Compliance Auditing – Reducing Client Risk and Improving Supply Chain Accountability

To date, SparkSafe has carried out almost 1000 independent compliance audits on behalf of Public Sector Client organisations in Northern Ireland.

Auditing is an essential Client resource aimed at halting the decline and deskilling trends in the industry. The objective of the SparkSafe audit process is to strengthen Client engagement with the industry by improving supply chain accountability around the qualifications, skills and experience of electrical workers.

By using our compliance auditing service, Clients can evaluate how well their supply chain is adhering to the specified quality standards and conditions of contract as defined in PGN 01/16.

We are pleased to report that the level of compliance has improved significantly, with an increase in the number of positive audit outcomes being reported in almost all Client organisations.  We attribute the improvement in compliance to two main factors.  The first being the diligence of Client Project Managers, and the second factor is linked to increased buy-in from those main contractors who are focused on future PQQ, tendering, and contract award opportunities.

Benefits of Compliance Auditing

The SparkSafe system is an original industry-led concept.  Our system focuses on protecting Clients from the safety, quality, and value for money risks associated with the employment of unqualified, underqualified, and semi-skilled electrical workers.

SparkSafe’s compliance auditing service is designed to drive improvement on behalf of industry Clients by placing an obligation on main contractors to ensure that only licenced electrical workers are employed on their projects. We conduct audits on behalf of Client organisations to instil confidence and assist in building and maintaining their reputation as responsible buyers of electrical contracting services.

The purpose of the SparkSafe audit is threefold –

• To improve quality and raise standards, ensuring only independently assessed and licenced electrical workers are employed on the Clients project.
• To protect responsible main contractors and their Clients from the harmful effects of extended sub-contract tiering.
• To incentivise Level 3 apprentice recruitment and adult worker upskilling in the UK industry.

Auditing compliance, against specific contract conditions, such as electrical Licence to Practise, also addresses a blind spot, that Clients have historically been obliged to tolerate.

Recommendations for Client Project Managers

• Keep the audit process “front of mind” with the supply chain at initial and subsequent progress meetings.
• Take appropriate action against non-compliance feedback. Minute reported deviations, activate KPI, service level agreement or breach of contract terms and conditions on behalf of the public.
• Commend the supply chain via the progress meeting minutes when verified compliance is achieved.
• Make use of the available support and training from the SparkSafe team for clarification, advice, and guidance regarding your SparkSafe LtP responsibilities.