QMS Launches New Quality Assurance Remote Assessments

Following the suspension of all face-to-face assessments of its quality assurance schemes due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), in conjunction with Lloyds Register, has developed a remote assessment tool which will launch next week (14 April 2020).

The new remote assessment tool will enable a full quality assurance assessment to be conducted in processors, auction marts, hauliers, pig farms and cattle & sheep farms and is recognised by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

“The remote assessment will be a two-stage process which includes the submission of documents by a member to a portal or direct to assessor for review,” said Kathryn Kerr, Head of Brands Integrity with QMS. “A telephone interview or a livestream assessment of the physical standards using Lloyds Register (LR) Remote or similar platform, will then take place.

“The remote assessments ensure that that members’ certification continues seamlessly in these exceptional circumstances and provides a workable solution which still continues to underpin our world-class standards.

“Of course, we appreciate that not every member will have the ability to complete both elements of the assessment. Therefore, when face-to-face assessments resume these members can be assessed as a priority to ensure continued compliance.”

Members that are due their annual assessment will be contacted by a Lloyds Register assessor to conduct a remote assessment in the coming weeks.

To view  QMS COVID -19 Frequently Asked Questions  - Assurance Schemes cliick here 

To view QMS Coronavirus Policy for QMS Assurance Scheme Assessments click here