Programs

Witness Audits Explained: The ‘Auditor Evaluation’ Audit

What is a Witness Audit?

From time to time, your Certification Body may contact you and request that an additional auditor attends your site to complete a witness audit on the lead auditor.

A witness audit is not a second audit of your business—it’s an evaluation of the auditor’s performance, not on you or your operations, as they complete your scheduled audit.

Why are Witness Audits needed?

Witness audits are carried out when:

• An auditor is in the final stages of their training, or
• As part of routine performance assessments to make sure auditors continue to meet Freshcare’s high standards.

This process helps maintain the consistency, rigour, and credibility of the Freshcare certification system—giving all growers confidence that every audit is fair and reliable.

What to expect:

• You’ll be contacted by your Certification Body in advance if your audit is selected for witnessing.
• A qualified auditor or technical manager, trained in conducting witness audits, will attend your audit.
• Their role is to observe the lead auditor—how they plan, question, verify evidence, and assess compliance.
• This additional auditor won’t audit your business again, and their presence won’t affect your audit result.

A witness audit helps ensure all auditors are performing to the required standard, supporting the integrity and strength of the Freshcare certification system for every grower.