As the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) becomes more established and increases in size, the majority of companies applying for accreditation are Small to Medium sized business (SMEs).
In response to feedback that the accreditation process can appear overwhelming and daunting to smaller companies, the OFSC established a list of accredited companies willing to clarify the steps involved and share knowledge of their experience in achieving accreditation.
What can I expect from a mentor?
Mentors should be considered friendly, helpful contacts who can be called on to verbally guide applicants through the accreditation process as needed. However, it is important to consider that mentors will have a heavy workload already and are providing assistance as a token of good will.
As mentors in this process, company contacts will act as a point of call for those at application or audit stage. Assistance may include providing examples of documentary evidence required or explaining the process from a company perspective.
Will my details as an applicant or a mentor be made public?
No. This initiative is managed internally within the OFSC and details of mentoring arrangements will not be made public. The performance or level of involvement of SMEs will not be taken into account in the management of accreditation under the Scheme nor in the progress towards accreditation.
What sort of information can I expect from my mentor?
The type of knowledge and information accredited SMEs may consider providing to those seeking accreditation includes:
- Explanation of the how accreditation has benefited their business
- Reference tools, guidance material and handy tips helpful during the process
- Examples of how they met particular criteria
- Encouragement and reassurance to contact the FSC for assistance where necessary
- Verbal explanation and overview of process and time involved
- Descriptions of types of documentation and evidence provided during the application stage
- Guidance as to what information to include in the application
- Explanation of sites found to be best suited for audits
- General tips and lessons learned from the process
Mentors do not need to provide:
- Confidential information relating to their business
- Actual documentation or wording submitted (unless comfortable doing so)
- Details of their performance under the Scheme
What do I do if I do not have the capacity to assist as a mentor or if (as an applicant) I am not receiving enough assistance from my mentor?
Mentors and applicants should contact the OFSC as soon as possible if they do not have the capacity to provide the level of assistance requested from an applicant or if they feel unsure about the nature of information requested. Applicants are also encouraged to contact the OFSC in the first instance if they feel they are not getting adequate assistance.
How do I register my interest in participating in this initiative?
Mentors and applicants can express interest by calling the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500.