The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) reports the resumption of all audits and assessments from Monday, June 1, following the UK Government “go to work if you are unable to work from home” guidance.
That guidance allows all employers to resume activity in the workplace where appropriate, including professional services that cannot be delivered remotely, such as NSI on-site audits. The Inspectorate says that it will use remote and on-site audit in accordance with guidelines recently issued to NSI-approved companies. Remote audit may be used at NSI’s discretion for assessing ‘Management System’ requirements; while on-site audits will gather evidence of compliance to technical product standards.
NSI says that it recognises all Government guidance regarding social distancing and health and safety during the pandemic, whilst delivering meaningful certification and approval, putting people first – its staff, approved companies, and the public.
As already reported, all NSI approvals expiring between March 1 and May 31 were extended for a limited period unless evidence dictated otherwise. Adjustments to audit programmes will be made on a case by case basis as the Inspectorate works with approved companies to ensure audits are fulfilled in a timely fashion. Evidence of non-compliances that are COVID-19 related will be reported in “Auditor Notes” without recourse to raising Improvement Needs and Observations.
NSI Chief Executive Richard Jenkins, pictured, said: “As the UK continues its easing of lockdown measures the Security and Fire Safety sector is adapting to operate COVID safe environments in line with Government guidance, focussing on the protection and safety of staff, customers and the wider public. As such approved companies will now be in a position to provide NSI with suitable and sufficient evidence to award and maintain approval, through a combination of remote and on-site audits.
“It is clear approved companies are genuinely striving to maintain standards during the pandemic, which NSI will formally be recognising when audits are delivered.”
These Circular Letters have been issued to approved companies and are available via the company login area of the NSI’s website:
•NSI 020 20 regarding ‘COVID-secure’ sites (all approved companies and applicants).
•NSI 021 20 – NSI 023 20 with remote audit guidelines (scheme specific and relevant to Gold companies only).
All NSI staff are working remotely in line with Government guidance, NSI’s Head Office building in Maidenhead remaining closed.
