This policy may apply during extraordinary events or circumstances such as but not limited to; war, strike, riot, political instability, geopolitical tension, terrorism, crime, pandemic, flooding, earthquake, malicious computer hacking, other natural or man-made disasters
Extraordinary events or circumstances may result in our auditors being restricted from visiting customer premises to conduct audits in some circumstances and the application of a remote audit may apply.
We at Sustainable Certification (SC) are here to help our customers maintain their certification validity, so that they can continue to partake in jobs that may require them to be certified.
Before a planning a remote audit consideration should be given to the following:
Initial and Recertification Audits:
Avoid conducting initial & recertification audits by remote audit techniques. However, where this does occur, we shall document the planning and execution of the audit and demonstrate how we have safeguarded the integrity and robustness of the outcome.
Surveillance Audits:
On-site surveillance audits may be replaced by remote audit techniques in accordance with IAF ID3:2011. Where required – however reasons must be documented, and appropriate remote planning must take place and be agreed to by both parties in advance.
Verification of Corrective Actions:
Provided the auditor can ensure effectiveness of its procedures, we may use alternate audit techniques to verify and close non-conformances.
Where an open non-conformity cannot be effectively evaluated by remote audit technique then we shall evaluate the risks to continued certification and act accordingly. This may lead to escalating the non-conformity to suspension of certification or extending the time to enable evaluation of the non-conformity (e.g. site audit once possible).
Where an open nonconformity is evaluated and it cannot be closed, the usual processes concerning non-conformity management prevail
Consequently, Sustainable Certification™ has implemented JASANZ accredited processes to conduct remote audits using Information and Communications technology (ICT). of course, these audits cannot replace the real onsite audits but are being carried out during these extraordinary circumstances. Some of the platforms our auditors have successfully used include Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime etc. We don’t have any preference to any as long as both the auditors and customers agree on a set of tools. It is important to note it may still be necessary as soon as practicable for a site visit to confirm the findings during the remote audits.
These ICT audits may be synchronous or asynchronous by customers submitting evidence by email or other transfer methods, we acknowledge that the information is confidential in nature and will be used only in the course of the audit. It will not use for any other purposes and auditors will destroy or remove your information from their possessions.
We have put in place many measures to ensure current audit schedule is maintained so that certificates are current. However, we also understand that not every customer is in a position to participate in a remote audit. In such circumstances we may be able to extend the audits by a few months. In order for this to happen, you must apply to SC for special consideration and meet the criteria for approval. If approved, we will require as a minimum the following documentary evidence upfront:
- Agenda & minutes from Management Review meetings
- Agenda & minutes/reports from Internal audits, clearly demonstrating with evidence of implementation.
- Updated risk register (including legal, regulatory recruitments) and appropriate risk treatment Plans.
We will also require 50% of audit agreed fees to be paid upfront prior to extending certificate dates. Our auditors will look at the documents provided and determine if an extension can be approved.
- Once a decision is finalised, we will communicate to you. We can only extend to a maximum period of 6 months and if we are unable to conduct the audit, we will have to restart the certification process starting with a stage 1 audit
Swami Nathan
Chief Executive Officer(CEO)
Sustainable Certification™ Pty Ltd
22nd September 2025
To find out more give us a call on 1800 024 940
