Peer Reviewer

Peer Reviewer

  1.  The aim of a peer review process of the ACBs audit report by an independent expert is to obtain a second opinion on the level of compliance of the management unit concerning the requirements of the agreed standards. The appointed peer reviewers shall be independent of the UGGSB (refer to clause 5.2.3 of ISO/IEC 17021-1 on risk of relationships documentation)
  2. Peer reviewer(s) shall not be involved in any MSPO Certification audits and accreditation activities neither as auditor in training, auditor, or lead auditor with any CBs, ACBs or AB in the past three (3) years to avoid conflict of interest
  3. Peer reviewer(s) involved in the audit report review to be appointed by the UGGSB, based on the issues associated with the management unit being audited and shall not be based on permanent basis.
  4. UGGSB shall set a procedure for initial and periodic monitoring of the peer reviewer’s competency and impartiality and the records shall be maintained. UGGSB provide annual harmonization training including analysis on issues and comments and scheme requirements update with the appointed peer reviewers.
  5. The peer reviewing process is necessary for evaluating the audit report (for Stage 2 and recertification audit) prepared in conjunction with an application for certification under the MSPO Certification Scheme.

Role of Peer Reviewer(s)

  1. The role of the peer reviewer(s) is to ensure that the audit report has the necessary content to act content to act as the foundation for the award of a certificate and to confirm that:
    i. The audit team has carried out an objective and professional audit of the management unit for certification against the requirements of the relevant MSPO Standard and related scheme documents;
    ii. The audit team has investigated adequate and relevant data sources and evidences;
    iii. The audit team has arrived at an appropriate conclusion and recommendation based on the based on the evidence presented to it; and
    iv. The audit team has prepared a concise and comprehensive report to the requirements of the requirements of the standards.
  2. The peer reviewer(s) shall submit the following in a report to the UGGSB
    i) Indicate that the disagreement and supporting reasons regarding any finding and/or Non- Non-Conformity (NC) raised by the audit team have been addressed appropriately;
    ii. Indicate areas where the reviewer feels more information or clarification is necessary;
    iii. State whether the reviewer agrees or disagrees with the certification recommended by the by the auditors; and
    iv. Suggest actions for improvement that should be taken, or issues that should be considered relevant to the scope of the audit.
  3. UGGSB shall ensure that all comments by the peer reviewers are resolved prior to finalisation of the finalisation of the final report and be made available to the client by the UGGSB.