News from the Biofertiliser Certification Scheme

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Covid-19 Audit Update- August

Posted: 2 August, 2021. Written by Georgia

Following a further review meeting, the agreements with SEPA, NIEA, and NRW regarding audits and Covid-19 have been extended to 30th September. The agreement with the EA will remain in place until 30th September.

REAL currently have an agreement in place with all the UK environmental regulators where there is a temporary amendment to the Scheme Rules which allows for remote inspections to take place. On-site audits are now presumed for all sites but remote audits may take place only under exceptional circumstances, where they are unavoidable and solely as a direct result of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.

The additional conditions below apply if a remote renewal audit is considered:

• England and Scotland: a remote audit can only take place in certain circumstances, where an on-site audit is not possible, and the certification bodies will document the reason for choosing a remote inspection. Second remote renewal audits must be avoided – if this cannot be done then the reasoning will be given by the certification body to the local EA officer or to SEPA.
• Wales: a remote audit can only take place under exceptional circumstances and the certification body will notify NRW prior to the audit taking place.
• Northern Ireland: a remote audit can only take place under exceptional circumstances and the certification body will notify NIEA prior to the audit taking place. Approval from NIEA will be required following consideration of any local issues known to the regulator.

The agreements have been extended from 31st July until 30th September 2021, with another review meeting taking place in September. All operators will be informed of any changes.

If you would like any further information or have any questions regarding audits during this time, please email info@realschemes.org.uk and we will be happy to help.