Top management of US Global Standards Registrars (USGSR) is committed to impartiality in all certification, audit, inspection and training activities. We understand that a certificate has value only when the people who rely on it trust that it was issued objectively.
Our Commitments
- Decisions based on evidence. Certification decisions are based solely on objective evidence of conformity gathered during audits. They are not influenced by commercial, financial or other pressures.
- No consultancy. USGSR does not offer management system consultancy, does not write policies or procedures, and does not implement management systems for organizations it certifies.
- Separation of functions. The person or committee making a certification decision has not taken part in the audit. Sales and training staff have no role in certification decisions.
- Conflict-of-interest controls. Auditors declare any relationship with a client, including previous employment, consultancy or family ties. They are not assigned where a conflict exists.
- Training is open and separate. Our training is general and open to anyone. Attending a USGSR course gives no advantage in any audit or certification decision.
- No linked bodies offering consultancy. We do not market our services together with any organization that provides management system consultancy, and we do not suggest that using such an organization would make certification simpler, easier, faster or cheaper.
- Fees are not linked to outcomes. Our fees are set by documented audit-time rules and never depend on the certification result.
How We Manage Impartiality Risks
We maintain a register of risks to impartiality covering relationships, financial dependence, self-review, familiarity and intimidation threats. The register is reviewed at least annually and whenever our activities change. Identified risks are eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level, and the actions are recorded.
Raising a Concern
If you believe any USGSR activity has been influenced by a conflict of interest, please tell us through our Complaints & Appeals procedure. Concerns about impartiality are investigated by people not involved in the activity concerned, and the outcome is reported in writing.