CHSA Appoints New Auditor

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has continued the process of investing in and strengthening its Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Scheme, with the appointment of a second professional auditor, Martin Yates.

“We are delighted to welcome Martin Yates onto our auditing team,” explained Stephen Harrison, Chair of the CHSA. “The Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Schemes, designed to drive up standards in the industry, have been reinvigorated this year. We have introduced simple traffic light systems to highlight non-conformances and increased the frequency of formal audits and spot checks. Martin has been appointed to work alongside our existing auditor, Gordon Butt, to help us deliver on this increased commitment.”

Martin is an experienced quality-assurance professional; his track record includes working with the British Standards Institute and the European Standards Committee, developing standards for plastic sacks and freezer bags. Most recently he was Group Quality Assurance Manager at CeDo, where as well as securing ISO 9001 certification, improving operational efficiency and ensuring the compliance of the Chinese manufacturing operation, he guided the company to membership of the CHSA’s Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Scheme for plastic sacks.

As well as his work with the CHSA, Martin is providing a quality assurance consultancy service to other organisations. Speaking of his appointment, he said: “I have been involved in the Accreditation Scheme from the manufacturer’s perspective, and as a result, have a great deal of respect for its rigour and value. I am delighted to be working alongside Gordon Butt, and am very much looking forward to getting on the road to visit and audit members.”

The Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Schemes guarantee three things:
•    Consistency of supply: customers receive what they order
•    Accurate labelling: customers get what they pay for
•    Fully-audited manufacturers: our standards, your guarantee

Members of the CHSA’s Manufacturing Standards Accreditation Schemes for soft tissue products and plastic refuse sacks have to pass a detailed audit of products and procedures before being admitted. They are then re-audited at least twice each year to ensure standards are maintained; any deficiencies are noted and flagged to the manufacturers and the relevant Scheme management panel, appointed by the CHSA Council. The process is tracked using a simple traffic light system and members who don’t fully address any issues in the timeframe specified have their membership terminated, and are no longer able to display the Accreditation Scheme logo. They have to wait at least 12 months before reapplying, and then have to undertake the exacting audit process to be reconsidered for membership of the Scheme.