Partnership brings ‘one stop shop’ for compliance requirements
The Group Learner platform is a Quality and Learning Management System (QLMS) which has individual modules in one user interface to create the compliance platform.
It allows clients to demonstrate compliance with relevant legislation, customer codes of practice and third party standards, such as the BRC Global Standards.
The firm said top issues at audits included incomplete training records, lack of trainee understanding/retention and no refresher training / follow up.
Food Safety Solutions offers services such as auditing, training and consultancy, including developing and implementing HACCP plans and BRC customised audit plans.
The system is used in the UK and Ireland but there is scope to expand into Europe, said the firm.
More unannounced audits
Annemarie Doohan, sales and marketing at Group Learner, said the partnership will benefit existing clients and open up new prospects with different requirements.
“Food Safety Solutions seemed to fit in terms of our ethos, we had looked into other companies, but they fit into our remit and what we can offer together," she told FoodQualityNews.com.
“Feedback from our customers is that there are more unannounced audits now especially from large retailers such as Tesco and M&S, you have to be audit ready every day and get as close to 100% as possible and keep it there.
“The past mantra with BRC, FSSC 22000 they knew when the auditors were coming, so for one or two months there could be a big push and get paper in order in the filing cabinets.”
Paperless system
Doohan said core business is targeted around large manufacturers who train a lot of people and deal with large volumes.
“Our way is paperless, it is all on the cloud so the auditors can log on and get information they require when they need it.
“Most companies recognise they need to move to some level of automation. Sometimes to change the culture first and foremost is difficult until they see it is more efficient and the senior management team recognise the benefits of moving from A to B.”
Doohan said the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation, which comes into full effect in December this year, is an example of the ongoing regulations that food firms had to align with.
Eileen Morgan, founder of Food Safety Solutions, is an approved auditor for a number of Irish and UK multiples.
“Food Safety Solutions is all about setting standards and putting in place best-practice solutions for businesses," she said.
"Partnering with Group Learner ensures we can help and support companies with all their compliance, training and quality requirements.”
