What is it?
Your management system is only as strong as the suppliers and subcontractors you rely on. A second-party audit is an audit carried out on your behalf, at a supplier's or subcontractor's premises, to check they can meet your requirements before you place work with them, or to follow up when problems arise. SBMS carries out these audits independently, using the same approach a certification body would, and gives you a clear, factual report you can act on.
Who needs it?
- Main contractors approving fabricators, steel suppliers and specialist subcontractors
- Manufacturers checking critical suppliers before awarding contracts
- Businesses whose ISO 9001 or BS EN 1090 system requires supplier evaluation and monitoring
- Companies dealing with recurring quality problems from a supplier
Business benefits
Lower supply chain riskFind problems at the supplier before they reach your project.
Independent viewAn objective audit report, not the supplier's own word.
Audit evidenceRecords that satisfy the supplier control requirements of ISO 9001 and BS EN 1090.
Saves your timeNo need to tie up your own staff travelling to supplier sites.
How SBMS helps
- ScopeWe agree what you need checked: the standards, your contract requirements and any specific concerns.
- PlanWe prepare an audit plan and agree the date with the supplier.
- AuditWe audit on site or remotely, covering processes, records, competence and controls.
- ReportYou get a clear report with findings graded by risk and our recommendation.
- Follow-upWe review the supplier's corrective actions and close out findings.
- Ongoing programmeWe can run a regular supplier audit programme for your key suppliers.
Typical timescales
Most supplier audits take one day on site, with the report issued within a few working days. Larger or multi-site suppliers may need longer.