SQF

The basics are as follows:

1. They are not allowed for unannounced audits.
2. They are applicable to Initial Certification, Recertification, and Surveillance audits, if the site is deemed low risk.
3. They are not mandatory for announced audits.
4. You must complete an application. Available on request please contact Taylor Marcoux (Tmarcoux@aibinternational.com)
5. Upon review of the application AIB will determine if you are low risk and allowed to have a hybrid audit.
6. If you are low risk you can opt in for a hybrid audit.
7. You must be able to sustain a stable internet connection, have records and procedures available electronically, be able to present these to the auditor upon request, be able to connect personnel requested by the auditor for interview. If you do not meet these requirements you cannot participate in the Hybrid Audit option.
8. The hybrid audit splits your audit into 2 separate activities 1. Virtual Remote Activity and 2.On-site Audit. Although it is preferred that the Remote Activity occur first, it is not required, and the activities can be conducted in any order. Within 30 days of the first audit activity or the end of your audit window whichever comes first, you must have the second audit activity.
9. The Virtual Remote Activity can consist of no more than half of the assigned audit duration and is used to conduct interviews, record reviews, and procedure reviews virtually through a live virtual session with an auditor. You may be issued non-conformances, will have to correct them within 30 days, and submit evidence of correction/ corrective action as applicable. The timelines and requirements described it the code are applicable.
10. The On-site consists of at least half of the assigned audit duration and consists of the site inspection, interviews, and record review. You may be issued non-conformances, will have to correct them within 30 days, and submit evidence of correction/ corrective action as applicable.
11. There is only one combined report and one score.
12. The 2 activities may or may not be completed by the same auditor.

We have included this option in the REC10 and REC81 which are used to collect the duration related site-specific details for your site. If you have already turned in your REC81 or REC10 for this year, and you wish to select the Hybrid Audit option, please contact myself or Taylor Marcoux for assistance. If you have not yet received your REC 81 for your current audit year then you may make the selection at the time that you verify your site information.

Sites can apply for an extension if they are within 30 days for your Recertification Audit Date (Also known as “Date of Next Audit” or Anniversary Date). If you do not know your audit window, please look at your certificate. There is a Date of Next Audit. Your window is +/- 30 days from this date, and you are eligible to apply for an extension once the window begins. If you are interested in an audit window extension, please contact Taylor Marcoux (Tmarcoux@aibinternational.com) and request and extension. The extension requires the completion of a form and a 2-hour virtual record and program verification as a charged activity.

Sites that are required to have an Unannounced audit with an audit on or before December 31, may elect to convert to an Announce audit. Additionally, if your site has previously received an extension and are scheduled to have your Unannounced audit before December 31, you are also eligible to convert to an Announced audit. You will be required to have an unannounced audit in 2021. You must contact Taylor Marcoux (Tmarcoux@aibinternational.com) to elect to convert as we are required to keep a list of converted sites AND we will still consider you as Unannounced until you contact us. Failure to contact us will result in you being charged if you turn away the auditor, and your certificate will be suspended.