What is the purpose of your support visit?

22 Feb, 2021

UPDATED: 10TH MAY 2022

As a client, you will benefit from a support visit each year which is entirely flexible to you.  It’s a great opportunity for you to draw upon the knowledge and expertise of your Lead Assessor so you can maximise the benefits of your Management System.  Here’s how…

What’s the difference between an annual audit and support visit?

Your annual audit is mandatory and at the time of the audit, we will assess whether you are compliant with your management standard. 

A support visit on the other hand is not certificate dependent.  Instead, we offer it as part of our service and it’s what makes us unique to other ISO providers.  This visit will give you any additional support you may need.  They are completely flexible and lead by you to ensure you feel confident in the day to day running of your management system and are getting the most from it. 

What can it be used for?

Your support visit is entirely flexible.  It will provide you with a great opportunity to focus on any area you want, whilst making the most of your Lead Assessor’s expertise.  This is what makes them hugely beneficial to you. 

However, if you’re in your first three years of certification, we would always encourage you to take the internal review approach.  This is because your management system is still relatively new. 

An internal review is where your Assessor carries out a mock audit.  Don’t panic, it’s neither a pass or fail scenario!  Instead, it’s an opportunity to review your management system and to resolve any issues ahead of your re-certification audit, all with the support of your Assessor. 

The first year can be the toughest and you may be nervous about your re-certification audit.  This support visit will give you an idea of what to expect and re-assurance that you’re on track for that upcoming audit. 

After three years, your management system will have matured, and your support visit can then be used for coaching at any time during the year.  For example, if you have a non-conformance at the point of re-certification on objective setting, you could have your support visit the following month to focus specifically on this area. 

Here are some ideas of what you could use your support visit for but don’t forget, it’s completely flexible to you and your needs:

Do I need to do anything?

Following your re-certification audit, your account manager will be in touch to book your support visit each year.  All we ask of you, is that you please complete the survey that will be sent from ourselves prior to the visit taking place.  This allows us plenty of time to prepare for the visit, ensuring you get the most out of your time with your Assessor. 

Do I need a support visit?

It’s included within our service and is invaluable for you to really get the most out of your management system.  It will support you in ensuring your system is fully embedded into your organisation, that you are remaining compliant, and that you are continually growing your system, so you reap the rewards.

What if we need additional support?

If you feel like you’re struggling with your management system and would benefit from additional visits, we can arrange this for you.  Please contact your account manager directly to discuss your requirements in more detail. 

We also offer training courses, either public or bespoke to your business at a discounted rate.  In addition, there is also our online training modules that can be completed at any time to suit you.  Don’t forget to make the most of the multi-bundle discounts too.  You can find out more on our training website: https://www.isotrainingservicesltd.com/