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Non-Discrimination and Fairness Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes QMSAI’s commitment to fairness, impartiality, and non-discrimination in all certification activities. It ensures that all candidates, clients, and stakeholders receive equal treatment, free from bias or undue influence, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Clauses 4.4 and 4.3.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all QMSAI personnel, contractors, committees, and stakeholders involved in the certification of ISO auditors. It governs certification applications, assessments, decisions, appeals, and related activities.

3. Policy Statement

  • QMSAI is committed to:
  • Ensuring equal access to certification regardless of race, gender, age, disability, nationality, religion, or other irrelevant characteristics.
  • Making all certification decisions based solely on objective evidence of competence.
  • Maintaining impartiality in all certification activities, free from external influence, financial or otherwise.
  • Providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities or special needs.

4. Responsibilities

  • Board of Directors: Oversees the implementation and effectiveness of this policy.
  • Certification Manager: Ensures compliance with fairness and impartiality requirements.
  • Human Resources: Promotes diversity and non-discrimination in hiring and internal operations.
  • Impartiality Committee: Reviews potential conflicts of interest and ensures impartial certification decisions.
  • All Employees, Contractors, and Committees: Uphold this policy and report any concerns.

5. Fairness & Impartiality Measures

5.1 Equal Treatment & Non-Discrimination (Clause 4.4.1)

  • All candidates receive fair and equitable treatment in the certification process.
  • Certification requirements are based on competence, with no unnecessary barriers.
  • Committees are trained to assess candidates impartially.

5.2 Objectivity in Certification Decisions (Clause 4.3.6)

  • Decisions are based solely on verified competence through exams, assessments, and audits.
  • Standardized evaluation tools ensure consistency in assessments.
  • Certification personnel must sign a conflict of interest declaration.

5.3 Transparency & Access to Information

  • Candidates are informed of application procedures, evaluation criteria, and certification decisions.
  • Appeals and complaints procedures are publicly available and handled fairly.

6. Conflict of Interest Management

  • Personnel involved in certification must disclose any relationships that could influence impartiality.
  • If a conflict is identified, the individual must be recused.
  • The Impartiality Committee reviews cases of potential conflicts and takes corrective action.

7. Appeals & Complaints Handling

  • Candidates may appeal certification decisions they believe were unfair or biased.
  • Appeals are reviewed by an independent committee.
  • Complaints of discrimination or unfair treatment will be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

8. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

  • Regular internal audits ensure compliance with fairness and impartiality principles.
  • This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect best practices and regulatory requirements.

9. Training & Awareness

  • Personnel receive training on maintaining impartiality and recognizing unconscious bias.
  • Ongoing professional development ensures adherence to fairness and non-discrimination principles.

10. References

  • ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Clauses 4.4 (Non-discriminatory Certification) & 4.3 (Impartiality).
  • Internal procedures for handling complaints, appeals, and conflicts of interest.
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