Requirements for Certification
Requirements for Certification
V14
Publication date: 1 st April 2025
Requirements for Certification
Requirements for Certification / V14 2025-04-01
CONTENTS
1. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 3
2. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS............................................................................................................................... 3
3. CHANGE LOG................................................................................................................................................... 7
4. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 10
5. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION BODIES ...........................................................................................10
5.1 5.2 5.3
General Requirements for Certification Bodies
10 11 12
Qualifications of Audit Team Members for Certifying a Training Provider Revoking Approval of Certification Bodies or Individual Auditors
6. THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS .....................................................................................................................12
6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8
Request for Certification
13 13 15 16 16 18 18 19
Initial Certification
Surveillance (and Surveillance Re-certification)
Extension of Scope
Estimate for Man-Day Allocation for Certification Process
Transfer Between Certification Bodies
Remote Auditing
Issue of Certificates, Audit Reports and Requirements to Inform GWO
7. MULTI-SITE CERTIFICATION .......................................................................................................................... 20
7.1
Eligibility of a Multi-Site Training Provider for Certification
21 22
7.2 Methodology for Auditing a Multi-Site Training Provider Using Site Sampling: Initial Certification
7.3 Methodology for Auditing a Multi-Site Training Provider Using Site Sampling: Surveillance (and Surveillance Re-certification) 22 7.4 Methodology for Auditing a Multi-Site Training Provider Using Site Sampling: Extension of Sites 25 7.5 Methodology for Auditing a Multi-Site Training Provider Using Site Sampling: Extension of Scope 25 7.6 Qualification of Internal Auditors 26 7.7 The Internal Audit Process 26 7.8 Multi-Site Training Provider Certificates 27
ANNEX 1 - GWO QUALIFICATION FOR NEW AUDITORS ........................................................................................30
ANNEX 2 - VERSION HISTORY .................................................................................................................................... 31
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1. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
GWO
Global Wind Organisation
ISO
International Standards Organisation
IAF
International Accreditation Forum
IQT
Instructor Qualification Training
IQTT
Instructor Qualification Trainer Training
IQTX
Instructor Qualification Crossover Training
MD
Mandatory Document
MLA
Multilateral Recognition Arrangement
NCR
Non-Conformity Report
2. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
Term
Definition
Accreditation Third-party attestation related to a conformity assessment body conveying formal
demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks. (See: ISO 17011:2017)
Activities
Tasks which involve action of some form.
Approval
To officially accept an agreement, decision or rule.
Assessment template
The form that is completed by an external auditor to verify and document the quality of an internal audit conducted by the training provider.
Audit programme
The programme that is used to determine the purpose of audits and arrange the time frame and conditions for their implementation.
Audit report The report that shows the findings of an audit.
Authority
The person or body who holds power to command.
Can
Indicates a possibility or a capability.
Central function
The function that is responsible for and centrally controls the management system (See: IAF MD1 1:2023).
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Certificate life cycle
The stages a certificate goes through from its creation to its renewal or expiration.
Certification Third party validation that a person, organization or thing meets the requirements set out in the certification scheme.
Certification body
The organization which is responsible for conducting certifications for the purpose of verifying conformity.
Comply
To act in accordance with and fulfilment of the required standards.
Consider
To take something into account and think carefully about.
Corrective action
An action that is taken to reduce a risk or resolve a problem such as a non-conformity.
Demonstrate To show clearly with evidence or examples.
Determine
To evaluate and verify with the analysis of evidence.
Deviation
A noticeable or marked departure from the accepted norms of behaviour.
Eligible
The condition describing when a person or organization may be considered for something after having met the necessary criteria or rules of selection.
Equipment
Physical objects like tools that are used to accomplish specific purposes.
Extension of certificates
The addition of a module, setting, or site to an existing certificate issued by a GWO approved certification body.
Extension of scope
Process of expanding the range of activities, products, or services covered by a certification or management system.
External Auditor
An auditor who conducts audits on behalf of the certification body which owns the certificate for the multi-site training provider.
Fully participate
To take part in all activities to the greatest degree possible.
GWO Instructor
An instructor who has successfully met the instructor qualification requirements for delivering at least one module as set out in the GWO requirements for training.
GWO qualified auditor
An auditor who has successfully met the auditor qualification requirements for certifying a training provider as set out in the GWO Requirements for Certification.
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Instructor Candidate
A person undergoing the instructor qualification process to qualify as a GWO instructor.
Internal audit The audit that is performed when the audit team belongs to the same organization that is being audited.
Investigation To collect information through inspection and the gathering of documents.
Major Non- conformity
A non-conformity that affects the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results. If there is a significant doubt that the effective process control is in place, or that the staff, equipment, or facilities will meet the specified requirements, then this includes legal requirements. A number of minor non-conformities associated with the same requirement or issue could demonstrate a systemic failure and thus constitute a major non-conformity.
May
Indicates a permission.
Minor Non- conformity
A non-conformity that on its own does not affect the capability of the management system to achieve the intended results.
Mock training Option for training provider and auditor to carry out assessment of training delivery during a training session organised for this sole purpose. During the audit for mock training, the auditor shall be able to ask the training provider to demonstrate any of the theoretical and practical learning elements from the module as part of the audit, keeping in line with the requirements for the man-day estimation table for practical training. This may be performed in the form of sampling. Elements should not be agreed in advance.
Module
Describes the training content that is to be delivered and assessed during GWO training. Modules include lessons, elements, and learning objectives. Each module has a WINDA training record associated with it.
For clarity where the word “must” is used in this standard it shall have the same meaning as “shall”.
Must
Non- conformity
An organisation’s non-fulfilment of a requirement
Observing
To watch, listen and use any combination of senses to notice and perceive what is happening.
Physical resources
All material things which can be used to enable an action. In the context of training this includes both the training facilities themselves and all of the physical learning materials like tools and equipment which may be contained within it.
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Practical elements
The distinctive parts of training which focus on some aspect of practice or bodily action.
Practical exercises
Occasions which call for the practice of bodily action.
Processes
A grouped set of activities or actions which convert inputs into outputs.
Quality management system
A system that is used to regulate the quality of management within an organization.
Re- certification
The process of being certified again.
Reasonable concerns
Any matters or concerns which pertain to the interests of stakeholders.
REcognition
Is the defined GWO process for awarding recognition for previously acquired knowledge, skills and abilities.
Remote options
An option which involves the use of communication technology to perform an activity when are parties are not present in the same space. Remote options are used to describe alternative options for carrying out activities which are normally done with all parties together in the same space e.g. training or auditing.
Revoke
To officially cancel an agreement, decision or rule.
Risk assessment
All of the processes involved in evaluation of the risks and the necessary mitigation measures.
The process of selecting an example or part which will be taken to represent the characteristics of the whole population from which it was selected.
Sampling
Scope of certification
Everything within the defined limits of the certification scheme.
Sector codes The specific identifier assigned to a particular industry or sector.
Setting
The physical or virtual environment where training is delivered.
Shall
Verbal form used to indicate requirements strictly to be followed in order to conform to this standard and from which no deviation is permitted.
Should
Verbal form used to indicate that among several possibilities one is recommended as particularly suitable, without mentioning or excluding others, or that a certain course of action is preferred but not necessarily required.
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Single management system
A single management system is an integrated approach where an organization combines multiple management standards into one cohesive framework.
Site sampling Selecting and evaluating a single site or subset of sites to draw conclusions about an organization which contains more than one site.
Standard
A GWO training standard consists of standard specific requirements and one or more training modules.
Statutory requirements
The requirements that have been made compulsory by a relevant legislative body.
Taxonomy
The classification scheme for categorising learning objectives by subject and hierarchy.
WINDA
GWO’s database of training records, allowing unique and digital verification of training.
WINDA ID
A unique identification code attributed to a course participant
WINDA
A record of training uploaded to a course participant’s WINDA ID.
Record
Witnessing
To observe something for the purposes of providing evidence about what happened.
3. CHANGE LOG
Amendment date
Version
Approved by & date
01.04.2025
V14
GWO CEO 18.02.2025
Description of changes
Section 2. Terms and definitions
New terms added:
• Accreditation, Activities, Approval, Assessment template, Audit programme, Audit report, Authority, Central function, Certificate life cycle, Certification, Certification body, Comply, Consider, Corrective action, Demonstrate, Determine, Deviation, Eligible, Equipment, Extension of certificates, Extension of scope, Fully participate, GWO Instructor, GWO qualified auditor, Instructor Candidate, Internal audit, Investigation, Mock training, Module, Observing, Physical resources, Practical elements, Practical exercises, Processes, Quality management system, Re-certification, Reasonable concerns, REcognition, Remote options, Revoke, Risk assessment, Sampling, Scope of certification, Sector codes, Setting, Single management system, Site sampling, Standard, Statutory requirements, Taxonomy, Witnessing
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Section 4. Introduction
• Updated to state V14 replaces all previous versions and is effective from 1st April 2025. Clarified continued validity of V13 until 30th September 2025.
Changes Throughout:
QMS replaced with “management system.”
•
• References to "standards and modules" replaced with "modules."
• References to "withdraw" replaced with "revoke."
• References to "cycle of certification" or "audit cycle" replaced by "certification cycle."
• Sections 5.3.5, 6.7.1, and 7: Updated references from "IAF MD1 version 2" to "IAF MD1: 2023."
Specific Section Changes:
• Clause 5.1.1: Text updated to reflect that certifications must align with GWO Requirements for Training and GWO modules. • Clause 5.1.7: Removed requirement for certification bodies to register with WINDA as a rolling process. • Clause 5.2.2: Updated requirements for auditors to state: "A fully qualified and active ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 lead auditor under ISO/IEC 17021 or ISO/IEC 17065 must conduct the audit of a training provider."
• Clause 5.2.3b.iii: Reference to remote supervision now permitted for physical audits.
• Clause 5.3.1: Reference to “suspension of approval” added for clarification.
• Clause 6.1.3: Updated text to state that valid module versions must be used for certification and recorded in WINDA.
• Subsection 6.2 “Multi-settings offers” removed; 6.2.3 is now 6.2.18 and 6.2.4 is now 6.2.19
• Clause 6.2.12: Auditor observation requirements updated to ensure instructors are part of the ongoing competence program and subject to annual assessments. • Clause 6.3.1: Updated surveillance audit timing: must occur between 10-14 months after the certificate’s “valid from” date. • Clause 6.3.3 (now 6.2.3): Clarification that the Stage 1 audit is a readiness review of the management system taken from the Requirements for Training (Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9). • Clause 6.3.10 (now 6.4.2): Included reference to “Physical settings” to clarify that it does not apply to digital learning. • Clause 6.4.2: “Different settings” replaced with “different physical settings” to clarify that this does not apply to digital learning.
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• New clauses 6.4.3, 6.4.4, and 6.4.5: Detailing specific requirements for extension of scope to digital learning.
• New Clause 6.4.7: Addition of the auditing requirements for the Recognition scheme.
• ½Clause 6.5.3: Removed because BSTR-P is no longer offered.
• Clause 6.5.5: Added new requirement for auditing REcognition processes with a guide duration of three hours.
• Clause 6.8.2d (now 6.7.3): Removed reference to "extensions of scope for digital delivery."
• Clause 6.8.3e: Addition of the REcognition scheme.
• Clause 6.8.4: Updated deadline for uploading certificates of conformity to WINDA: no later than 12 calendar days following certificate issue date.
• New clause 6.8.5: Recommendations for aligning certificates into one cycle.
• New clause 6.8.6: Notification requirements for transitioning into the multisite scheme.
• New clause 6.8.7: Updated process for changes to multisite certificates.
• Tables 6.5.1 and 6.5.2: Replaced “quality management system” with “management system.”
Section 7. Multi-Site Certification:
• Clause 7.1.10: Updated conditions for transitioning to multi-site certification with options for audit cycles and certificate dates.
• Clause 7.2.1 (a): Clarified audit witnessing requirements in different training settings.
• Clause 7.3.2: Clarified that the central site must always be included in annual sampling plan and must be the first one audited. • New Clause 7.3.3: Annual sampling plans must be conducted within 12 months of the central site audit.
Clause 7.5.9: Added REcognition scheme.
•
• Clause 7.7.10: Added: it is sufficient if all questions related to processes or procedures are covered only in the central function audit. The internal audits at each site will focus in sampling compliance with the procedures or processes created in the central function.
Clause 7.8.1e: Added REcognition scheme.
•
Table 7.3.2:
• Adjusted required internal audits for sites from "22" to "2" over two years.
New Annex:
Annex 2 - Version History
•
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4. INTRODUCTION
Global Wind Organisation is a non-profit body founded by the wind turbine manufacturers and owners. Our members strive for an injury free work environment in the wind turbine industry, setting common international standards for safety training and emergency procedures Central to our governance is the global training records database, WINDA, which enables training partners, operators and individuals to verify training and provides industry-wide transparency regarding the training status of personnel
This document states the requirements for certifying training providers to deliver training according to GWO Modules and Frameworks
It is intended for use by prospective and existing GWO-approved certification bodies and defines acceptable conditions and prerequisites for auditing and certifying training providers
This document constitutes version 14 of the Requirements for Certification
Until 30th September 2025, version 13 remains valid. However, version 14 may be used at the discretion of the certification body from the date of approval, if so agreed with the training provider
5. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION BODIES
5.1 General Requirements for Certification Bodies 5.1.1 The certification body must be accredited by a signatory of the “IAF MLA to ISO/IEC 17021: Conformity Assessment - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems”, and/or accredited by a signatory of the “IAF MLA to ISO/IEC 17065: Conformity Assessment - Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, Processes, and Services”. The certification must be carried out in accordance with the GWO Requirements for Training and the GWO modules
5.1.2 In the case that the certification body is accredited to ISO/IEC 17021, it must also be accredited to ISO 9001 or ISO 45001
5.1.3 All accreditations must be within relevant sector codes subject to review by GWO
5.1.4 Prior to performing an audit, the certification body must document conformity with the requirements in this document, of the certification body itself (S 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3), and the audit team members specifically. Upon approval, the certification body will be listed on the GWO website as a GWO-approved certification body
5.1.5 Certification bodies shall create a Certification Body User Profile in GWO’s WINDA platform. This profile shall include contact details, ISO accreditations, GWO’s Auditor Qualification Training and Auditor Development
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Training certificates and connected training providers among other things specified in WINDA. Each Certification Body Profile will have unique WINDA ID. A Certification Body Profile must additionally include at least one Auditor User Profile
5.1.6 GWO’s WINDA registration can be accessed through this link https://winda.globalwindsafety.org/register/ More information on audit reports is contained in our FAQ and associated guidance
5.1.7 Certification bodies shall be responsible for the maintenance of their WINDA profile and timely record keeping
5.2 Qualifications of Audit Team Members for Certifying a Training Provider
5.2.1 The qualifications of team members shall follow the general rules for accreditation regarding auditor qualifications and relevant sector codes
5.2.2 A fully qualified and active ISO 9001 or ISO 45001 lead auditor under ISO/IEC 17021 or ISO/IEC 17065 must conduct the audit of a training provider
5.2.3 Auditors who wish to perform GWO audits must:
a. successfully complete the GWO Auditor Qualification Training (AQT), which is designed as an entry qualification course for new auditors
b. complete a three-step qualification process, which requires that:
b.i the auditor in training must have attended (as an observer) a Stage 1 audit conducted by a GWO qualified auditor. As an alternative, the auditor shall be supervised by a GWO qualified auditor during the first Stage 1 audit which is led by the auditor in training. b.ii the auditor in training must have either observed or participated in (as a team member) a Stage 2 audit led by a GWO qualified auditor. This can be for initial certification, surveillance, or extension of scope. b.iii the auditor in training must have led a Stage 2 audit under the supervision of a GWO qualified auditor. This can be for initial certification, surveillance or extension of scope. It must be a physical audit, and the supervision can be remote. To document this, the certification body must use the “GWO Qualification for New Auditors” (template included as Annex 1) to register the auditor profile in WINDA. The auditor profile will not be accepted unless the GWO Qualification for New Auditor form is completed with details of the audits
Note
Compliance with step b.i is required before an auditor can conduct a Stage 1 audit
Auditors can conduct Stage 2 audits once steps b.ii and b.iii have been completed
The auditor must have an Auditor Profile on WINDA, created by the certification body, where qualifications and details are recorded. They will have unique WINDA ID
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For new certification bodies (without GWO qualified auditors), a qualification process conducted via an audit (under the supervision of a GWO Auditor Qualification Training (AQT) instructor) is recommended. To pursue this option, please contact the GWO Secretariat via info@globalwindorganisation.org.
5.2.4 The following requirements must be observed in order to maintain the GWO auditor qualification:
a. complete the GWO Auditor Development Training (ADT) within a 12-month interval from completion of the GWO Auditor Qualification Training (AQT)
b. participate in at least two GWO audits within a 12-month interval (either leading the audit, being an audit team member or supervising an audit led by an auditor in training)
Auditor Development Training can be attended up to 2 months prior to expiry and will maintain the original certification date
Note
GWO will not accept certification body certificates based on audits from auditors who have not documented their conformance with auditor qualification
5.2.5 In addition to its WINDA record the certification body shall keep records of the audit team, and of the audits they have participated in for, at least, the validity period of the certification plus three months
5.3 Revoking Approval of Certification Bodies or Individual Auditors 5.3.1 GWO may revoke the approval of an individual auditor or suspend the approval of a certification body following an investigation. This process will be instigated when GWO receives or uncovers evidence that the auditor or certification body does not follow the GWO Requirements for Certification. The final decision may be appealed by further submission to the GWO Audit and Compliance Committee 5.3.2 In cases where the GWO quality assessment process identifies recurrent and significant errors in the audit reports, (indicating a lack of understanding of the GWO Requirements by the auditor) auditor approval may be revoked
5.3.3 GWO may commission a third-party audit when there are reasonable concerns as to the integrity of certificate or audit previously conducted by a certification body or auditor
5.3.4 During an investigation by GWO, auditors and certification bodies must support GWO by providing relevant documentation
5.3.5 Should GWO´s decision be to revoke the approval for the certification body to conduct GWO audits, any required transfers of certificates shall be done according to “IAF MD2: 2023, Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems”
6. THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
This section describes the whole two-year certification process from request for proposal, to obtaining a certificate and continuing with annual surveillance audits.
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6.1 Request for Certification
6.1.1 New training providers should contact a GWO approved certification body to discuss the training provider certification process and the audit process
6.1.2 All certification bodies shall have implemented a programme for re-certification or extension of certification with their associated existing WINDA registered training providers to coincide with established certification cycles and other requirements 6.1.3 As part of the initial discussions, both parties must agree to the scope of certification against the GWO Requirements for Training and GWO’s modules. The valid versions of the modules shall be used for certification. These shall be recorded in WINDA and made accessible to both parties. 6.1.4 Prior to initial certification audits of new training providers and re-certification audits of existing training providers, the certification body must inform GWO of the name and location of the training provider by sending an email to info@globalwindsafety.org 6.1.5 If the training provider is certified for a specific GWO module and a new version is released, additional certification is not required, and verification that the changes have been addressed in the lesson plan will be conducted in the next surveillance audit 6.2 Initial Certification 6.2.1 Initial certification audits of GWO training providers are divided into a Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit as described below. GWO recommends the planning of sufficient time between Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits in order to properly implement corrective actions for identified areas of concern in Stage 1 that may lead to non-conformities in Stage 2
6.2.2 Initial certification audits of training providers must always be physical visits, at least for the witnessing of training in the Stage 2 audit
Stage 1 audit
6.2.3 Stage 1 is a readiness review of the four processes described (below) taken from the Requirements for Training (Sections 6, 7, 8, 9). This is performed by the auditor to determine the preparedness of the training provider for Stage 2, and must cover as part of the management system:
a. supporting processes (e.g., does supporting process described quality of documentation?) (Section 6)
b. training settings and resources (e.g. do equipment, resources and facilities match those described in the GWO module and is it maintained to be safe?) (Section 7)
c. instructor qualifications (e.g. is the instructor qualification programme sufficient to ensure all instructors are sufficiently qualified?) (Section 8)
d. training and assessment (e.g. do lesson plans and management instructions match the GWO module to be certified against?) (Section 9)
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6.2.4 Through dialogue with the training provider, Stage 1 must:
a. identify areas of concern, potentially leading to non-conformity
b.
review the allocation of resources for Stage 2
6.2.5 Stage 1 can be repeated until it produces satisfactory results to proceed with Stage 2
Stage 2 audit
6.2.6 The audit team shall provide an audit programme to the training provider based on the GWO Requirements for Training prior to the audit
6.2.7 During the audit, the audit team shall meet with the training provider’s management and staff to discuss the details of the process and consider possible issues relating to the performance of the audit
6.2.8 The audit team shall discuss any non-conformities, observations and opportunities for improvement if, and when, they are identified during the audit
6.2.9 Training providers who wish to offer training in a specific training setting must obtain certification for each of the GWO modules the training provider wishes to deliver in that setting
6.2.10 The maximum timeframe between completion of the audit against section 6, 7, 8 and 9 in the Requirements for Training is four weeks, except for multi-site certification
6.2.11 The auditor shall follow either an actual or a mock training session in each GWO module included in the audit scope
6.2.12 As part of the audit, the auditor must observe and assess an instructor delivering a training session to course participants. The instructor selected for observation must be a qualified GWO instructor who is already subject to annual instructor assessment and part of the ongoing competence programme run by the training provider being audited 6.2.13 Course participants attending the observed training must be sufficiently fit and capable to participate in the training and must hold all necessary pre-requisites required by the GWO module, as per sub- sections 9.2.1 and 9.2.3 in the Requirements for Training
6.2.14 The number of course participants in any part of the observed training (actual or mock) must comply with the following requirements:
a. exercises and timings must be capable of being adjusted to minimum and maximum
instructor/participant ratio while achieving the learning objectives in accordance with the GWO Taxonomy Framework. A plan for this must be documented and must be verified by the auditor. For example, when the participant number in any witnessed training is below the maximum instructor/participant ratio in the module (for a single instructor), the instructor must conduct the training in a manner that demonstrates the ability to train at the maximum instructor/participant ratio
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b. any minimum number of participants for any of theory or practical elements. If it is not possible to have regular registered course participants matching this minimum number, mock participants can be asked to join the course 6.2.15 During the witnessing of training portion of the audit, the auditor must evaluate the instructor’s correct use of the taxonomy as described in the relevant GWO module, as well as the instructor’s focus on learning transfer and the performance assessment of course participants. The evaluation of the instructor must include both theory and training as described in the GWO module
6.2.16 The duration of the training assessment is described in section 6.6 - Estimate for Man-day Allocation for Certification Process
6.2.17 Specific requirements for multi-site certification are detailed in sub-section 7.2
6.2.18 If different training providers use the same facility, each training provider must individually be certified to perform training in accordance with the Requirements for Training.
6.2.19 When there is a change of location of a fixed training facility, training cannot be resumed until the new location is listed in the certificate. An extraordinary audit must be conducted to verify that the appropriate physical equipment is in place and the risks are adequately managed. If the GWO modules and settings remain the same, no additional witnessing of training is required.
6.3 Surveillance (and Surveillance Re-certification)
6.3.1 Surveillance audits must be conducted at the earliest 10 months after the valid from date on the certificate. And no later than 14 months after the valid from date on the certificate
6.3.2 The end date of the first surveillance audit, following initial certification, shall not be more than 12 months after the “valid from” date of the certificate
6.3.3 The purpose of the surveillance audits shall be to record whether the training provider’s certification is in compliance and may continue
6.3.4 Surveillance audits shall be identical to the Stage 2 audits; however, sampling per module is allowed for the witnessing of training, although no more than two years may pass between witnessing each GWO module
6.3.5 After completion of a surveillance (initial) audit and a surveillance (re-certification) audit within a maximum of 24 months, a new certificate shall be issued
6.3.6 Training providers can be re-certified in advance (within two months) of the expiration of a valid certificate and maintain the original certification date. If a certificate has expired, the training provider must undergo an initial certification audit, with the option to proceed directly to Stage 2
6.3.7 The duration of the training assessment is described in section 6.6 - Estimate for Man-day Allocation for Certification Process
6.3.8 Specific requirements for multi-site certification are detailed in sub-section 7.3
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6.4 Extension of Scope
6.4.1 If a training provider with an existing certification wishes to be approved for additional scope (new GWO modules, training settings or REcognition), this can be done in one of two ways:
a.
in an extraordinary audit, or
b. during the ordinary surveillance audit, where extra time is allocated
6.4.2 If a specific GWO module is to be taught in a different physical setting (fixed, mobile, or onsite) the witnessing of training is required only if the lesson plan and the learning materials in the new setting are not common with the original setting. However, the audit will verify that the physical equipment required by the GWO module is in place, and that risks which are specific for each of the settings have been assessed.
6.4.3 If a training provider that is already certified to deliver a specific GWO module wishes to deliver learning objectives pertaining to knowledge digitally, a separate audit or digital training certification is not required
6.4.4 If a training provider that is already certified to deliver a specific GWO module wishes to deliver learning objectives pertaining to skills and abilities digitally, then a full audit (including witnessing of training) and separate digital learning certification is required. The audit can be remote
6.4.5 Digital training certification can be used to deliver training digitally at any location upon verification that the training meets the criteria outlines in the GWO Requirements for Training Section 7
6.4.6 The Instructor Qualification Training Module and the Instructor Qualification Crossover Training Module must be audited together. The audit shall focus on validating the lesson plans for the modules and the qualification of the instructors. A guidance for the duration of this audit would be three hours 6.4.7 The REcognition audit must verify compliance with the requirements of the REcognition scheme. A guidance for the duration of this audit is three hours. Following a successful audit the training provider will be certified as a REcognition Provider 6.4.8 If an already certified training provider wants to extend the scope by adding a new training site, the site’s equipment and facilities must be audited and training (according to the man-day estimate) must be witnessed while using the equipment at the additional site. If the management system is already established at a certified site, the audit of the management system can be covered in a surveillance audit of the existing site
6.4.9 Specific requirements for multi-site certification are detailed in sub-sections 7.4 and 7.5
6.5 Estimate for Man-Day Allocation for Certification Process
6.5.1 The auditor can determine that the actual time needed to conduct a proper audit may differ depending on e.g., location, applicable legislation, and complexity of the combined audit
Stage 1
Time Allocation
1 man-day Supporting processes
Management System
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Training settings and resources Instructor qualifications Training assessment Time Allocation: Initial Certification 1 man-day Supporting processes Training settings and resources
Stage 2
Time Allocation: Surveillance
1 man-day Supporting processes Training settings and resources
Management System
Instructor qualifications Training and assessment
Instructor qualifications Training and assessment
Depends on number of modules and training settings in scope In the learning domain of knowledge: Variation in training delivery in all the GWO modules, or at least 1 hour (whichever is the shortest duration). In the learning domains of skills and ability: Variation in training delivery in all the GWO modules, or at least 2 hours (whichever is the shortest duration). A GWO module which is delivered in various settings can be witnessed in 1 of them only, except for digital learning. An additional 1 hour per module is estimated for settings which are not witnessed, in order to verify that that the required physical equipment is in place and that risks are adequately managed.
Depends on number of modules and training settings in scope In the learning domain of knowledge: Variation in training delivery in all the GWO modules, or at least 1 hour (whichever is the shortest duration) In the learning domains of skills and ability: Variation in training delivery in all of the GWO modules, or at least 2 hours (whichever is the shortest duration). A module which is delivered in various settings can be witnessed in one of them only, except for digital learning.
Training Assessment (Observation by Auditor)
Table 6.5.1 - Man-day allocation estimation for stage 1 and stage 2
6.5.2 Table below gives a practical example of minimum auditor time estimated for the certification process according to Table 6.5.1
Stage 1
Time Allocation
1 man-day
Quality Management System
Stage 2
Time Allocation: Initial Certification
Time Allocation: Surveillance
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1 man-day
1 man-day
Quality Management System Training Assessment (Observation by Auditor)
At least 3 hours per module (5) = 15hr At least 1 hour per module (5) for the additional training setting = 5hr Total hours = 20
At least 3h per module (5) = 15hr in the two-year certification cycle Sampling is allowed per training setting in the two-year certification cycle Total hours in the 2 years certification cycle = 15hr Average hours per 1 year = 7.5
Table 6.5.2 - Practical example for man-day allocation based on Table 6.6.1
Audit scope: Five modules offered in two different training settings (fixed training facility and mobile training facility)
Note
6.6 Transfer Between Certification Bodies 6.6.1 A certificate can be transferred from one certification body to another in the certificate life cycle in accordance with ”IAF Mandatory Document for the Transfer of Accredited Certification of Management Systems (IAF MD2: 2023)”. In order to apply the changes to WINDA, the new certification body must email info@globalwindsafety.org with the new certificate issued and the audit report (if applicable). Once the documentation is received, and the review completed, the GWO team will be responsible to make the new connection in WINDA between the certification body and training provider
6.6.2 Both transferer and transferee certification bodies are required to adhere to Section 6.9 Issue of Certificates, Audit Reports and Requirements to Inform GWO
6.7 Remote Auditing 6.7.1 Remote auditing must be conducted in accordance with ”IAF Mandatory Document for the Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Auditing/Assessment Purposes (IAF MD4: 2023)”
6.7.2 The audit portion correspondent to the management system (Sections 6, 7, 8, and 9 in the Requirements for Training) can be remote
6.7.3 The scope of fully remote audits using digital tools covers:
a.
Stage 1 audits
b.
surveillance (initial) audits
c.
surveillance (re-certification) audits
6.7.4 The first audit conducted after a transfer of certificate must not be a remote audit
6.7.5 Remote auditing is not allowed more than once in a two-year certification cycle (two surveillance audits)
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6.7.6 For the remote witnessing of theoretical training, the auditor must witness the actions of instructors as well as of course participants. This requirement applies to both in person training and digitally delivered training
6.7.7 For the remote witnessing of practical training, at least two cameras must be used. One to show a general view (to observe the actions of the trainer and engagement with the group), and the second one close up to practical training (to show that the lessons/elements are delivered correctly and in a safe manner 6.8 Issue of Certificates, Audit Reports and Requirements to Inform GWO 6.8.1 When all the agreed corrective actions have been completed and the training provider is found to be in compliance, the certification body shall issue a certificate of conformity including all of the information listed in sub-section 6.9.3 below
6.8.2 Certificates of conformity shall be issued with a validity of two years for all GWO modules and training settings
6.8.3 As a minimum, the certificate of conformity shall contain the following:
a.
training provider’s name (name of company)
b.
site of training facility (name and address)
c. applicable GWO module title(s) and version number
d. audited for fixed, mobile, digital or on-site training (if included in the scope, and from where the mobile or on-site training belongs in the case of a multi-setting certificate)
e.
REcognition provider where applicable
f.
certification body name
g.
certification date and expiry date
h.
certification body’s own unique certificate number
6.8.4 Certification bodies shall upload to GWO’s WINDA desktop any new certificates of conformity issued (for any of the concerned sites and of any changes to the certification status of an audited training provider) as soon as possible and no later than 12 calendar days following the certificate issue date. In particular, this shall include:
a.
new certificates
b.
extension of certificates
c.
re-certification
d.
revokes and termination of certificates
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6.8.5 If a training provider holds two or more certificates with separate validity dates, GWO recommends aligning the certificates into one cycle using the earliest expiry date when issuing the new certificate
6.8.6 If a training provider intends to transition into the multisite scheme, the certification body must inform GWO of the transition by sending a notification to info@globalwindsafety.org.
This must be done before the new certificate and audit report are submitted in WINDA
6.8.7 In case of changes to a multisite certificate, the certification body must ensure that the updated version is uploaded to all WINDA accounts within that multisite certificate
6.8.8 Specific requirements for multi-site certificates are detailed in sub-section 7.8
6.8.9 The GWO Audit Report template must be used as the audit report. It can be downloaded from http://www.globalwindsafety.org/certificationbodies/certification-body-criteria and is available on GWO’s WINDA platform 6.8.10 When a new certificate is issued, the audit report must go through a technical review by the certification body prior to being uploaded to WINDA. This audit report must include the name of the technical reviewer and the date that the technical review was undertaken
6.8.11 The certificate shall be uploaded to the corresponding audit record on WINDA as well as a copy of the audit report in English (if not the language of the original)
6.8.12 Following upload to WINDA, GWO shall conduct a quality check in order to ensure the audit report includes all applicable requirements in terms of scope, content, correct man-day allocation or any other item of reference. At this point the audit report will be marked as “pending”. If the quality check reveals errors or non-conformities made by the certification body, the certification body will be alerted via WINDA and asked to address the query. In specific cases, GWO may require the certification body to re-conduct an audit if significant deviation from the applicable requirements is observed 6.8.13 If GWO decides to revoke the approval for a training provider following the results of an investigation, the certification body must remove the certificate. The final decision can be appealed by further submission to the GWO Audit and Compliance Committee 7. MULTI-SITE CERTIFICATION This section details the additional requirements for multi-site certification, over and above those in Sections 5 and 6 (unless it has specifically been defined as not applicable for a multi-site certification). This section defines the scope and frequency of required audits (internal and external) for training providers which hold a multi-site certificate. The required competency of internal auditors is also detailed
As far as possible, this language replicates “IAF Mandatory Document for the Audit and Certification of a Management System Operated by a Multi-Site Organization Issue 2 (IAF MD1: 2023)”
For definitions used in this section including those specific for multi-site certification, please refer to Section 2 (Terms and Definitions)
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7.1 Eligibility of a Multi-Site Training Provider for Certification
A training provider will be eligible for multi-site certification when all the following requirements have been met:
7.1.1 The training provider shall operate three or more fixed training sites (facilities)
7.1.2 The multi-site training provider shall have a single management system. All training sites will be covered by this single management system comprising an identified central function (not necessarily the headquarters of the organisation) at which certain processes/activities are planned and controlled, and several training sites at which such processes/activities are carried out
7.1.3 The multi-site training provider shall identify its central function. The central function is part of the training provider and shall not be sub-contracted to an external organization
7.1.4 The central function shall have organisational authority to solely define, establish and maintain the single management system
7.1.5 The multi-site training provider´s single management system shall be subject to a centralised management review
7.1.6 All training sites shall be subject to the multi-site training provider’s internal audit programme
7.1.7 The central function shall be responsible for ensuring that data is collected and analysed from all training sites. It shall be able to demonstrate its authority and ability to initiate organisational change as required regarding (but not limited) to:
a.
system documentation and system changes
b.
management review
c.
complaints
d.
evaluation of corrective actions
e. internal audit planning and evaluation of the results; and
f. statutory and regulatory requirements pertaining to the applicable standard(s)
7.1.8 A multi-site training provider need not be a unique legal entity, but all training sites shall have a legal or contractual link with the central function of the organisation and be subject to a single management system, which is laid down, established and subject to continuous surveillance and internal audits by the central function. This means that the central function has rights to require training sites to implement corrective actions when needed. Where applicable, this should be set out in the formal agreement between the central function and the training sites 7.1.9 This document shall not be used for situations where independent training providers are collected together by another independent organisation (e.g. consulting company) under the umbrella of a single management system
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