity and foster a culture of compliance and sustainability.

Assisting with documentaton & record-keeping

Accurate documentation and record-keeping are crucial for certification. We help you establish and maintain thorough records that demonstrate compliance with certification standards and regulatory requirements.

STEP 4: Getting your business ready

Certification audit preparation

Preparing for the certification audit

We guide you through the preparation process for the certification audit, ensuring all necessary documentation and systems are in place. Our experts help you anticipate and address potential challenges.

Conducting mock audits

To build confidence and ensure readiness, we conduct mock audits that simulate the actual certification audit. This exercise helps identify any remaining issues and fine-tune your systems and processes.

Addressing any non-conformities

If non-conformities are identified during the mock audit, we work with you to develop and implement corrective actions. Our goal is to ensure you are fully prepared for a successful certification audit.

STEP 5: During the process

Certification audit support

Liaising with certifying bodies

We facilitate communication with certifying bodies, ensuring a smooth and efficient audit process. Our team acts as a liaison between your business and the auditors, addressing any questions or concerns that arise.

Providing on-site support during the audit

Our experts provide on-site support during the certification audit, assisting with documentation, answering auditor questions, and ensuring the audit runs smoothly.

Facilitating communication between auditors and client staff

Effective communication between auditors and your staff is essential for a successful audit. We facilitate this communication, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the process.

STEP 6: So, what happens after?

Post-certification support

Addressing any post-audit findings

If the audit identifies any issues, we help you address these findings promptly and effectively. Our goal is to ensure continuous compliance and improvement.

Continuous improvement and maintenance of certification

Achieving certification is just the beginning. We support you in maintaining your certification through continuous improvement initiatives and regular reviews of your systems and practices.

Annual review and re-certification support

We provide ongoing support for annual reviews and re-certification audits, ensuring your business remains compliant and certified over the long term.

Get a FREE quote!

Fill in our form to request a no-obligation quote and one of our team will be in touch shortly.