STOW-TT Audit Appeal Process

STOW-TT Audit Appeal Process

The STOW-TT certification audit is designed to allow for open communication with ample opportunity to raise concerns with the assigned Assessor. However, if an auditee wants to lodge a complaint about any findings of the audit with the Energy Chamber, it should be done in writing via email or letter to the Energy Chamber.

The Assessor will explain the complaints handling and appeal process at the opening and closing meeting of the STOW certification audit.

Process:

All complaints are tabled at the next meeting of the STOW Implementation Board, after receiving the complaint.

  1. A subcommittee of the STOW Implementation Board is constituted comprising at least three members of the Board.

  2. Separate meetings will be held with the complainant and with the assigned Assessor and minutes of the meetings will be recorded.

  3. The complainant may be asked to submit evidence such as HSE documentation or records to support their claim.

  4. If HSE documents are submitted, they will be reviewed by the Energy Chamber’s HSE Administrator who will make a professional judgment on the documents as they relate to the audit.  During the review, the HSE Administrator will contact the complainant and/ or assigned Assessor if clarification is needed from either party to make a judgment. The HSE Administrator will inform the STOW Implementation Board of the findings.  If a second opinion is required, the documents will be forwarded to the STOW technical committee for an opinion.  

  5. The sub-committee of the STOW Implementation Board will review the information received from both parties as well as the findings of the HSE Administrator/ STOW technical committee.

  6. The sub-committee will make a recommendation to the STOW Implementation Board either in favour of the complainant or the Assessor.  

  7. The STOW Board will then decide on the matter. If the decision is in favour of the complainant, the STOW Board will either:

           - Have the Assessor make the required changes to the audit report

           - Have another Assessor evaluate the company’s HSE management system

The STOW Board will meet with the Assessor again where there is an opportunity for professional development.  If the decision is in favour of the Assessor, the company will be informed of the Board’s decision in writing.