Before the Registration Audit
Congratulations on completing your FSMS design and documentation! This is a good time to celebrate, and to communicate appreciation and kudos to everyone involved!
The next step in your project is to use and improve your FSMS
- Follow documented procedures and work instructions
Everyone in your organization should be performing processes following your documented procedures and work instructions, complying with the QMS requirements. - Make improvements to the processes
Many of these procedures may be new to your organization, or have changed significantly during your ISO 22000 project. Now that they are actually in use, you will most likely find areas that can be improved. Make improvements using the Corrective Action process and the document revision process. - Conduct Internal Audits
Schedule internal audits to cover all areas of the organization before your Registration Audit. Train your Internal Auditors. Make sure you schedule at least one internal audit before your registration audit (we recommend 2 or more). Allow time to take corrective action on any findings. A robust and effective internal audit program is one of the best tools to finding and correcting shortcomings in the FSMS before your Registration Audit. - Hold frequent Management Review meetings
Management Review is another key factor in getting the new FSMS ready for a Registration Audit. Review information from Internal Audits, Corrective Action and results of verification activities. Initiate corrective actions to fix problems and make improvements to the FSMS. - Keep records
During the Registration Audit, the auditor will be looking for evidence that you are complying with the requirements of ISO 22000 standard and of your FSMS. This evidence is in the form of records that you generate as you run your FSMS. Be sure that you are following all of the records requirements that you set up in the FSMS. Run your system for several months before your Registration Audit so there are sufficient records for the auditor to evaluate.
When you choose a Registrar you are starting a relationship that will last at least 3 years, most likely longer. You will want to make a careful decision to lay the groundwork for a smooth and lasting relationship.
