Impartiality
The aim of certification is to inspire confidence from the public and interested parties that an organisation certified by BSI fulfils specified requirements. This confidence depends upon many factors including the competence of management and staff, impartiality and the perception of impartiality and the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To that end, BSI follows the principles set out in ISO/IEC 17021: 2006 and has appropriate processes to safeguard BSI's impartiality.
Certification status
BSI provides publicly accessible information about the certification status of each of its clients through the Certificate and Client Directory. This shows whether a certificate or Licence is current, and may also show if a certificate or Licence is suspended or has been withdrawn in the last month.
Suspension Policy
BSI does not, in the normal course of events, suspend certified clients and will only do so under exceptional circumstances and on a case by case basis. Under suspension, the relevant certification is invalid until the suspension is lifted. Such suspension may be made clear on the BSI client directory.
Appeals Process
If you are a certified client of BSI and have a dispute concerning your certification and which you have been unable to resolve either through your Scheme Manager, or with the local management of your BSI Healthcare and Testing Services office, you may appeal in writing to the Managing Director of BSI.
Regardless of country location, following the receipt of an appeal, an independent appeal panel will be appointed which is independent of the issue under consideration. A meeting of the appeals panel and the interested parties will be convened as soon as practicable. Evidence from all parties will be heard in confidence and the appeals panel will make a final and conclusive decision which will be notified in writing to BSI and the Appellant.
Complaints
BSI takes complaints against itself and its clients seriously.
Complaints about BSI should be submitted in writing, to the Managing Director of BSI Healthcare and Testing Services. We will ensure we understand your concerns fully and deal with the complaint fairly and promptly. You will be kept informed of progress and we will reply as soon as the complaint been fully investigated.
Complaints about a registered client should also be submitted in writing. Having confirmed that the subject client is registered by BSI Product Services, we will ensure that they are taking appropriate action and confirm how the issue has been dealt with during a subsequent audit of the client. For this reason, these complaints may take longer to fully resolve.
Public Knowledge of Complaints
BSI will not make complaints against itself or any of its client’s public unless required to do so by a court of law.