co m p l i a n c e
snapshot: awa auditors
I
n February 2016, the AWA Independent Auditors met for two days to discuss
a broad range of subjects, including a review of how the first year of the
Platinum, Gold and Silver memberships were received and adapted to, updates
to the relevant Australian Standards and their impact on member companies and
products, the pending adoption of NCC 2016 on 1 May and the expansion of the
AWA NATA Accredited Inspection Agency to include bushfire rated products,
safety glass, Qualicoat surface finishing (on behalf of the Australian Institute
of Surface Finishing) and security screens (on behalf of the National Security
Screen Association Queensland).
One of the major advantages of the meeting is a review of all the documentation
and procedures - identifying and agreeing on potential improvements, deletions
or amendments to align with changes in Standards. It also provides a platform
to discuss common concerns or issues experienced during factory visits and
brainstorm ways to overcome them or enable the AWA office to build tools or
key messages to help members with their processes.
The existing national team of Noel Stokes, David McDonald, Tony Gramlick,
Garry Attwood, Ian Speight and Ross Shearer welcomed our newest team
member, John Leslie, at this year’s meeting. AWA Technical Manager, Russell
Harris, and Accreditation Administrator, Corinne Cockram, provide the
underpinning management and administration of the programmes and reporting,
that includes a regular review by NATA in order for the AWA to maintain NATA
accreditation. The NATA visit includes an audit of randomly selected auditors.
With the scheme now almost eighteen years old, and highly regarded by industry
peers, the guys were put on the spot and asked three probing questions. The
answers were unsurprising to the AWA and reflect the team’s passion for
windows and doors; a profound belief in the positive impact product conformity
and regulatory compliance has on the building industry and a willingness to share
their depth of participation in and knowledge of an industry they have spent
most of their lives in.
01 AWA Independent Auditors meeting at the AWA Head Office.
02 AWA Auditors (from top): Ross Shearer, Garry Atwood, Ian Speight, David
McDonald, Noel Stokes, Tony Gramlick, and John Leslie.
6
Australian Window Association
Why did you put your hand up
to be an AWA auditor?
Ross:
It has allowed me to continue my
involvement in the industry after
retirement.
Garry: As a member of the old AAFA, I
have long believed in the value of
industry associations. I was proud
to be in a company that helped set
up the AWA accreditation scheme
all those years ago and very happy
that I am now an actual member of
the team in retirement.
Ian:
It provides me a continuing role in
the industry. The AWA provides
good links.
David: It’s about contributing back to the
industry you have a passion for.
Noel: A little bit of involvement helps to
soften the retirement process.
Tony:
I used to provide engineering
support to the AWA and it just sort
of happened.
John:
It offers the opportunity to stay
connected in the business and in
touch with the industry.