Peer Review

1Purpose

Peer review gives an independent expert's second opinion on how well the management unit complies with the agreed standard. It applies to the audit report for every Stage 2 and recertification audit under the MSPO Certification Scheme.

The draft report goes to the appointed peer reviewers, who review it within seven days. The Audit Team Leader responds to their comments, and every issue is resolved before the report is finalised.

2Independence

1. Peer reviewers are independent of UGG, in line with clause 5.2.3 of ISO/IEC 17021-1 on the risks of relationships.
2. To avoid conflicts of interest, a peer reviewer must not have taken part in any MSPO certification audit or accreditation activity, as auditor in training, auditor or lead auditor, with any certification body, accredited certification body or accreditation body in the past three years.
3. Peer reviewers are appointed for each audit report, based on the issues of the management unit audited, and never on a permanent basis.

3Competence

UGG monitors each peer reviewer's competence and impartiality when they are appointed and periodically after that, and keeps the records. Every year we run harmonisation training for appointed peer reviewers, including an analysis of issues and comments and updates on scheme requirements.

4What the peer reviewer confirms

The peer reviewer makes sure the audit report contains what it needs to act as the foundation for awarding a certificate, and confirms that the audit team has:

1. Carried out an objective and professional audit of the management unit against the relevant MSPO standard and related scheme documents
2. Investigated adequate and relevant data sources and evidence
3. Reached an appropriate conclusion and recommendation based on the evidence
4. Prepared a concise and comprehensive report that meets the requirements of the standards

5What the peer reviewer reports

The peer reviewer's report to UGG:

1. Shows whether any disagreement about a finding or nonconformity raised by the audit team, and the reasons for it, have been addressed appropriately
2. Points out where more information or clarification is needed
3. States whether the reviewer agrees or disagrees with the certification the auditors recommend
4. Suggests improvements, or issues that should be considered within the scope of the audit

UGG resolves every peer reviewer comment before the final report is completed, and makes the final report available to the client.