Frequently Asked Questions
| Q: |
How much is this all going to cost me? |
| A: |
Available from January 2007, a full Thatcham BSI Kitemark will involve two days initial assessment, plus a further surveillance visit within the first 12 months, a total investment for quality within the first year of £2450, including full Kitemark licence fee. For subsequent years, the annual fee will be £2500 which covers two detailed and unannounced surveillance visits and the continuing use of the Kitemark. To aid bodyshops with their financial planning BSI also offer a direct debit payment plan. |
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| Q: |
How long will the process take? |
| A: |
There is no specific answer to this as it is very much dependent on the readiness of the business at time of application. Some businesses will have a lot of issues to address before the business is reassessed and the Kitemark can be awarded where others may be fairly close. Time scales depend on how quickly the business can address outstanding issues. |
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| Q: |
What are the main benefits a bodyshop will gain from achieving the Kitemark? |
| A: |
A bodyshop, like any other business, is keen to demonstrate that they work to a recognised and auditable standard for the benefit of all their customers. The Kitemark has a high level of recognition with consumers and will give them the reassurance that their vehicles are being repaired by a responsible workshop.
The Kitemark will also enable bodyshops to demonstrate to potential work providers that they too can feel confident that vehicles placed in a Kitemark bodyshop will be repaired according to defined and repeatable processes and procedures. |
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| Q: |
Can any other certification body provide certification to PAS 125? |
| A: |
The Kitemark has been accepted by the industry as the most recognised and effective 'quality assurance' mark, and it is the industry, made up of insurers, repairers and their representing trade organisations who required this as part of the steering group.
PAS125 is a technical standard that has been written specifically so that it can be assessed like a 'Kitemark' product e.g. electrical plugs and motorcycle helmets. It is 'the process of repair' that is certified and therefore carries the product certification mark.
PAS125 can potentially be assessed by any organisation including those that are UKAS accredited as product certification bodies. This is because industry required a product mark e.g. 'Kitemark' and not a 'management system' mark e.g. ISO 9001:2000.
This of course is a very strong consumer safety mark and will be very positive for any repairer when seeking retail work.
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| Q: |
How will bodyshops be able to demonstrate to the public that they are complying with the specification? |
| A: |
Through displaying the Kitemark on letterheads, marketing material and signage under BSI guidance and by using the Kitemark to differentiate themselves with their work providers and wider customer base. |
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