1. Purpose
Times United Verifications and Inspections is committed to conducting all inspection activities with impartiality, integrity, independence, and objectivity, in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020:2012.
This policy establishes the principles and controls to ensure that inspection activities are free from bias, conflicts of interest, commercial pressures, bribery, corruption, or any other undue influence that could compromise the credibility of inspection results.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All inspection activities carried out by Times United
- All personnel involved in inspection activities, including management, inspectors, technical staff, and support staff
- All locations, projects, and clients served by the organization
3. Policy Statement
Times United Verifications and Inspections shall perform inspection activities impartially and independently. Decisions and judgments related to inspection outcomes shall be based solely on objective evidence and established inspection criteria.
The organization strictly prohibits bribery, corruption, facilitation payments, gifts, hospitality, or any improper financial or non-financial inducements that may influence, or be perceived to influence, inspection activities or decisions.
4. Key Principles
4.1 Independence
We maintain independence in our inspection activities by ensuring that inspection decisions and judgments are free from any external pressures, influences, or conflicts of interest.
Times United strictly prohibits bribery, corruption, facilitation payments, gifts, hospitality, or any other improper financial or non-financial inducements that may influence inspection activities or decisions.
4.2 Objectivity
Inspections are conducted objectively, based on factual evidence, applicable standards, and defined acceptance criteria, without favoritism or prejudice toward any party.
Inspection outcomes shall not be influenced by commercial considerations, personal benefits, or external inducements.
4.3 Transparency
We maintain transparency in inspection processes and decision-making by providing clear and accurate information to clients and other interested parties.
Any attempt to improperly influence inspection activities or personnel shall be reported and addressed in accordance with organizational procedures.
4.4 Confidentiality
All information obtained during inspection activities, including client data, inspection results, and proprietary information, is treated as confidential and protected against unauthorized disclosure, except where disclosure is required by law or authorized by the client.
4.5 Competence
Times United ensures that personnel involved in inspection activities are competent, qualified, and authorized to perform their duties. Competence is maintained through training, monitoring, and periodic evaluation.
5. Implementation and Controls
5.1 Impartiality Oversight
An Impartiality Committee is established to oversee, monitor, and review impartiality-related risks and issues. The committee evaluates risks to impartiality and ensures appropriate controls are implemented.
5.2 Conflict of Interest and Anti-Bribery Controls
Procedures are in place to identify, assess, and manage conflicts of interest that may arise during inspection activities. These controls include:
- Mandatory disclosure of conflicts of interest by personnel
- Prohibition of bribery, corruption, and undue influence
- Requirements for personnel to declare any gifts, benefits, or inducements that could affect impartiality
- Appropriate mitigation actions where risks are identified
5.3 Training and Awareness
Times United provides training and awareness programs to personnel on:
- Impartiality and ethical conduct
- Conflict of interest management
- Prohibition of bribery, corruption, and improper influence
Personnel are trained to recognize and appropriately respond to situations that may compromise impartiality.
5.4 Remuneration and Commercial Independence
Personnel involved in inspection activities are remunerated through fixed salary arrangements and are not incentivized based on the number of inspections performed, inspection outcomes, or commercial results.
This ensures inspection decisions remain independent of financial or commercial pressures.
6. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
The effectiveness of this policy is monitored through:
- Internal audits
- Management reviews
- Impartiality risk assessments
- Feedback from stakeholders
The policy and related controls are reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to ensure continued effectiveness and alignment with ISO/IEC 17020 requirements.
7. Non-Compliance
Any violation of this policy, including involvement in bribery, corruption, or undue influence, may result in disciplinary action and may lead to removal of authorization, termination of employment, or legal action where applicable.
8. Conclusion
Times United Verifications and Inspections is committed to upholding the highest standards of impartiality, integrity, and independence. This policy underpins the organization's commitment to delivering reliable, unbiased, and credible inspection services and maintaining the confidence of clients, regulators, and other interested parties.