Impartiality Policy
It is the policy of National Nutrition Institute Certification Center. (Hereinafter referred to as “NNICC”)
to operate its business in accordance with the guiding principles of impartiality, competence, responsibility, openness, confidentiality and responsiveness. NNICC conducts its activities under non-discriminatory conditions that include freedom from bias, freedom from prejudice, and that ensures neutrality, fairness, open-mindedness, evenhandedness and balance. These principles are carried through all of NNICC’s certification services.
To promote achievement of these objectives,
NNICC top management has established this Impartiality Policy and has the responsibility and authority to assure this policy is implemented and continually improved to meet the continuing needs of NNICC, its clients, and other interested parties. All NNICC personnel shall avoid situations where a risk to impartiality arises, a potential conflict of interest could exist, or could be seen to exist. A conflict of interest occurs when an individual or organization is involved in multiple interests, one of which could possibly influence the motivation for an act in the other.
The following policy statements have been incorporated to ensure that impartiality is maintained and implemented:
1.1.
NNICC shall be responsible for the impartiality of its activities and will not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise the integrity, objectivity, or confidentiality of the services it provides. Impartiality and independence of NNICC’s activities are assured at both the organizational and personal level.
1.2.
NNICC identifies documents, assesses, and takes action as appropriate to mitigate or eliminate risks to impartiality on an ongoing basis. Risk management procedures are defined or referenced in the NNICC Quality System. NNICC will take action to respond to any risks to its impartiality arising from the actions of other persons, bodies or organizations of which it becomes aware.
1.3.
At the organization level, impartiality and objectivity of certification decisions is safeguarded by NNICC management through the establishment and implementation of decision-making procedures.
1.4.
External oversight of NNICC’s impartiality process is maintained by the NNICC Impartiality Committee which meets at least annually. The terms regarding the role, responsibilities, and function of the Impartiality Committee are described in the NNICC Quality System.
1.5.
At the personal level, independence and impartiality is safeguard by the contractual and “case-by-case” obligation of all NNICC personnel (including permanent employees, contractors, and consultants) to disclose all real or potential conflicts of interest at the time the conflict becomes evident. Top management is responsible for ensuring that none of NNICC’s activities affect the confidentiality, objectivity, or impartiality of the delivered certification or assessment services.
1.6.
When selecting resources to be appointed for a specific assessment activity, the Joint General Manageris responsible to ensure each individual is free from any interests that might cause them to act in other than an impartial or nondiscriminatory manner. Where questions arise, the Joint General Managershall contact the Impartiality Committee members. Prior to the assessment, individuals are obligated to disclose any existing or envisaged link between themselves and the organization to be assessed.
1.7.
To avoid a conflict of interest, no certification-related consultancy will be provided to an organization, which will be the subject of certification or assessment, unless it is required or allowed by the certification/verification scheme. Certification-related consultancy is defined as participation in an active creative manner in giving specific advice towards the development and implementation of management systems covered by the scope of the evaluation to the client or organization being subject to the certification evaluation.
1.8.
NNICC is a client-focused company that aims to promote conformance to specified requirements and the continual improvement of both its operation and that of its clients.
1.9.
NNICC has established and maintains applicable Complaints, Appeals, and Disputes procedures to manage and respond to the concerns of our clients and other interested stakeholders. Clients and other interested parties are invited and encouraged to provide input regarding the quality of NNICC’s services and the provisions for ensuring the impartiality of its activities. Clients and other interested stakeholders are made aware of how they can contact NNICC’s accreditation providers if complaints are not resolved appropriately, if they feel there is a conflict of interest, or if they feel certification decisions are not impartial. This Impartiality Policy will be posted on the NNICC website at www.nnicert.com.