As part of the SERI Assurance Program, which also includes audit package reviews, complaint investigations, and performance tracking, spot inspections help provide an unscripted look at the effectiveness of auditors, certification bodies, and the program as a whole.
WHAT ARE SPOT INSPECTIONS?
Spot inspections are unannounced reviews of R2 Certified Facilities and auditors. These inspections may occur at any point in an R2 Facility’s certification cycle and include reviewing all locations and records as needed. A SERI assessor may show up at a facility without notice or may remotely perform a review of records. Unlike scheduled audits, spot inspections are a moment-in-time look at how R2 Certified Facilities operate daily, offering unique insights into ongoing conformance, the accuracy of CB decisions, and an additional layer of visibility beyond what’s seen during planned audits.
Typically lasting 1-4 hours, these brief checkups provide multiple benefits:
- Offers a quick snapshot of facility conformance between formal audits
- Helps identify common problems and areas for improvement across the R2 program
- Provides multiple data points across auditors and certification bodies
- Supports proactive quality control
WHO PERFORMS SPOT INSPECTIONS?
SERI utilizes a small team of employees and contractors worldwide to perform spot inspections. These assessors work independently of CBs and are bound by confidentiality agreements with SERI. To maintain objectivity, they do not act as consultants or auditors in the industry. This structure supports an unbiased and trustworthy inspection process.
WHAT ACTIONS COME FROM SPOT INSPECTIONS?
If concerns about the R2 Facility are identified in a spot inspection, they are communicated directly to the CB that has issued the R2 Certificate. These can be informal concerns or formal complaints, which may require additional follow-up actions by the CB to verify conformity. Learnings from spot inspections about facility operations and auditor performance can result in various improvement actions by SERI, such as updating auditor training programs, revising audit protocols, creating Knowledge Base articles, developing newsletter content, updating FAQs, or prompting additional information-gathering.
CONTINUALLY IMPROVING THE R2 CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Spot inspections are a key element of the SERI Assurance program. Combined with other activities like audit package reviews and witness inspections, the Assurance Program creates a feedback system to help us continually enhance the R2 Certification program. For clients and stakeholders, it helps build confidence in R2 Certification as a genuine commitment to responsible reuse and recycling practices, data security, and environmental stewardship.
If you have any questions or need further information about spot inspections, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To learn more, visit the R2 Guidance & Knowledge Base.
