ProCert Uk conduct Surveillance Audits to ensure that certified organizations continue to maintain and improve their management systems in line with the requirements of their respective ISO standards. As a non-IAF certification body, our surveillance procedure is designed to ensure ongoing compliance, continual improvement, and customer satisfaction throughout the certification cycle.

Surveillance audits are mandatory and are generally conducted once every 12 months after the initial certification. This process ensures that the management system remains effective, implemented, and aligned with the organization’s operational goals.

Purpose of Surveillance

The primary purpose of surveillance audits is to confirm that the organization’s management system:

• Continues to conform to the requirements of the applicable ISO standard.

• Is effectively implemented and maintained.

• Demonstrates continual improvement in performance and compliance.

These audits provide confidence to customers and stakeholders that the organization is consistently meeting the standards for which it was certified.

Step 1: Surveillance Audit Planning

Before each surveillance audit, [Your Company Name] prepares a detailed audit plan in coordination with the client. The plan defines the audit objectives, scope, audit criteria, and duration. Audit scheduling is done well in advance to ensure convenience and preparedness on both sides.
The audit plan also identifies the processes, functions, and locations that will be evaluated during the surveillance visit.

Step 2: Conduct of Surveillance Audit

During the surveillance audit, our qualified auditors visit the organization’s site to review the ongoing effectiveness of the management system. The audit focuses on:

• Internal audits and management review results.

• Actions taken on previous nonconformities.

• Corrective and preventive actions.

• Customer complaints and feedback handling.

• Performance of key processes and achievement of objectives.

• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Our auditors assess whether the management system continues to function as intended and meets the relevant ISO standard’s requirements.

Step 3: Reporting and Nonconformity Handling

After the surveillance audit, the auditor prepares a detailed audit report summarizing the findings. Any identified nonconformities or observations are documented and communicated to the organization.
The client is required to implement corrective actions within a specified time frame and provide evidence of closure. The certification body reviews the submitted evidence before closing the audit findings.

Step 4: Certification Continuity Decision

Based on the audit results and the effectiveness of corrective actions, [Your Company Name] makes a formal decision to continue, suspend, or withdraw the certification.
If the organization consistently meets the standard requirements, the certificate remains valid until the next surveillance cycle.

Step 5: Follow-Up Audits (If Required)

If significant nonconformities are found during the surveillance audit, a follow-up audit may be conducted to verify the implementation of corrective actions before certification continuation is confirmed.

Conclusion:
Surveillance Procedure ensures that certified organizations maintain continuous compliance and improvement. As a non-IAF certification body, we emphasize transparency, impartiality, and customer trust in every step of our surveillance process — helping clients uphold the credibility and effectiveness of their ISO-certified management systems.