As local businesses and organisations strive to implement the requirements of National and International standards to gain competitive advantage, increase consumer confidence and cost savings, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is at the forefront in offering this support. Through its Technical Assistance Programme, the Bureau works with businesses to implement the requirements of a range of standards, in preparation for certification and accreditation.
The GNBS Business Development Department has a cadre of competent Technical Officers who have the training and experience necessary to help clients move their operations and business opportunities to the next level with standards. During the provision of this crucial support, Officers provide training to employees of clients on the requirements of the standard and help them to develop the requisite documentation and systems to fulfill the requirements. This guidance and support remove doubt and delays during implementation and ensure employees are fully equipped to maintain the certification or accreditation.
Once there is continuous commitment from companies desirous of Technical Assistance, the duration usually ranges from six to twelve months and follows a step-by-step approach. The first step requires a company to fill out and submit a Technical Assistance application form which can be provided by GNBS or accessed on its website: www.gnbsgy.org. Upon submission, the completed form is reviewed, and Technical Officer(s) are assigned to work with the company. The initial engagement includes the preparation of a proposal including cost, time span for the completion of the programme and details of the processes.
Once both parties agree to the proposal and sign the document, the Technical Assistance programme commences with an Awareness Session. The GNBS then undertakes a gap analysis of the company to assess what systems need to be developed or what needs to be modified. On completion, a report is compiled, and the findings are reviewed and discussed with the company followed by the development of an implementation plan which details of how the programme will be carried out. Included in the implementation plan are periods set aside for training on the requirements of the standard, documentation, hands-on implementation, and finally a preassessment of the system developed.
As it relates to international standards, the GNBS offers Technical Assistance on the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard, the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety standard, the ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System standard, the ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Management System standard, the ISO 15189 Medical Laboratories- Requirements for Quality and Competence, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management standard, the ISO/ IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories and the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point System (HACCP) requirements.
Meanwhile, Technical Assistance is also offered to businesses pursuing the GNBS Made in Guyana certification mark programme, the Laboratory Certification programme and the GYS 901 Certification programme.
For reliable and effective Technical Assistance, do not hesitate to contact the GNBS Business Development Team on telephone numbers: 219-0064-66 or WhatsApp us on +592-692-4627. Remember to visit the GNBS Facebook and Instagram pages for regular updates.
