Cost
£975 (+ VAT if based in UK)
Course materials, Exam and Certificate included in the fee.
Duration
5 days
9am to 5pm (UK London time)
Location
Online (Zoom)
If you require Face-to-Face training, please contact us to discuss your need.
Available public sessions
January 13-17, 2025
March 3-7, 2025
April 7-11, 2025
May 12-16, 2025
June 2 to 6, 2025
If you wish to organise a private session, please contact us to discuss your need.
Assessment
50 multi-choice questions
Online. Open book. At the end of the course.
Pass Mark 75%. Immediate results.
3 attempts allowed (included in the fee).
Certificate & Badge downloadable instantly.
Note: You do not have to take the exam if you don't need the official BRCGS qualification. You can choose to request instead a Certificate of Attendance. Your tutor will guide you through the process.
Course Summary
This official BRCGS Food Safety issue 9 Lead Auditor course enables participants with an in-depth understanding of the Standard in terms of the protocol, requirements and how to audit effectively. Participants will gain competency to assess compliance to the requirements of the Standard, including fundamental clauses, statements of intent, how to undertake a BRCGS audit, planning of the audit and reporting of the audit. Auditing fundamentals and techniques will be discussed including the auditor competency skills required of Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) scheme auditors.
Active learning will be used throughout the course utilising case study-based individual and group activities to encourage critical thinking and help explain how auditors will audit against the Standard.
Successful completion of this course, including the exam, forms part of the training necessary to become a BRCGS auditor. The steps necessary to complete training must be arranged with a BRCGS approved certification body.
This course is part of the BRCGS Professional recognition programme.
Key learning objectives
Explain the steps to managing an audit programme
Describe auditing fundamentals and techniques
Assess compliance to the requirements of the Standard and explain how compliance can be demonstrated to maintain food safety, quality, legality, and authenticity
Describe the scope of companies and products covered by the Standard
Describe steps to conduct a BRCGS audit including the preparation, planning, and reporting of the audit
Utilise and explain resource tools available for compliance and beneficial support from BRCGS.
Who should attend
Those interested in becoming a BRCGS Auditor and who do not hold a Lead Assessor qualification*
Compliance/Technical Managers and personnel (including those from retailing and manufacturing)
Quality Managers and personnel
Operations Managers
Internal audit personnel
Site staff wishing to gain auditing skills and a deeper understanding of the Standard
Importers and exporters of food products
Foodservice staff
Retailers
Industry Consultants
Current BRCGS Auditors and Auditors of other schemes
Certification Body personnel (including scheme managers and those reviewing reports and /or corrective actions)
*Those interested in becoming a BRCGS Auditor who already hold a Lead Assessor qualification (eg FSSC 22000, IFS Food, SQF, etc) may choose to attend the 3-day Food Safety Auditor course instead of the 5-day Food Safety Lead Auditor course
Pre-requisites
To have a working knowledge of quality management systems and auditing within the relevant manufacturing sector
To have completed a hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) course of at least two days’ duration. If you need HACCP or HARA training, we propose various suitable courses. Have a browse at the website or get in touch for advice :)
To have carefully reviewed the Food Safety standard (appendices & glossary included) before the course starts. You can download a free (locked PDF) copy of the standard here.
Programme Outline
Day 1 | Welcome and introduction | Scope and format of the Standard | Requirements of the Standard
Day 2 | Requirements of the Standard (continued)
Day 3 | Audit protocol | BRCGS compliance and support | Auditor requirements | Practical exercises
Day 4 | Auditing fundamentals | Practical exercises
Day 5 | Auditing fundamentals (continued) | Practical exercises | Revision | Course exam
Instructor credentials
This training course is delivered by experienced BRCGS ‘approved training partners’ (ATPs) and ‘approved virtual trainers’ (AVTs).
This is our lovely team of trainers.
How to book and pay
You can book your space directly on the website. Go to the booking section, click on the session of your choice and follow the instructions to pay by card. VAT will not be added at checkout if you're booking from outside of the UK.
If you want to pay on invoice, simply email us!
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Before the courseA few days before the course starts, participants are given access by email to the necessary pre-course information: formal enrolment link, Zoom meeting details, course materials and more. To ensure smooth online participation, the delegates need to make sure before the course starts that they have a stable internet connection, a fully charged device, and a working camera and microphone. If you have any questions at all in the run up to your course, feel free to get in touch.
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During the courseAt Ask Sonia Limited, we’re all about creating a positive, interactive and impactful learning experience. To help foster an open and friendly yet professional group atmosphere, we ask that, as much as possible, all participants keep their camera and microphone on during the Zoom sessions throughout the course. This helps everyone engage, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. It’s all part of making our sessions dynamic, interactive, and personal, so that you get the most out of your training! If you’re not completely confident in your spoken English, do not worry! Most of our trainers speak English as a second language, so we know how it feels to attend a live course in a language that’s not your first. We use Zoom’s automatic translation captions to support those students who need it, and it works wonderfully. Just let us know when you book if it is something you’d be interested in. If you are unable to join at the very start of a session, please have the courtesy to inform your trainer or to email us.
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After the courseIf you would like to keep in touch with us after the course, we’d love that! If we can be of further advice, guidance or support with your professional project, we will be delighted. Ask Sonia Limited is a small business. We take great pride in our very personable and caring approach to professional training. So don’t be a stranger, and don’t be shy.
What happens once your space has been booked
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We understand that sometimes life gets in the way, and we aim to be as flexible as possible. If you wish to reschedule your course, just send us an email as soon as possible. In most cases we are able and happy to move your booking at no extra cost. Where this might not be possible, we will discuss with you the options available in order to find the best solution to suit your needs.
Reviews and Testimonials
See what previous participants thought of their learning experience with Ask Sonia Limited 😊
