To ensure that corrective requests identified, raised and are effectively actioned in accordance with ISO 17021-1:2015.

Any corrective action request raised on internal audit or received from an external source.

ISO 17021-1:2015 - Clause 10: Management system requirement for certification bodies.

CAR – Corrective Action Request

Corrective Action

Corrective actions are steps that are taken to eliminate the causes of existing nonconformities to prevent recurrence. The corrective action process tries to make sure that existing nonconformities and potentially undesirable situations don’t happen again.

5.1 General

VWSPL will identify and manage nonconformities in its operations. VWSPL shall also, where necessary, act to eliminate the causes of nonconformities to prevent recurrence, Corrective action shall be appropriate to the impact of the problems encountered, this defines the requirements for

1. Identify nonconformities (e.g. From complaints and internal audits)
2. Determine the root cause of nonconformity
3. Correcting nonconformities
4. Evaluating the need for actions to ensure NCR’s do not recur
5. Determining and implementing in a timely manner the actions needed
6. Recording the results of actions taken
7. Reviewing the effectiveness of corrective actions

5.2 Identification for the Requirement of Corrective Actions:
The activities of VWSPL, that identify the corrective actions opportunities/ sources include:

1. Internal Audits
2. Conducting review of client files
3. Review of Complaints including the complaints received from client organizations
4. Accreditation Body audit findings

Upon receipt of a CAR from any source including the aforesaid ones, the Certification Manager shall ensure that it is logged.

5.3 Responsibility and Implementation of Corrective Actions:

1. The Quality Manager ensures that the Corrective action log/ register is generated for the nonconformities raised.
2. The Quality Manager identifies the most appropriate corrective actions for the identified nonconformities registered based on the level of risk associated with the non-conformities and submits for the review and approval of VWSPL Quality Manager
3. The VWSPL Quality Manager shall review and assign the CARs as appropriate, for investigation and actions for the respective personnel.
4. Quality Manager discusses the appropriate corrective actions for the identified non-conformities with the respective personnel to ensure its effectiveness before it is being implemented. A copy of CAR, Action Plan if required, and a copy of the original CAR shall be passed to the respective assigned person who shall carry out a root cause analysis determining action needed to prevent recurrence/occurrence and an agreed timeframe for implementation.
5. The assigned person shall report back to the Quality Manager with the proposed time scale for successful implementation of the corrective action.
6. The assigned personnel (within the agreed timeframe) will implement the action to prevent recurrence/occurrence and upon completion, reports to the certification manager, who will then verify the effectiveness of the corrective actions taken by the personnel.
7. Should the time scale need to be extended, a revised completion date shall be agreed between the assigned person and VWSPL Quality Manager.
8. The VWSPL Quality Manager shall finally ensure that the CAR Status Log is maintained and Corrective actions are implemented and appropriate necessary evidences are recorded and maintained.

5.4 Review and Monitoring of Corrective Actions
Effectiveness of implemented corrective actions are assessed as being appropriate by audit follow-ups, consulting with respective personnel who has implemented CAR and during internal audits.