Test Labs Successfully Completed BSI Stage 2 Assessment Audits

Successfully Completing Our BSI Stage 2 Assessment Audits for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001

This February marks a significant milestone for Test Labs as we successfully completed our Stage 2 Assessment audits with BSI for our Integrated Management System. Maintaining independent certification allows us to uphold the highest standards of quality, safety, security, and environmental responsibility while tailoring our systems to meet both company and customer needs.

By holding our own certifications, we can:

• Enhance transparency and strengthen our reputation
• Demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised standards
• Improve control and adaptability in managing policies and procedures

In addition to these ISO certifications, Test Labs also holds ISO 17025 and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) accreditation, further solidifying our commitment to excellence.

Understanding the Stage 2 Audit

Stage 2 audits are designed to confirm that a company’s management system is fully aligned to the standard and is fully operational within the organisation.

• ISO 9001 focuses on quality management, ensuring that we consistently deliver products and services that meet customer expectations while driving continuous improvement to enhance overall satisfaction.
• ISO 14001 helps establish an environmental management system aimed at reducing environmental impact, ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting sustainability.
• ISO 45001 is dedicated to creating safer work environment by implementing procedures to identify and address health and safety risks, fostering a culture of safety within the business.
• ISO 27001 centres around information security, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring that data management processes remain secure and resilient against potential security threats.

The in-depth assessment looks to not only evaluate the implementation and conformance but also the effectiveness of the systems in place. At the end of the audit, the auditor will then either recommend certification or identify areas that need improving.

Usually, this audit is performed after a company’s Stage 1 audit which focuses on a preliminary review of the organisations documentation and readiness ahead of completing the Stage 2 audit for issuing certification. However, in Test Labs’ case, the audits were used as a system certification verification visit to ensure that as a business is operating independently and there is appropriate commitment and leadership in order to effectively management the systems in place.

“Successfully completing these Stage 2 audits and transitioning from a group certification to our own individual company certifications for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 27001 is a significant achievement. Since receiving our initial certificates in 2020, the team have continued to be committed to maintaining and improving our management system to reduce any potential risks and enhance the experience for our customers. By carefully preparing for these audits, clearly defining our objectives for the business and having the support and commitment from the whole team, it has helped to drive our organisation another step forward in the market and for that I want to say a massive thank you to all the team at Test Labs.” – Toni Carlton

Integrated Management System Audit

Across 3 days of audits, Test Labs hosted two experienced external auditors from BSI who audited our systems across the 4 different standards. A comprehensive review was conducted of various systems, procedures, and policies to ensure our operations align with the requirements of the relevant standards. This evaluation covered a range of critical areas, such as the processes in place for maintaining quality, gathering customer feedback, and addressing non-conformities through corrective actions. Additionally, the auditors examined how continual improvement efforts are integrated into our operations, alongside the setting of clear objectives and employee training for competence and awareness.

The audit also delved into our commitment to legal compliance, risk management strategies, and the robustness of our security controls. Other focal points included the organisation’s approach to managing accidents and incidents, minimising environmental impact (with particular attention to waste management practices), and addressing broader concerns like climate change. By evaluating these areas, they were able to confirm our adherence to the standards and recommend certification for Test Labs.