Dear makayla,
Somewhat delayed contribution. 
I don’t have any specific answers to yr OP but I would like to add a few background thoughts, and a follow-up 
.
Regarding Competency – BRC’s Glossary definition is –
Demonstrable ability to apply skill, knowledge and understanding of a task or subject to achieve intended results.
(“demonstrably” is about as subjective as
HACCP’s “significant risk” )
I like the Wiki version -
Competence (or competency) is the ability of an individual to do a job properly.
(“properly” is also subjective of course, maybe semantically related to ISO/Quality = “fitness for use”)
BRC seems to imply (7.1) that the assessment can be made in terms of training / work experience / qualification (knowledge level?) either individually or collectively. This may be an oversimplification if compared to the Wiki article –
http://en.wikipedia....uman_resources)and one corollary –
http://en.wikipedia....Peter_principle[
aside from BRC aspects, IMEX some companies simply equate competence with operational performance / efficiency, eg output/hour of “usable” product.
And other companies prioritise differently, eg are more concerned with the quality of the finished product.]
I agree with BRC’s implication (7.1.3) that different roles may demand different (types of) abilities, for example weighing shrimp usually requires a lower degree of
HACCP familiarity as compared to a QC operative checking
CCP monitoring data.
In fact the clause in 7.1.3 requiring documented identification of the necessary competencies for specific roles seems potentially quite penetrative to me. I am curious how BRC users are responding (avoiding?) to this request. ??
Rgds / Charles.C
PS: these 3 interesting links consider the meaning of the "Competence" topic also -
http://www.ifsqn.com...indpost&p=56482http://www.ifsqn.com...dpost__p__46194http://www.haccpment...ing-competency/(I wasn't quite sure whether this was assessing the trainer or the trainee [both perhaps] but interesting anyway, and Rgds to HM)
It is also apparent from the IT that numerous consultants are offering to generate "competent" inspectors, auditors etc
