Various horticultural sectors are hit unprecedented by the coronacrisis. MPS empathizes and does everything it can to continue to support growers together with all links in the chain. The coronavirus currently occurs in all countries in which MPS carries out its activities. As the situation varies from country to country, our approach is to act at a local level. MPS follows the guidelines of the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment), the World Health Organization (WHO), local authorities and local health organizations in relevant countries.
“We understand it is a difficult situation and do our utmost to ensure that companies remain certified within the rules and conditions set by the standard owner, the Accreditation Council and the International Accreditation Federation. We have taken a number of measures to limit the chance of spreading the coronavirus as much as possible and to ensure that companies remain certified." says Remco Landsmeer, Manager Operations at MPS-ECAS. MPS-ECAS is a certification body (CI) that checks other certificates in addition to MPS certificates.
Remote audits
Physical audits are currently not possible, therefore the audits are carried out remotely. MPS-ECAS ensures that a certificate remains valid or is renewed by means of a remote audit. Depending on the different requirements, the audit is carried out remotely and may be supplemented at a later date with an audit of the company. Landsmeer: “Last week we already performed more than 80 remote audits at home and abroad. Working with digital tools, such as Skype, to communicate optimally with our customers, went very well”. More information about remote auditing: click here.
Visit
In addition to auditors who no longer visit companies, other employees within the organization no longer visit companies. In addition, MPS does not receive visitors at the office. Appointments already made will be made or opposed by telephone or via Skype, for example.
Working flexibly
The MPS Group ensured that all its employees can work flexibly. This means that employees are not tied to a fixed workplace, so that the service can continue. Currently, employees work at home as much as possible to limit the chance of spreading.
For more information
MPS
www.my-mps.com