Posted: 18 December, 2020. Written by Molly Rogers
REAL currently have an agreement in place with all Environmental Regulators where there is a temporary amendment to the BCS Scheme rules which allows for remote inspections and on-site/physical inspections, to take place. The position was reviewed in July and extended in August. On-site inspections take place where possible, following a COVID risk assessment; where the auditor and operator can comply with government guidance including social distancing, hygiene practises, and PPE. Remote inspections take place where the auditor or site cannot comply with government guidance, there are local or national lockdowns in place, or there are issues with staff affecting their ability to carry out a physical audit.
The agreement with NRW (Wales) on audits during the Covid-19 pandemic has been extended until the 31st January 2021. The agreement set out above therefore applies in all four countries until this date. The position will be reviewed again in January 2021 and all operators will be informed of any changes. If you would like any further information or have any questions regarding audits during this time, email us at info@realschemes.org.uk and we will be happy to help.