Certification Services Division

1 Spencer Parade, Northampton

NN1 5AA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0)1604-259-056.
Fax: +44(0)1604-231-489.
E-mail: pcn@bindt.org

PCN/2 - CONSTITUTION, TERMS OF REFERENCE AND METHOD OF

WORKING OF THE CERTIFICATION MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1. The Council of the British Institute of NDT has constituted a Certification Management
Committee (CMC) and delegates to that Committee the task of managing the certification operations
of its Certification Services Division. This committee fulfils the requirement for a PCN Scheme
Committee in terms of ISO/IEC 17024.
1.2. In order to preserve the impartiality of the PCN Scheme, and to take into consideration the
specific certification needs of industry, the CMC accepts the advice of the PCN Certification Advisory
Board on the policy framework and procedure in respect of all accredited PCN Certification activities.
1.3. This document, which describes the constitution, terms of reference and method of working of
the CMC, is approved by Council and by the PCN Certification Advisory Board. Any changes to this
document shall be approved by both of the aforementioned bodies.
2.

CONSTITUTION

2.1.
The members of the CMC are appointed by the Council of the Institute in accordance with the
provisions of the Institute's bye laws, and their appointment as members of the PCN Scheme
Committee is ratified by the PCN Certification Advisory Board.
2.2.
Either the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the PCN Certification Advisory Board shall be invited
to attend that portion of each CMC meeting during which Governance of the PCN Scheme is
considered.
3.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

3.1.

The CMC shall:

3.1.1. manage the PCN Certification Scheme in accordance with policy agreed by the PCN
Certification Advisory Board;
3.1.2. commission and cause to be maintained, a documented quality management system detailing
procedures for operation of the Certification Services Division;
3.1.3. take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the British Institute of NDT meets, and is
accredited as meeting, the criteria contained within appropriate European and international standards
covering the certification activities for which accreditation is sought;
3.1.4. be empowered to constitute sub-committees with terms of reference and methods of working
to achieve the effective management of the Certification Services Division and the adequate provision
of services to industry;
3.1.5. monitor the operation of any sub-committees and regularly review their constitution, terms of
reference and method of working;
3.1.6. draft, (or cause to be drafted) and approve (or seek appropriate approval) for publication and
implementation, documentation necessary to provide services in line with the aims and objectives of
the Certification Services Division;
3.1.7. review and update existing certification documentation in the light of changes and
developments in applicable British, European and international standards;
3.1.8 maintain a level of PCN examination availability commensurate with the NDT personnel
certification demands of industry;
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing is an accredited certification body offering
personnel and quality management systems assessment and certification against criteria set
out in international and European standards through the PCN Certification Scheme.
PCN/2 Issue 8 dated 27

TH

September 2005

3.1.9 monitor and direct the activities of the Certification Services Division in processing applications
for and awarding PCN quality management systems certification;
3.1.10 monitor the administration costs of the Certification Services Division and recommend to
Council the levels of PCN charges and fees necessary to maintain the effective running of the PCN
Scheme;
3.1.11 at all times preserve the confidentiality of information to which they may gain access in the
course of their duties.
4.

METHOD OF WORKING

4.1.
The CMC shall meet as frequently as is deemed necessary to manage the business of the
Division. Meetings will normally be held on four occasions in each calendar year. Each meeting will be
convened on the authority of the Chairman by the Secretary with at least 21 days notice in writing.
4.2.
Matters to be decided at a meeting shall be supported by written documentation issued in
advance of the meeting.
4.3.
The quorum for a meeting shall be one third of the current voting members. The CMC will
ordinarily work by consensus but, in the event that a vote is necessary, matters shall be decided by a
simple majority, the Chairman having a casting vote in the event of a tied vote.
4.4.
At a minimum of one meeting per annum, the CSD Manager shall invite the attendance of the
Authorised Qualifying Bodies and, where changes to policy or management that may affect the
business of such bodies, consult with them before making such changes;
4.5.
The Certification Services Division Manager shall provide, on the behalf of the CMC, a written
report to each meeting of BINDT Council and the PCN Certification Advisory Board. This report shall
include CMC recommendations for ratification by Council or the PCN Certification Advisory Board,
information on the implementation of Certification policy, and sufficient information to enable the PCN
Certification Advisory Board to maintain an overview of the finances of accredited PCN Certification
activities.
4.6.
The Certification Services Division Manager will, at the end of each financial year, submit for
the approval of the CMC an income and expenditure budget for the following financial year covering
the operation of the Division.
Authorised for the BINDT Council
and Certification Advisory Board

J R Thompson
Manager, BINDT Certification Services

PCN2_SC_ToR

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Created on 9/8/2005 3:03:00 PM