Governance & Integrity
Document control that survives an assessment
A simple, robust system for version control, approvals, and distribution.
Why this matters
Credible accreditation depends on consistent methods, clear decisions, and evidence that stands up to independent review. This publication translates essential expectations into practical steps so teams can prepare, communicate, and operate with confidence.
Key requirements and expectations
- Separate evaluation from decision to protect impartiality.
- Document roles, responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms.
- Use risk-based controls to prevent bias or errors.
- Record evidence of review, approval, and follow-up.
- Every controlled document needs an owner and version.
- Obsolete documents must be clearly identified and removed.
- Access control is part of document integrity.
Evidence and records to prepare
- Policies and committee terms of reference.
- Minutes from governance or impartiality meetings.
- Risk registers and mitigation actions.
- Corrective action records when issues are found.
- Document master list with version history.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Undocumented decision-making or informal approvals.
- Conflicts not disclosed or not managed to completion.
- Governance roles that are unclear or overlapping.
- Lack of evidence that actions were implemented.
- Multiple uncontrolled copies in use.
Practical checklist
- Confirm governance roles and independence boundaries.
- Document conflict disclosure and recusal steps.
- Maintain an auditable decision trail.
- Verify corrective actions are closed effectively.
- Audit the document register quarterly.