PEFC broadens support to certification bodies with new Training Recognition Program

22 April 2014 News

As part of its extensive support to certification bodies, PEFC is launching a new Chain of Custody training program to enable certification bodies to get formal recognition of their own, internal Chain of Custody training programs.

In order to ensure and further improve the quality of on-the-ground audits for Chain of Custody certification, PEFC requires all Chain of Custody auditors to participate in a training every two years - either organized or recognized by PEFC - by July 2014.

In appreciation of the effort put in by the certification bodies to further develop the competencies of their own auditors, as well as in support of their effective and efficient internal training activities, PEFC has developed its new “Training Recognition Program” (TRP). This program will enable certification bodies to carry out internal trainings in compliance with PEFC‘s formal requirements, by giving formal recognition to their internal PEFC Chain of Custody training programs.

The PEFC recognition of certification body internal trainings is valid for two years, beginning with a two day in-person training session for the representative of the certification body. During the two years the representative must take part in regular updates on any recent developments and changes to the PEFC training materials.

The in person training will be conducted in a group with a maximum of 15 participants, with the same group also participating in the following regular updates.

The TRP is aimed at certification bodies conducting PEFC Chain of Custody audits and wishing to comply with the mandatory PEFC Auditor Training (see PEFC ST 2003:2012) by an internal training program. Certification body representatives can include Product Managers, Lead Auditors, and PEFC Chain of Custody Program Managers conducting PEFC Chain of Custody Audits.

2014 Dates

• 3 & 4 June, application possible until 12 May
• 21 & 22 October, application possible until 30 September

PEFC International will also be offering at least two online training sessions for individual Chain of Custody auditors who are unable to participate in an in-person training session or through the TRP. More information regarding the dates of these training sessions will be provided in due course.

Contact

PEFC Technical Unit
Dr. Michael Berger
michael.berger@pefc.org
+41 22 799 4540