Countdown to the second assessment visit

The TQS launch was in May last year. Therefore, quite a few organisations that received conditional certification will be coming up for a second visit from the assessors in the new few months.

Preparing for that visit starts a long time before the visit is due.

If you’re thinking about your second visit, use the checklist below to guide you. If you’re on the road to your first visit, consider how useful these timescales could be to you.

Three months before the second visit – look closely at your assessment feedback report. Decide how many of the issues highlighted in that report you have addressed. Take action to work on anything that has been neglected. Check your progress with all the other issues.

Take action where necessary.

Two months before the second visit – start thinking seriously about the case you want to make to the assessors. Appoint a team to lead your preparations.

Think about the written submission and the visit.

Six weeks before the second visit – review all your preparations. Review documents. Review your policies. Review your submission. Update as necessary.

Four weeks before the second visit – think about the fine details. Who is responsible for what?

Two weeks before the second visit – make sure all the key players, and especially senior managers, know exactly what impact your training solutions have on employers.

One week before the second visit – brief every one about what is happening. Then slow down.

Think laterally and prepare to meet your visitors.