Intertek Internal Auditor training proves a game changer for Thanet Earth.
In the highly regulated fresh food production space, a well-trained team of internal auditors is key to food safety certification success. For Thanet Earth, one of the UKs leading growers of salad vegetables, Intertek’s BRCGS Internal Auditor training resulted in a step change in how they approach and perform internal audits.
About Thanet Earth
Thanet Earth operates one of Britain’s largest glasshouse complexes with sustainability at their core. The business uses a closed-loop hydroponic method to grow around 400 million tomatoes, 30 million cucumbers and 24 million peppers annually. With a strong commitment to the environment, the company is 85% self-sufficient for water through collecting rainwater and, in 2023, installed solar panels covering an area of 4,997m².
The Challenge
To prove their strong commitment to safety, quality and sustainability, and to continuously improve their performance, as well as meet stringent customer and consumer requirements, Thanet Earth’s operations are certified according to BCRGS, Red Tractor Fresh Produce and the Leaf Marque standards. In addition, each year, they are audited according to several customer food safety, quality and sustainability programmes. For Thanet Earth, this means managing a total schedule of over 100 audits annually.
“We don’t have a dedicated team of internal auditors; everyone in the auditor pool has other roles and responsibilities, and earlier this year, we found that we were finding it difficult to keep up with our demanding audit schedule. So, we needed to find a way to efficiently increase the number of trained auditors.”
Sarah Quattroluni
Training Manager at Thanet Earth
The Solution
As Thanet Earth had previously used virtual auditor training with mixed success, this time Sarah Quattroluni looked for a provider able to offer in-person BCRGS training at Thanet Earth’s premises in Kent, UK. After carefully evaluating her options, she chose Intertek’s two-day BRCGS Internal Auditor training course delivered on-site, based on the fast and helpful response from Intertek’s training team and competitive pricing.
The Result
According to Sarah Quattroluni, who also took part in the training herself, Intertek’s BRCGS Internal Auditor training has resulted in a big step forward in the company’s capacity and capability to manage internal audits.
“With this training, despite their different experience levels and skill sets, our new auditors were able to get up to speed very quickly,” she says, adding: “The course delivered by Intertek Academy was excellent, with well-presented and well-paced content. The course was especially enjoyable because the trainer shared a wealth of interesting experiences and stories that made the subject real and engaging.”
Using on-site classroom training over virtual training also proved to be the right choice for Thanet Earth.
“From now on, I would always choose the on-site classroom option. In addition to being more engaging, it helps generate discussion between colleagues, which in the long term will drive improvements and better team collaboration,” Sarah Quattroluni concludes.
Related Links
Training
Intertek's global network of experts are your partners in ensuring you and your organisation are equipped with the vital training and up to date knowledge you need to drive your business forward.
