A Health Trust has contracted with Servitup, a catering services organisation that has been certified to ISO
9001 for one year. It provides services to
10 small rural hospitals in remote locations involving the purchase and storage of dry goods and fresh produce, preparing meals, and loading heated trolleys for Ward Service by hospital staff. You, as auditor, are conducting the first surveillance audit at one site with the Deputy Catering Manager (DCM).
DCM: "I apologise for the absence of the Catering Manager. He has called in sick today and we are really short of staff." You: "I see. It really shouldn't affect the QMS so the audit can progress as normal." DCM: "The Catering Manager set up the system. I'm afraid I'm not as familiar with it as he is." You: "OK, let's start with the Quality Policy. What are the main issues for the QMS here?" DCM: "Give me a minute. I need to look at the Quality Policy on the noticeboard in his office." As the audit progresses, it is clear that the DCM has a very low knowledge of the QMS. He continually has to look up the answers to your questions or ask staff members about their processes. You decide to raise a nonconformity.
Select one of the following options that best describes the nonconformity.