Choosing the Right Standard: The first step involves determining the appropriate BRCGS standard for your specific business operations. The sources outline several standards, including those for food safety, plant-based products, packaging and packaging materials, and storage and distribution. You'll need to select the standard that aligns with your products and position in the supply chain.

Pre-Audit Preparation: Before the actual audit, companies must thoroughly prepare their facilities and operations to ensure compliance with the chosen BRCGS standard. This includes:

• Understanding the Standard's Requirements: You'll need to familiarize yourself with the specific criteria and requirements outlined in your chosen BRCGS standard. This might involve reviewing the standard's documentation and guidelines.
• Implementing Necessary Systems and Procedures: Based on the standard's requirements, you'll need to establish and implement robust systems and procedures related to hazard analysis, risk assessment, quality management, food safety, product security, and other relevant areas. This might involve developing and documenting new policies, training staff, and making necessary changes to your operational processes.
• Conducting Internal Audits: It's beneficial to conduct internal audits to identify any potential gaps or areas for improvement before the actual BRCGS audit. These internal assessments can help you address issues proactively and increase your chances of a successful certification audit.

BRCGS Audit: The core of the certification process is the audit conducted by a certified BRCGS certification body. During the audit, trained auditors will:

• Review Documentation: The auditors will thoroughly examine your documented systems, policies, procedures, and records to verify compliance with the BRCGS standard. This might include reviewing your HACCP plans, quality manuals, training records, and other relevant documentation.
  
  
• Inspect Facilities and Operations: The auditors will physically inspect your facilities, production lines, storage areas, and other relevant areas to assess hygiene, safety, and compliance with the standard's requirements. They will observe your operational practices and processes to ensure they align with your documented systems.
  
  
• Interview Staff: Auditors may interview members of your staff at various levels to evaluate their understanding of the BRCGS standard, their roles in maintaining compliance, and the effectiveness of your training programs.

Post-Audit Review and Certification:

• Addressing Non-Conformances: If the auditors identify any non-conformances or areas where your operations do not meet the BRCGS standard's requirements, you will typically be given a timeframe to address these issues.
  
  
• Certification Decision: Once any necessary corrective actions have been taken, the certification body will review the audit findings and determine whether to award BRCGS certification.
  
  
• Ongoing Surveillance: Achieving BRCGS certification is not a one-time event. Certified companies are typically subject to ongoing surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with the standard's requirements. These audits help maintain the integrity of the BRCGS certification and ensure that certified businesses uphold the required standards over time.