Why do I have to join?
There is no compulsion to join. The Scheme is entirely voluntary and any decision to join must be based on the business needs of the individual.
Is it possible to have more than one business under one membership?
Each individual business must hold its own membership.
What can I do if I am not sure if I meet the standards?
You can download the latest version of the standards here. If you have any questions, please contact the certification body, FIA.
When will I receive my assessment and who will the assessor be?
Once your SQWV Ltd application form has been processed, your assessment will be allocated to the assessor covering your local area, providing a conflict of interest does not arise. If a conflict of interest should occur, please notify the Certification Provider and your assessment will be allocated to an alternative assessor. A minimum of one assessment will be carried out per site every 18 months.
What does an assessment entail?
On the day, the assessor will talk through the assessment process with you and explain what is required. Once the assessment has been completed the assessor will make you aware of any non compliance(s) with the Scheme Standards. You will be asked to sign the visit record summarising any agreed non compliances, and a copy will be left with you.
Who assesses the assessor?
Assessors are required to have relevant experience in the sector and undertake the FIA Limited training programme which includes technical training in the scheme standards and how they are applied, and the assessment process. Assessors commit to continual professional development relating to the sector, including attending regular training by FIA Ltd and are routinely witnessed conducting an assessment by a member of the FIA Technical Team.
How do I know if my membership has been approved?
Following the assessment, the assessor submits a written report detailing evidence seen which provides reassurance of compliance by the applicant/member. The report is independently reviewed by a member of the FIA Ltd Certification Team and a certification decision is made. FIA Ltd will issue a letter advising you of the outcome of the certification decision and where it has been successful a certificate.
What happens if I have non-compliances?
If the assessor identifies a non-compliance during the assessment, he/she will explain the reason at the point that it is identified. At the end of the assessment the assessor will provide a findings report which will detail the standard against which the non-compliance has been raised and the timeframe to correct the issue. You will need to provide evidence within 30 days of the assessment that the non-compliance has been addressed to FIA Ltd. During the 30-day period, you will receive up to two reminders of any outstanding non-compliances and information on how to contact FIA Ltd if you have any queries. Once submitted, the evidence will be considered by the Certification Team, and you will be advised of the outcome.
What happens if I have any non-compliances which may not be rectified for a number of months?
The Certification Provider will agree with you a realistic timescale in which you will be able to action any non-compliance e.g. you may not have a chiller at present, but agree that one will be available by a certain date. Your request for additional time to rectify non compliances must be agreed by the Certification Officer at the Certification Provider, and this will be confirmed with you in writing.
When will the Certificate and SQWV Ltd labels be issued to me?
New members will receive their Certificate of Conformity and SQWV Ltd labels once membership has been approved. Certificates do not have an expiry date to avoid the need to re-issue every year. A new certificate may be issued if any company or SQWV Ltd information changes e.g. change of address. If your membership has been withdrawn, you will receive a letter from the SQWV Ltd Scheme Manager asking you to return or destroy your current SQWV Ltd certificate and SQWV Ltd labels. If you re-join the Scheme a new certificate will be issued on approval.