Impartiality Policy
SITMA runs a registered testers scheme as an independent body and is operated and applied impartially. The SITMA takes its impartiality seriously and understands the importance of doing so.
The registered testers scheme is overseen by an impartial and mixed scheme committee (also known as The Board of Directors), consisting of a balanced and relevant representation from stakeholders, some of which have no direct link to the testing individuals.
The registered testers scheme is managed by directly employed, full time Scheme Manager, who reports to and is a voting member of the scheme committee.
Other employees are all either directly employed and sign a contract that ensures impartiality and confidentiality, or is subcontracted and has completed and signed an impartiality form. All staff members, subcontracted or otherwise, are required to declare all conflicts of interest, be they actual or perceived.
Members of the Scheme Committee agree to the terms of reference ‘QM031 – Board of Directors Terms of Reference’ when agreeing to operate as a director.
The SITMA operate a risk register that is reviewed every 12 months. The purpose of the risk register is to identify threats to its impartiality.
Each Scheme is responsible for all of its decisions relating to the certification of individuals, including granting, maintaining, recertifying, expanding and reducing the scope of the certification and suspension and withdrawal of certification. It does not delegate these decisions to any third party.
This impartiality statement was added in accordance with Section 4.3.1 of ISO 17024:2012.
Fairness Policy
SITMA does not restrict certification on any grounds to any member.
Financial
There are no financial restrictions for joining SITMA. Annual prices are discussed at each board meeting and are set at a rate that allows the Scheme to operate within its requirements
Membership of another group
There are no requirements to be a member of any group or association.
Auditing
All auditing is applied fairly and monitored by the scheme. No individual is subject to more auditing than any other.
