An Agency of

Appeals Policy

Clients of the National Certification Body of Jamaica (NCBJ) may appeal any decision by the NCBJ not to award, withdraw/revoke or suspend certification. Complaints will only be accepted from those entities in a contractual relationship in good standing with the National Certification Body Jamaica, or those with an interest in the certifications issued by the National Certification Body Jamaica, and are limited to the certification programmme requirements, except under extenuating circumstances (e.g. report of a client using the certification in an unauthorized manner). Where such disputes may arise, the dispute will be resolved in accordance with the laws of Jamaica.

It is the responsibility of NCBJ to not only inform its clients of the complaints, appeals and disputes handling process before and after the conduct of any activity relating to its certification process but to make it accessible.

NCBJ is responsible for all decisions at all levels of the appeals-handling process.

NCBJ is responsible for gathering and verifying all necessary information to validate the appeal.

Actions

  • On receipt of the notification of intention to file an appeal, the NCBJ shall instruct the appellant to submit a written appeal and comprehensive report to the Appeals Committee for assessment, and issue a copy to the NCBJ.

  • NCBJ acknowledges receipt of the appeal and provides the appellant with progress reports and the result of the appeal.

  • The NCBJ shall attach the appellant’s report to the organization’s file.

  • The NCBJ establishes an Appeals Committee (an independent body) who collectively have the necessary technical expertise, management system competence, legal knowledge and knowledge of the Management System to competently arrive at a decision on the matter under appeal.

  • A formal notice is given to the appellant of the end of the appeals handling process.

  • If the appellant does not agree with the ruling given by the appeals committee, the complainant can opt to take the concern to the granting Accreditation Body. A negative outcome against the NCBJ resulting from to such an appeal shall lead to sanctions being applied by the NCBJ’s accreditation body in accordance with IAF MD7.