By Sharada Rao, SERI Quality Director
Auditors from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and the Philippines were in attendance at the July roll-out of SERI’s new Auditor Training for certification body auditors. The course was open to both current and prospective R2 auditors.
One of the goals of the enhanced training is consistency in interpretation and application of the R2 requirements. During SERI spot audits and witness audits conducted over the past year, some discrepancies in interpretation of the R2 requirements were observed among both recyclers and certifying body auditors.
The training program was developed to address discrepancies and guide auditors through the R2 auditing process, highlighting SERI’s expectations regarding the depth of auditing required for each Provision. Knowledge of the R2 Requirements and an EHS background are prerequisites of the course, which allows for more time to focus specifically on the auditing process and the importance of maintaining rigor at all R2 audits. The training utilizes an interactive approach and includes class discussions, case studies, group exercises and other hands on activities.
Last month’s session also gave auditors the opportunity to describe challenges they have encountered while auditing. SERI trainers provided guidance on how to address these challenges. The diverse international representation of the auditors made for great classroom discussions regarding regulatory and operational differences between countries.
SERI will be offering additional training courses for R2 auditors over the next year in the United States and in Asia. Upcoming sessions will be announced in the R2 Update newsletter and on the SERI website as dates and venues are finalized.