This Technical Bulletin is applicable to all accredited management systems Certification Bodies and is to provide an update regarding recent changes to IAF document MD 17.
IAF MD 17 Witnessing Activities for the Accreditation of Management Systems Certification Bodies has been updated and was published on 7th May 2019 with a 1-year application period meaning that by 7th May 2020 the new version must be fully implemented and in use by all accredited Certification Bodies.
The update clarifies the accreditation cycle requirements over which the witnessing activities have to be planned and executed, the update also incorporates witnessing requirements for OH&SMS which were formerly included in IAF MD 22, as well as a further clarification regarding witnessing rules for initial and scope extensions.
UKAS has reviewed the updated MD and is incorporating these clarifications, as necessary, into our planning processes. UKAS Publication TPS 66 will be updated accordingly in the near future.
If any individual Certification Body has any concerns about the introduction of the updated MD they should firstly contact their Assessment or Case Manager.
Should you require any clarification on the above, please contact; Steve Randall: Accreditation Specialist, Certification – [email protected]; or Kevin Belson: Technical Manager – [email protected].
Download printable version of this Technical Bulletin.