Projects

Accreditation and Certification Framework for a New Standard Setter

Created the framework for implementing a cutting-edge sustainability standard for a new standard setting body. Core deliverables were a comprehensive set of certification requirements which established the system for third-party audits, and a complete set of Certification Body requirements which established the accreditation framework. Accessory elements were also developed to support implementation of the system. These included internal procedures for the standard setting body covering the handling disputes, complaints and appeals, as well as detailed auditor guidance materials.

 

Improved Stakeholder Engagement in Certification Scheme Processes

Improved the effectiveness of a global conservation organization’s efforts to engage in fishery assessments being done under the auspices of a leading eco-standard for certifying the sustainability of wild-capture fisheries. Worked directly with key staff persons to advise on critical process steps. Collaborated to identify, articulate and submit concerns about fishery assessments and, when necessary, guided efforts to redress those concerns through dispute resolution processes. Created a comprehensive technical guidance document for the organization which detailed the strengths and weaknesses of the certification scheme with respect to assessing fishery impacts on non-target stocks, endangered species, habitats and ecosystems.

 

Audit Guidance Materials for Consistent Implementation of Standards

Developed audit guidance materials for a global standard setting body to ensure consistent and rigorous auditing of their international standards for responsible aquaculture. Served as lead author or co-author on six audit manuals and audit checklists, each targeting a key cultured species as addressed in the parent set of standards. Worked closely with standards development committee members to ensure that the audit manuals were closely aligned with the standard setter’s intent and that they would deliver rigor and consistency.

 

How Revisions of International Norms Impact upon Certification Systems

Collaborated with a global standard setting body to review and report on the potential for revised ISO requirements to impact upon their eco-certification program for sustainable wild-capture fisheries. Delivered a technical paper presenting the key issues that were identified and outlining the options for the scheme owner to move forward by adopting requirements from ISO 17065 and/or ISO 17021.

 

Review of a Certification Scheme’s Impact

At the request of a prominent global conservation organization, conducted a five-year review to assess the environmental and social impact of a fishery certification scheme with which the organization had engaged extensively. Delivered a technical paper identifying key institutional barriers to effective engagement and making strategic recommendations about options for the organization’s continued engagement in the future. This was a collaborative project.

 

Standards and Procedures for a New Eco-Certification System

Contributed to the development and early implementation of a new eco-certification system. During the development phase, I provided critical reviews of draft standards and set-up the mandatory procedures to be followed by Certification Bodies, including a procedure for conducting Regional Risk Assessments. Also developed materials such as user-friendly forms and templates for audit reports. During the early implementation phase, I evaluated system performance by assessing the audits and associated work products of Certification Bodies, performing technical reviews of draft Regional Risk Assessment Reports, and evaluating whether or not the scheme’s stakeholder engagement processes were working effectively.