BQAI Legal Policy

Terms & Conditions

The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only.  It is subject to change without notice.  You may view, download, and print pages from the website for your own personal use, however, you may not otherwise copy, display, distribute or modify the Content or “mirror” the Content on your server without our express written permission.

This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to BQAI.  This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics.

When material from this site is referred to in any media, we ask that full acknowledgement be given to BQAI.

BQAI reserves the right at any time to revise, amend, alter or delete the information provided on this website.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information/material contained on the website, BQAI its servants or agents assume no responsibility for and give no guarantees, undertakings or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness or up to date nature of the information provided in the web site and does not accept any liability whatsoever from any errors or omissions.

External Links

The site sometimes links to external sites over which BQAI has no control and accepts no responsibility.  The inclusion of these links should not be construed as an endorsement or sponsorship of these external Web sites, their content, viewpoints, products, services or their hosts. Additionally, BQAI shall not be liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. If you decide to access any of the third party websites linked on our website, you do so entirely at your own risk.

BQAI has not reviewed all of these third party websites and does not control and is not responsible for them or their content or availability.  The views and opinions of the authors of documents published on or linked to the site do not necessarily state or reflect the opinion, policy or position of BQAI.

BQAI Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy General

General
We care about providing you with tools and information to manage and protect your online privacy. We have developed this privacy policy to inform you about what information this web site collects, who may receive that information, what we may do with the information, and how long we keep it. While we have made every attempt to make this policy as clear as possible, if you have any further questions about it, feel free to contact us.

Your Information
We will not give out any information you submit at our site to any third parties except in compliance with a legally-enforceable written request of a law enforcement agency. Under no circumstances will your name, e-mail, phone number or address be sold to, or given to any other parties. We will never wilfully sell, lease, or rent any of your or your business’ personally identifiable information to any third party.

Collected Information
Your personal information is collected through our contact forms only. This website currently has no applications or programs that gather information from your computer without your consent. Users are required to give us contact information (e.g., your name and email address) and demographic information (e.g., your City or Country). Certain information, such as your email address, is collected in order to verify your identity and for use in our records. Information collected at this website is kept in our records only as long as is necessary to provide requested services to our clients.

Summation
If you have any questions about this privacy statement or the practices of this site, please contact us.

Privacy Policy Details

This site is owned by Business Quality Assurance International Limited. This Privacy Policy is designed to tell you about our practices regarding collection, use, and disclosure of information that you may provide via this site. Please be sure to read this entire Privacy Policy before using, or submitting information, to this site.

Your Consent

By using this site, you agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy. Whenever you submit information via this site, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of that information in accordance with this Privacy Policy

About Children

This site is not intended for children under the age of 16. We will not knowingly collect information from site visitors in this age group. We encourage parents to talk to their children about their use of the Internet and the information they disclose to Web sites.

Active Information Collection

Like many Web sites, this site actively collects information from its visitors both by asking you specific questions and by permitting you to communicate directly with us via e-mail and feedback forms. Some of the information that you submit may be personally identifiable information (that is, information that can be uniquely identified with you, such as your full name, address, e-mail address, phone number, and so on).

Some areas of this site may require you to submit information in order for you to benefit from the specified features or to participate in a particular activity (such as sweepstakes or other promotions). You will be informed at each information collection point what information is required and what information is optional.

Passive Information Collection

As you navigate through a Web site, certain information can be passively collected (that is, gathered without your actively providing the information) using various technologies and means, such as Internet Protocol addresses, cookies, Internet tags, and navigational data collection. This site uses Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

An IP Address is a number assigned to your computer by your Internet service provider so you can access the Internet and is generally considered to be non-personally identifiable information, because in most cases an IP address is dynamic (changing each time you connect to the Internet), rather than static (unique to a particular user’s computer). We use your IP address to diagnose problems with our server, report aggregate information, determine the fastest route for your computer to use in connecting to our site, and administer and improve the site.

A “cookie” is a bit of information that a Web site sends to your Web browser that helps the site remember information about you and your preferences.

“Session” cookies are temporary bits of information that are erased once you exit your Web browser window or otherwise turn your computer off. Session cookies are used to improve navigation on Web sites and to collect aggregate statistical information. This site uses session cookies.

“Persistent” cookies are more permanent bits of information that are placed on the hard drive of your computer and stay there unless you delete the cookie. Persistent cookies store information on your computer for a number of purposes, such as retrieving certain information you have previously provided (e.g. passwords), helping to determine what areas of the Web site visitors find most valuable, and customizing the Web site based on your preferences. This site uses persistent cookies.

“Internet tags” (also known as single-pixel GIFs, clear GIFs, invisible GIFs, and 1-by-1 GIFs) are smaller than cookies and tell the Web site server information such as the IP address and browser type related to the visitor’s computer. This site does not use Internet tags. Tags have been placed on online advertisements that bring people to the site. We do not collect or seek personally identifiable information through these tags.

“Navigational data” (“log files,” “server logs,” and “clickstream” data) are used for system management, to improve the content of the site, market research purposes, and to communicate information to visitors. This site uses navigational data.

Use and Disclosure of Information

Except as otherwise stated, we may use your information to improve the content of our site, to customize the site to your preferences, to communicate information to you (if you have requested it), for our marketing and research purposes, and for the purposes specified in this Privacy Policy.

If you provide personally identifiable information to this site, we may combine such information with other actively collected information unless we specify otherwise at the point of collection. We will take reasonable measures to prevent personally identifiable information from being combined with passively collected information, unless you consent otherwise.

We may disclose your personally identifiable information to third parties, but only…

(i)                   To contractors we use to support our business (e.g., fulfilment services, technical support, delivery services, and financial institutions), in which case we will require such third parties to agree to treat it in accordance with this Privacy Policy;

(ii)                  In connection with the sale, assignment, or other transfer of the business of this site to which the information relates, in which case we will require any such buyer to agree to treat it in accordance with this Privacy Policy; or,

(iii)                 Where required by applicable laws, court orders, or government regulations. In addition, we will make full use of all information acquired through this site that is not in personally identifiable form.

Access and Correction

To keep your personally identifiable information accurate, current, and complete, please contact us as specified below. We will take reasonable steps to update or correct personally identifiable information in our possession that you have previously submitted via this site.

Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personally identifiable information as you transmit your information from your computer to our site and to protect such information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. You should keep in mind that no Internet transmission is ever 100% secure or error-free. In particular, e-mail sent to or from this site may not be secure, and you should therefore take special care in deciding what information you send to us via e-mail. Moreover, where you use passwords, ID numbers, or other special access features on this site, it is your responsibility to safeguard them.

Links to Other Web Sites

This site may contain links or references to other Web sites. Please be aware that we do not control other Web sites and that, in any case, this Privacy Policy does not apply to those Web sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policy of every Web site you visit.

Other Terms

Your use of this site is subject to our Legal Notice.

How to Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the information practices of this site, please write to us at:

Business Quality Assurance International Limited

Woodvale House,

Clarinbridge, Galway, Ireland
Phone: +353-91-796017
Mobile: +353-87-2345844
Email: info@bqai.ie / bqaiuk@gmx.com

Changes to This Privacy Policy

If this Privacy Policy changes, the revised policy will be posted on this site. Please check back periodically, and especially before you provide any personally identifiable information. This Privacy Policy was last updated on 4 April 2016.

BQAI Regulations

BQA-06 Issue 19

1. These regulations relate to the Business Quality Assurance International (BQAI) process for the registration of companies of assessed capability in the provision of product manufacturing, engineering, construction, agriculture or other specified services defined by their business scope, hereinafter referred to as the process.

2. For the purpose of these regulations the following definitions apply:

 

Appeals Panel – means a panel set-up by the Governing Board of Business Quality Assurance International Limited. The panel appointed in respect of each appeal shall consist of a Chairperson and at least two members, none of whom shall have any direct commercial interest in the subject of the appeal.

Appellant – means any person or Customer making an appeal

Applicant – means a body corporate or body incorporate or an individual who acts on behalf of a body corporate or body incorporate who has applied for but has not yet been granted a Certificate of Registration.

BQAI – means Business Quality Assurance International Limited.

Certificate of Registration – means a certificate issued and authorized by the Chief Executive Officer of BQAI (or other designated director) and the Governing Board Chairperson, recognizing that the quality system operated by the company or organization has been assessed by BQAI in accordance with these regulations.

CEO – means the Chief Executive Officer of BQAI (or other designated BQAI director)

Customer – means an individual, body corporate or body incorporate which has been granted a Certificate of Registration and provides a product and/or service.

Expanding / Reducing – means widening or decreasing of certification scope

Governing Board – means the independent impartiality committee of BQAI

Management System – means the organization structure, responsibilities, activities, resources appertaining to a firm, which together provide organized procedures and methods of implementation to ensure the capability of the firm to meet requirements established in accordance with identified parts of a particular standard, specification or otherwise specified requirement.

Registered Symbol – means the symbol depicted in Appendix 1 attached.

Renewing – means renewing an existing client’s certification at the end of a 3 year cycle

Restore – means re-establishing certification after any suspension

Scheme Manager – means the BQAI manager with responsibility for routine certification decision making

Suspension – means certification is temporarily suspended for an agreed period up to a maximum of 6 months.

Withdrawal – means certification and registration are terminated.

3. The Governing Board has the authority to review and challenge certification decisions made by the Scheme Manager and are the final signatory on all certificates issued.
4. The Scheme Manager is the authority by which Certificates of Registration may be granted and acts through the CEO and under the guidance of the Governing Board. The decision on certification shall be based on an evaluation of audit findings and conclusions and any other relevant information (eg. Public information).
5. An applicant Customer which satisfies the CEO that it is capable of compliance with the system, providing in advance all requested supporting documentation/information and, that it carries on a bone fide business and, gives to the CEO such undertakings that may be required, subject to the conditions of these regulations, shall be entitled to a Certificate of Registration, which shall nevertheless remain the property of BQAI. A separate Certificate will be issued in respect of each registration for which an application is made. Initial certificates are valid from the date of issue until one day prior to the 3 yearly reassessment date.  Thereafter, they are renewable on a three yearly cyclic basis subject to the terms of these Regulations. If a Customer does not intend to renew its registration at the end of the three yearly period of registration, it must notify the CEO in writing of its intention not to do so by ninety clear calendar days prior to the date of renewal. The right to use the Certificate of Registration is not transferable without the permission, in writing, of the CEO.

6. A Customer shall:

1. at all times comply with these Regulations including those specified in Form 30 (Assessment Findings Classifications Table) and, when making reference to its certification status in communication media such as the internet, web site, brochures, advertising or other documents;
2. ensure that assessment discrepancy cause (incl. root cause as applicable) and corrective action plan is provided (Report Form 100) to BQAI within 30 days unless a timescale concession is otherwise agreed
3. allow a follow up assessment for onsite verification of major discrepancy closure where agreed at the visit assessment closing meeting
4. not make or permit any misleading statement regarding its certification or use or permit the use of a certification document or part thereof in a misleading manner;
5. use the Registered Symbol as shown in Appendix 1, where entitlement to use it or compliance with the system is only from the address stated on the Certificate and only in respect of the scope of goods or services provided which are the subject of the Registration. Such use of Registered Symbol or related statement shall not be applied to product packaging.
6. discontinue any use of the Registered Symbol which is unacceptable to the CEO and any form of statement of reference to the authority of the Customer to be registered under the System which in the opinion of the CEO might be misleading;
7. amend all advertising matter including web site, to accurately reflect the scope of certification granted including reduction of scope;
8. maintain and document a management system in accordance with ISO management system requirements and make available to BQAI copies of all or part of the documented system should the CEO require it for assessment and/or reference purposes;
9. not vary the management system or processes under which any Certificate is issued during the period of the registration unless it shall have given BQAI notice in writing of its intention to do so and shall have received written confirmation from the CEO that such variations do not render the certificate invalid;
10. inform BQAI in writing if any of the following changes occur:

1. a) the legal, commercial, organizational status or ownership,
2. b) organization and management (e.g. key managerial, decision-making or technical staff),
3. c) contact address and number of sites,
4. d) scope of operations under the certified management system, and
5. e) major changes to the management system and processes

11. not allow reference to its management system certification to be used in such a way as to imply that registration certifies a product (including service) or process, or geographical area outside of scope, and not permit its marks to be applied to laboratory test, calibration or inspection report;
12. not use its certification in such a manner that would bring BQAI and/or certification system into disrepute and lose public trust;
13. give representatives of BQAI access during normal working hours to the premises where work which is the subject of the Certificate of Registration is carried out, for the purpose of examining materials, processes, finished articles, methods of test, records and systems or establishing that the procedures for the termination of registration have been carried out;
14. plan for an annual surveillance visits programme with the first surveillance visit to be carried out six months¹ from certification registration;
15. agree dates² for a reassessment visit a minimum of four weeks prior to expiry of certification taking into account multi-site logistics, combined assessments, previous reports and possible stage 1 requirements;
16. allow access during assessments to INAB and BQAI observers for assessment team monitoring and training purposes;
17. allow audit reports to be released to regulators/legislators at their request;
18. nominate, for the approval of the CEO, a management representative and copies of all or part of the documented system should the CEO require it for reference purposes; one or more deputies authorized to act in the main nominee’s absence who shall be responsible for all matters in connection with the requirements of the Certificate of Registration and who shall, upon each visit by the representative of BQAI sign a declaration to the effect that any changes in processes and procedures or other information relevant to the Certification have been notified to BQAI;
19. upon the termination of the Certificate of Registration, however determined, forthwith discontinue the use of the Registered Symbol and all advertising matter, which contains it, or any reference thereto. Any other documents in the possession of the Customer, which bear reference to the Certificate, shall, if the CEO so requires, have such references erased.
20. On potential transfer of certification to BQAI, provide all necessary management system documentation in line with the requirements of a new client. In addition, make available previous certification report(s) and certificate(s).

Note 1: for a Customer that is transferring certification this period may be extended to within twelve months of the stage 2 assessment

Note 2: late reassessment could result in corrective action requirements that extend beyond the certification expiry resulting in certification suspension

7. A Customer shall pay:

1. fees³ for initial (including stage 1) assessment
2. fees⁴ for assessment/certification which include pre-registration and annual surveillance;
3. fees for additional or repeat (e.g. due to noncompliance with standard) assessment, surveillance, supervision, re-issue or endorsement of the Certificate of Registration and administration, which are determined by the CEO to be fair and appropriate;
4. fees for late rescheduling:
   1. less than 6 weeks’ notice from planned visit = 50% of annual visit & registration costs
   2. less than 4 weeks’ notice from planned visit = 75% of annual visit & registration costs
   3. less than 2 weeks’ notice from planned visit = 100% of annual visit & registration costs

5. fees for breach of contract conditions:
   1. suspension of certification/registration for a maximum of 6 months = 25% of annual visit & registration costs
   2. withdrawal from contract within 90 calendar days of planned visit = 100% of annual visit & registration costs
   3. withdrawal from contract with greater than 90 calendar days’ notice from planned visit = 50% of annual visit and registration costs

6. any additional costs incurred by BQAI due to the Customer’s non-compliance with the Regulations.

Note 3: As defined in quotation (Form 42 or 43) and confirmed by signed application for registration and contract (Form 2)

Note 4: BQAI schedule of fees available on request

8. The CEO shall:

1. send a representative or representatives to the Customer at his discretion but, in any case not less than once in any one year in which the Customer is providing products or services for which registration is granted for the purpose of verifying that the obligations relevant to the Certificate of Registration are being carried out;
2. notify the Customer by giving due notice of any changes in the applicable standard, which in the opinion of the Board is reasonable and sufficient to modify or adjust its processes and procedures to meet the revised requirements;
3. not disclose any information concerning the Customer or individual representative, other than information, which is in the public domain without written permission (letter, email) from the Customer or individual;
4. notify the Customer at his discretion of client’s complaints relating to the compliance of product, process or service at the appropriate time. Complaints about a certified Customer shall be reviewed by the Governing Board and the certified Customer shall be kept informed of progress.  The extent that the subject of the complaint and its resolution could be made public shall be made by BQAI, the certified Customer and the complainant collectively.
5. Make ongoing surveillance and enquiries as required to maintain confidence in certification / registration and Customer’s performance. This may include review of web sites, promotional material and requests for additional data as required.
6. Take into account any complaints received from Customer’s Clients or Suppliers as part of a reassessment review.

9. If a Customer is temporarily unable to comply with the requirements of these Regulations, the CEO may require the Customer to discontinue use of the Registered Symbol or any claim to registrations under the System with immediate effect until he is satisfied that the conditions of Registration are regained or pending the result of an appeal under Regulation 13. Under any suspension (ref section 10), the Customer’s management system certification is temporarily invalid and therefore the Customer must refrain from further promotion of its certification.  The suspended status of a Customer’s certification shall be publicly assessable on request.

10. If the Customer fails to comply with these Regulations (in particular, Clause 6) the CEO may, subject to the provisions in Regulation 13:

• refuse to grant the Certificate of Registration
• suspend the Certificate of Registration
• reduce the scope of registration
• withdraw the Certificate of Registration.

Such decisions and the grounds for them shall be communicated to the Customer in writing.

Suspension may occur when the Customer’s certified management system has persistently or seriously failed to meet certification requirements, including requirements for the effectiveness of the management system,  the certified Customer does not allow surveillance or recertification audits to be conducted at the required frequencies, or the certified Customer has voluntarily requested a suspension.  The scope of certification may also be reduced when the Customer has persistently or seriously failed to meet certification requirements for those parts of the scope of certification.

11. It may be necessary for BQAI to conduct assessments of certified Customers at short notice to investigate complaints, or in response to changes, or as a follow up on suspended Customers. In such cases BQAI shall inform the Customers in writing of the need for a short notice assessment with explanatory details included.  The Customer will not have the right to reject the assigned assessment team.  The Customer shall pay all costs incurred for short notice assessments except where the results indicate no regulation or requirement has been breached.

12. The CEO may, at his discretion, and subject to the provisions of Regulation 13, refuse to grant or renew (and may withdraw) a Certificate of Registration if the Customer becomes subject to the bankruptcy laws or makes any arrangements or composition with its creditors or enters into liquidation, whether compulsory or voluntary (but not including liquidation for the purpose of reconstruction) or has a Receiver of its business appointed or is convicted of an offence tending to discredit the firm’s reputation and good faith as a trader. Such decisions and the grounds for them shall be communicated to the Customer in writing.

13. In the event of a Customer wishing to appeal against any decision of an Assessor or Scheme Manager under these regulations, it shall within 14 clear days after having been officially informed of such a decision, give notice in writing to the BQAI CEO. The CEO shall carry out an investigation keeping the Customer informed of progress and make a decision within 30 days whenever possible. If the Customer is not happy with the CEO’s decision, they can escalate the appeal to the BQAI Governing Board. Under these circumstances the Customer shall write to Chairperson of the Governing Board of BQAI, the address of whom may be obtained from the BQAI office, of its desire to appeal against the CEO’s decision. The Chairperson shall convene a meeting of the Appeals Panel, which shall be held within 30 clear days of receipt of such notice of the time and place of such a meeting. The decision of the CEO shall stand pending the meeting of the Appeals Panel. At such meetings, both the appellant and CEO shall be entitled to be heard in confidence. The decision of the Appeals Panel as declared by its Chairperson shall be final and any associated correction or corrective action shall be carried out by BQAI or the appellant. The appellant shall be kept informed of the receipt, progress, final outcome and end of all appeals.  Submission, investigation and decision on appeals shall not result in any discriminatory action being taken against the appellant. Any costs incurred due to an appeal to the Governing Board shall be shared equally by the appellant and BQAI, these shall be determined by the governing Board and notified to the appellant and BQAI prior to expenditure.

14. These regulations may from time to time be altered by the Board. No such alterations shall affect the right of any Customer to use the Registered Symbol or claim to be registered under the System unless or until it shall have been given notice in writing of such alterations by the CEO who shall notify the Customer of the date by which it must comply with the altered Regulations, which shall not be less than six months from the date of notification of the alteration.

15. A register of all certified (accredited) customers shall be maintained by BQAI and, is available for public viewing via the International Accreditation Forum (IAF ref. MD 28:2023) and, for all certified customers (including non-accredited) at the offices of Business Quality Assurance International Limited. These registers detail all certificates granted and include suspensions and withdrawals where applicable.

16. Any notice under these Regulations shall be in writing and signed by or on behalf of the party giving the notice which may be served by sending it by prepaid recorded delivery or registered post or by hand delivery to BQAI Offices. Any notice so served by post shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to have been served forty-eight hours from the time of posting and in proving such service it shall be sufficient to prove that the notice was properly addressed and was posted in accordance with this Regulation.
17. Upon suspension or termination of the scheme all Certificates of Registration are to be returned by the Customer to BQAI upon receipt of written request by the CEO.

18. If a Customer wishes to complain or comment about any aspect of the service it shall do so in writing and direct it to the CEO and/or the Governing Board Chairperson, who will ensure the complaint or comment and related details are recorded and processed, including the issuing of an appropriate response to the satisfaction of both parties. In exceptional circumstances where the complaint may cause a potential conflict of interests, an independent external party shall be engaged to adjudicate the analysis and response.  All written complaints shall be managed in accordance with BQAI impartiality processes.