Hi All,
So we are a small organisation 16 staff, management team consists of a GM, Plant Manager and me the Compliance Supervisor. We are in the process attaining certification to a GFSI Benchmarked scheme. In looking at the BRC self assessment tool I came across the below clause. Currently I am the only one carrying out internal audits. The QC Supervisor also reports to me. I do understand that it is best practice for the auditor to be independent from the audited dept. but sometimes this can be difficult in smaller organisations. Is this a must? or will BRC auditors be understanding about resource shortfall in smaller companies. I guess the alternative is that either the GM/Plant Manager will have to conduct the audits or we'll need to hire a consultant.
Internal audits shall be carried out by appropriately trained competent auditors, who are independent from the audited department.
By the way, can someone tell me what is the colour coding mean on the BRC Self Assesments tool document green or pink shading where clause numbering is?