The RISQS team regularly meet to discuss key metrics and trends collected from the supply chain auditing we carry out every single day.

This forum provides an opportunity to examine where key non-conformance trends have arisen and why they might be occurring.

One such example that has recently come to light is a rise in businesses receiving major non-conformances within section 8.1 – Monitoring and Measuring.

This section is a common area of non-conformance, often due to inadequate monitoring systems and failure to address previous audit findings.

It is a concern that non-conformance within business management systems can lead to more widespread non-conformance within the supply chain, raising the possibility of increased risk being imported into the railway infrastructure.

Here are some key tips that businesses can use to check that their management systems are robust all year round.

1. Effective planning to close findings

  • Develop a comprehensive plan: Create a plan and direct responsibility to relevant individuals to address specific actions. Regularly review timelines and update the plan in line with the evolving business environment.
  • Promptly address audit findings: Integrate the planning process with prompt action. Ensure that any non-conformances identified in previous audits are addressed in a timely manner and not days before the next audit.
  • Maintain a non-conformance register: Log all non-conformances, corrective actions, and their status to provide clear evidence of issue resolution.
  • Verify closure of issues: Conduct follow-up checks to confirm that corrective actions have been effectively implemented and that issues are resolved.

2. Continuous improvement and feedback loops

  • Engage staff in safety performance: Encourage employee involvement in safety monitoring and reporting to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Document lessons learned: Use findings from audits as a continuous improvement cycle and to prevent risk entering the railway infrastructure.

3. Stay informed and educated

  • Participate in RISQS webinars and training: Engage with educational resources provided by RISQS to stay updated on compliance requirements and best practices. You can view our events calendar here. 

If you have any questions regarding your audit, please contact info@risqs.org.