BRCGS was formerly known as BRC (British Retail Consortium). BRCGS (Brand Reputation Compliance Global Standards) is a leading brand and consumer protection organisation, used by over 29,000 certificated suppliers over 130 countries, with certification issued through a global network of accredited certification bodies. BRCGS’ Standards guarantee the standardisation of quality, safety and operational criteria and ensure that manufacturers fulfil their legal obligations and provide protection for the end consumer. Certification to BRCGS’ Standards is now often a fundamental requirement of leading retailers, manufacturers and food service organisations.

The standard requirements address the key elements that organisation’s need to have in place to ensure safe product production. BRC Standards are approved by GFSI, the Global Food Safety Initiative, which is an essential factor when considering a certification scheme.

To get your organisation certified, you’ll need to:

• create a management system that addresses all standard requirements,
• prepare for the audit – we can help with training to the various standards,
• work with a Certification Body to be audited, and passes the audit to be certified.

Your organisation will then need to maintain your standards and have regular audits by the certification body in order to maintain your certification.

What Does BRCGS Require?

The various BRCGS Standards include the following requirements:

• Product safety (HACCP or HARA)
• Management Commitment
• Product safety culture
• Prerequisite programs
• Document Control
• Food Safety and Quality Manual
• Internal Audits
• Specifications
• Supplier Approval
• Records
• Control of Nonconforming Product
• Complaint Handling
• Corrective Actions
• Management of Allergens
• Risk Assessments
• Validation
• Vulnerability assessment for fraud
• Traceability
• Site Standards
• Management of Incidents
• Product Release
• Control of Operations
• Housekeeping & hygiene (cleaning)
• Environmental Monitoring
• Product Design and Development
• Product Inspection and Testing
• Provenance, Assured Status and Identity Preserved
• Medical Screening
• Training
• Calibration and Control of Measuring and Monitoring Devices
• Protective Clothing
• Personal Hygiene

The first step is to prepare for BRCGS Certification…

We are BRCGS Approved Training Partners and also Approved Virtual Trainers.

You can book onto a training course with us. Our extensively experienced and knowledgeable team are dedicated to delivering interactive courses that allow you to consolidate and apply your learning when teaching about the requirements and implementation of the hygiene standards.

In addition to the BRCGS courses that we deliver, our own STC courses have been developed by 3^rd party lead auditors with significant experience in the food and related industries, microbiological experts, lean 6-sigma black belts and consultants, based on current industry challenges and based on science so that you get the best possible training.

Our speciality training courses will provide delegates with the most current and up-to-date information directly from us.

View our training calendar here.

View the BRCGS Academy training course brochure

Are you struggling to find a good certification body?

Being BRCGS Lead Auditors who audit on behalf of certification bodies, we can help.

Contact us at academy@1stc.uk for advice.