Page 5 - EQA contractor code MP Edit 110202019

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Assessor Code of Conduct
We are dedicated to conducting our business honestly and ethically with the knowledge that how we
conduct ourselves day-to-day is essential to fulfilling our commitment to our core values. In order to
live up to that commitment, we rely on everyone associated with the Contractor, including Assessors,
to adhere to certain principles.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide you, the Assessor with some information on a range of
subjects related to EQA (Ireland) Ltd and our Independent Service Contract with you. This Code
provides you with an easy-to-follow guide to our expectations and is in effect a best practice
document. This Code in no way supersedes the Independent Service Contract between the Contractor
and the Assessor.

1.2 About EQA (Ireland) Ltd
EQA have been providing impartial third-party certification of Management Systems since 1995 and
Certification of Security Systems for the purpose of Private Security Authority licensing since 2006.

EQA was founded at a time when other certification bodies were focused on large clients while
providing a poor service to SME’s. While EQA now include some very large companies in our directory
of certified clients, EQA still ensure that all companies and individuals receive personal attention and
are treated as valued clients.

EQA are accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO
45001, EN 50131 and SR 40 certification. We are approved by the Private Security Authority for
certification of standards for security licensing. We also provide non-accredited certification to a
number of standards using Accredited Certification criteria. INAB is a member of the European Co-
Operation for Accreditation (EA) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). The Multi-Lateral
Agreements operated by both EA and IAF ensure that certificates with the INAB logo are recognized
internationally.

We have a large panel of auditors and experts with a wide range of industry experience. It is important
to us that Assessors understand the business they are auditing. It is only by understanding the context
of an organization that an auditor can effectively make a judgement as to whether or not a
management or security system is compliant with the standard. We do not employ full time Assessors
as we believe that auditors lose their effectiveness if they are not involved in other activities in
addition to auditing.

We are committed to the long-term growth of EQA through meeting our customer’s needs and we
endeavour to create a safe and positive environment where all are treated with dignity and equality.

We acknowledge the need for flexibility with our operations dictated by the ever-changing economy
and other political, legal and environmental conditions. We believe that all Assessors, as ambassadors
of the Contractor, should be honest, trustworthy and loyal and embrace being an integral part of a
growing team and organisation.

1.3 Confidentiality Agreement
All Assessors are required to acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the terms of this Code of Conduct
and it constitutes a written agreement not to disclose to third parties, any confidential information,
technical or otherwise about the Contractor, its customers, its services or its members.

Assessor Code of Conduct Issue 1 July 2019 Page 4 of 16