1 Purpose and Scope

The purpose of Versa certification is to provide services in the field of audits and certifications of organizational management systems. Versa certification involves the development and creation of study materials as well as general education in connection with preparation for the certification process, in accordance with recognized standards and best practices.

Versa certification focuses on management systems that promote increased sustainability that enable organizations to meet or exceed recognized standards of sustainability. ss the United Nations Global Goals (UN SDG) and non-financial criteria of organized securities markets, Environment | Social factors | Governance (UFS) (e. Environment | Social | Governance, ESG).

The policy covers all activities of Versa Certification and all procedures, work descriptions, instructions, checklists and forms are designed with reference to the policy (Chapter 4), its values (Chapter 3) and the principles of certification (Chapter 2).

​

2. Principles of certification

The purpose of certification is to create trust among relevant stakeholders by confirming that a specific management system complies with certain requirements. The value of certification is therefore hidden in the conviction or trust created by an impartial and professional assessment by a third party.

In the framework (ISO 17021-1) on which accreditation is based, seven principles are presented that are jointly intended to ignite and maintain trust, and Versa Vottun has integrated them into all its activities. Here are details of the principles along with examples of how they are used.

 

Impartiality

• Showing impartiality and being perceived as impartial, is a necessary condition for a certification body to be able to provide certification that can be trusted. Versa Vottun recognizes the importance of everyone involved in audits and certifications being aware of the need for impartiality, and to ensure this, specific processes have been put in place to reveal whether any risks exist.

• Since the majority of Versa Vottun's revenue comes from customers, in the form of payment for certification, this fact can potentially threaten impartiality. Versa Vottun meets this by having a clear framework for how the audit time is calculated, which includes assumptions for which factors can influence it, either to decrease or increase it.

• In order to gain and maintain trust, it is important that the certification body's decisions are based on objective evidence of conformity (or non-conformity) and that decisions are not made on the basis of other interests or due to influence from other parties.

• When granting certification, the certification committee examines whether this framework was followed when calculating the audit time.

 

Competence

• In order to create and maintain trust among relevant stakeholders, it is necessary that the competence of all parties involved in the certification process is guaranteed.

• The management system of the certification body must also support that competence.

• It is crucial that the management of the certification body implements a process to set learning criteria for the staff involved in audits and other certification activities, as well as to carry out an evaluation of the criteria.

​

Responsibility

• It is the certified customer, and not the certification body, that is responsible for consistently achieving the results aimed at the implementation of the management system standard together with conformity with the requirements made to certified bodies.

• The certification body is responsible for the certification decision being based on a sufficient amount of objective evidence. Based on the auditor's assessment, the certification body makes a decision to grant certification if there is sufficient evidence of conformity, or not to grant certification if this is not the case.

  • Note: All audits are based on samples or samples examined to check conformity and therefore the certification body can never guarantee 100% conformity with requirements.

​

Openness

• In order to gain confidence in the credibility and integrity of certification, a certification body must provide public access to, or publish relevant and timely information about, its audit and certification process and about the status of certification (i.e. granting, maintaining certification, expanding or reducing the scope of certification, renewal, suspension or restoration, or revocation of certification) for all certified entities. Openness is a fundamental principle when it comes to access to or disclosure of relevant information.

• In order to gain or maintain trust in certification, the certification body should provide appropriate access to or disclose non-confidential information about the results of certain audits (eg audits carried out in response to complaints) to certain stakeholders.

​

Confidentiality

• A necessary condition for the certification body to have access to all the information it needs to adequately assess conformity with certification requirements is that it does not disclose any confidential information.

​

Responsiveness to complaints

• Entities relying on certification expect complaints to be investigated and, if found to be valid, should be able to trust that they will be dealt with appropriately and that the certification body will do everything in its power to resolve them. 

• Effective response to complaints is an important way to protect the certification body, its customers and others who benefit from the certifications against mistakes, negligence or misconduct. Trust in certification activities is maintained when complaints are handled appropriately.

  • Note: An appropriate balance between the principles of openness and confidentiality, including response to complaints, is necessary to demonstrate integrity and credibility to all users of the certificate

​

Risk-based thinking

Certification bodies need to take into account the risks associated with providing professional, uniform and impartial certification. Risks may include, but are not limited to, those related to:

• Objective of audit

• Samples taken during the audit process

• Actual and perceived impartiality

• Legal and other requirements and guarantees

• Organizational integrity and customer's operating environment

• Impact of an audit on the client and the activity being audited

• Audit Team's Health and Safety

• Attitudes and expectations of stakeholders

• Misleading statements from certified customers

• Using a certification mark

 

3 Versa Vottun's Values

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

​

​

Security:

1. Security is the main value of Versa Vottun, as security is a prerequisite for individuals and organizations to flourish. The prerequisite for success in the partnership is that the parties involved feel safe.

2. To promote the security experience of all partners and stakeholders of Versa certification, these values are used as a guide in all aspects

Warranty :

1. We take responsibility for our influence, such as the influence of words and actions in communication with all stakeholders

2. It is guaranteed that customers are informed about what they can expect from the partnership

3. Versa Vottun is committed to following all mandatory requirements designed to ensure fair treatment, equality and professionalism throughout the process

Integrity:

1. Businesses can trust that Versa Vottun lives up to its words

2. Employees have the skills and knowledge to carry out the tasks assigned to them and have the opportunity to develop in their work to meet new demands and changes in the work environment.

3. Everyone receives the same treatment according to the circumstances in each case, and impartiality is guaranteed in every respect

Co-operation

1. Emphasis is placed on an efficient flow of information in accordance with the needs of the relevant stakeholders

2. Versa Vottun is a knowledge body that strives to see opportunities for growth in all partnerships.

3. All points of view are respected and an active dialogue is held to find the best solution in case of disagreement.

4. We try to look at what is done well and use it as a basis to do even better

​

4. The goal of Versa Vottun is to:

• To be a leading knowledge body in the field of audits and certification of management systems, where the emphasis is on certification of management systems that promote greater equality, transparency and sustainability in the business world, such as equal pay systems, quality systems and occupational health and safety systems.

• Promote increased growth (e. Vertical growth) and independence for customers in their operation of their own management systems by listening to and meeting their needs, for example by offering general education and training or pointing to a professional who can provide education or training that contributes to increased effectiveness and efficiency to the management systems (e. best practice).

• Always be alert for new ways (such as technology, methodology, etc.) that can benefit customers to achieve better results.

• Show responsibility by meeting the goals of the United Nations both in our own operations and by promoting the same with our customers

Versa Certification is committed to:

1. Comply in all respects with the laws, regulations, standards and mandatory rules that apply to certification bodies and the services they provide.

2. Work with integrity and ensure impartiality in assessments and decisions on granting certification and do not allow commercial, financial or other external pressure to threaten that impartiality.

3. Take full responsibility for the security of customer data in connection with audits and certification by respecting confidentiality and strict confidentiality towards all customers.

4. Regularly review and update own management system to ensure continued competence and effectiveness, including policies and objectives, through internal audits, performance appraisals (Employee and customer feedback) and regular management reviews of the system.

5. Ensure the competence of all parties involved in the audit process, but the framework around that process is presented in the Human Resources Policy of Versa Vottun

 

5. Board of Versa Vottun

• Holds the company's highest authority and supervises its daily operations, while management review meetings are held twice a year. The board regularly evaluates the management's performance, the progress and implementation of strategy, as well as their ability to maintain good cooperation with customers and other important stakeholders.

• Formulates and leads strategy, together with the executive director, defines goals, is responsible for creating work processes, procedures and work rules and assigns the company's short- and long-term risk criteria and that Versa Certification's management system reflects the values and principles of certification.

• Shall ensure neutrality and confidentiality where appropriate in all the company's activities.  

• Responsible for ensuring that the company operates in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  

 

At the general meeting, the company's board appoints the following positions: 

• The Managing Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Versa Certification in accordance with the policy, bylaws and directives of the board, including the implementation of policies, procedures, procedures and work rules. The manager is in charge of all negotiations with customers and staff.

• The financial manager is responsible for the company's finances and performs regular risk analysis to ensure that the company can meet all its responsibilities. 

• The certification manager is responsible for the organization and selection of auditors for all audit services in accordance with the nature of the service. The certification manager is in charge of the organization and development of the company's audit and certification services, along with other services offered by Versa Certification.        

• ​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

6 Map

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

7 Committees

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

​

 

Certification Committee 

• At the end of the audit process, when the audit manager has recommended certification, the certification committee accepts the audit report together with the relevant documents and confirms that the audit was carried out in accordance with the accepted procedure of Versa Certification

• When confirmation is received, a formal decision is made to grant certification to that customer's management system

 

Complaint Committee 

• Receives complaints and complaints in accordance with the official process found on the Versa Certification website

o  Complaints can include, but are not limited to, Versa Certification procedures, auditors, or Versa Certification customers

o  Appeals cover decisions on the granting of certification, refusal, invalidation and revocation

• The committee takes the subject into consideration and determines appropriate improvements if necessary 

• The chairman of the complaints committee does not sit on another committee or participate in the evaluation and certification process to ensure impartiality 

 

Neutrality Committee

• The importance of impartiality is held in high regard at Versa Certification and there is an active impartiality committee at the company to ensure the impartiality of the assessment process. Controls have been implemented in all critical processes to ensure that there is no threat to the neutrality of the evaluator or Versa Certification vis-à-vis customers.

• Versa Certification guarantees impartiality in assessments and decisions on granting certification and does not allow commercial, financial or other external pressure to threaten that impartiality. Neutrality is guaranteed in the following way:

o  Versa certification has presented a policy on neutrality, which sets detailed criteria to ensure neutrality in all activities

o  Controls have been implemented in all critical processes to ensure that there is no threat to the neutrality of reviewers or Versa Certification to customers.

o  The Neutrality Committee acts on behalf of Versa Certification to make decisions regarding conflicts of interest and other issues related to threats to neutrality. The committee is involved in a risk analysis regarding a possible threat to neutrality.

o  The chairman of the neutrality committee does not sit on the board of Versa Certification or any other committee organized by it  

 

 

8 Subpolicies

​

Policy of neutrality

In order to ensure the best possible neutrality in all activities of Versa certification, 22 criteria have been set out for items that can affect neutrality.

 

Human resources policy 

The purpose of the policy is to define the focus of Versa Certification in human resources and it is based on the values of Versa Certification: Safety | Warranty | Integrity. 

Employees are the main resource of Versa certification, so great emphasis is placed on job satisfaction, professional development and health. It is Versa Certification's responsibility to ensure the competence of everyone involved in the audit- and certification process, and the goal of the policy is to define the factors that are important to consider so that staff can maintain that competence.

 

Quality policy 

Versa Certification maintains a quality policy   to ensure the quality of the services provided.
Versa Certification provides excellent service characterized by confidentiality, integrity and respect.

Organizations that receive certification from Versa Certification can be confident that accuracy and professionalism lie behind all audit services, and that integrity is the guiding principle when assessing compliance with each standard. Versa Certification Managers create a foundation for achieving quality policy goals and set an example by reflecting the values of Versa Certification in all of their work. 

 

Information and communication policy 

The purpose of the policy is to describe what information may/should be disclosed to the public and what information must be sent to customers. In order to ensure efficiency and integrity in communication with the parties affected or affected by the services  or the activities of Versa Certification, a so-called stakeholder analysis has been carried out. On its basis, relations with the most important stakeholders have been defined.

 

Sustainability policy 

Versa certification promotes sustainability for customers by providing training to organizational units in so-called "best practices" in the operation of management systems. With increased knowledge on the part of organizational units, they can operate their management systems with the best possible results, which has such a positive impact on society, while standardized management systems help, among other things, to increase sustainability, transparency and equality within organizations.

 

Privacy policy 

Versa certification shows consideration and respect in every respect when it comes to customers' personal information, and therefore emphasis is placed on confidentiality and protection to ensure their safety when it comes to collecting personal information. The policy is set out to ensure that in the activities of Versa certification, personal data is processed in accordance with the provisions of Act no. 90/2018 on personal protection and processing of personal information.

The Privacy Policy is published in its entirety on the Versa Certification website.