CHAPTER IIIREQUIREMENTS FOR VERIFIERS

Article 35Continued competence process

1.

The verifier shall establish, document, implement and maintain a competence process to ensure that all personnel entrusted with verification activities are competent for the tasks that are allocated to them.

2.

As part of the competence process referred to in paragraph 1, the verifier shall at least determine, document, implement and maintain the following:

(a)

general competence criteria for all personnel undertaking verification activities;

(b)

specific competence criteria for each function within the verifier undertaking verification activities, in particular for the EU ETS auditor, EU ETS lead auditor, independent reviewer and technical expert;

(c)

a method to ensure the continued competence and regular evaluation of the performance of all personnel that undertake verification activities;

(d)

a process for ensuring ongoing training of the personnel undertaking verification activities;

(e)

a process for assessing whether the verification engagement falls within the scope of the verifier’s accreditation, and whether the verifier has the competence, personnel and resources required to select the verification team and successfully complete the verification activities within the timeframe required.

The competence criteria referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph shall be specific for each scope of accreditation in which these persons are carrying out verification activities.

In evaluating the competence of the personnel pursuant to point (c) of the first subparagraph, the verifier shall assess that competence against the competence criteria referred to in points (a) and (b).

The process referred to in point (e) of the first subparagraph shall also include a process for assessing whether the verification team holds all the competence and persons required to carry out verification activities for a specific operator or aircraft operator.

The verifier shall develop general and specific competence criteria which are in conformity with criteria laid down in Article 36(4) and Articles 37, 38 and 39.

3.

The verifier shall, at regular intervals, monitor the performance of all personnel that undertakes verification activities for the purposes of confirming the continued competence of those personnel.

4.

The verifier shall at regular intervals review the competence process referred to in paragraph 1 to ensure that:

(a)

the competence criteria referred to in points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 are developed in accordance with the competence requirements under this Regulation;

(b)

all issues that may be identified related to the setting of the general and specific competence criteria pursuant to points (a) and (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 2 are addressed;

(c)

all the requirements in the competence process are updated and maintained as appropriate.

5.

The verifier shall have a system for recording the results of the activities carried out in the competence process referred to in paragraph 1.

6.

A sufficiently competent evaluator shall assess the competence and performance of an EU ETS auditor and EU ETS lead auditor.

For that purpose, the competent evaluator shall monitor those auditors during the verification of the operator’s or aircraft operator’s report on the site of the installation or aircraft operator as appropriate, to determine whether they meet the competence criteria.

7.

Where a member of personnel fails to demonstrate that the competence criteria for a specific task allocated to him or her have been fully met, the verifier shall identify and organise additional training or supervised work experience as well as monitor that individual until he or she demonstrates to the satisfaction of the verifier that he or she meets the competence criteria.