Assurance System
Independent Assessors assess the performance of coal mining producers against the twelve principles of the Bettercoal Code. Coal producers who commit to continuous improvement by signing the Letter of Commitment become Bettercoal Suppliers.
Each Bettercoal Supplier undergoes an independent Assessment to see how closely they meet the requirements of our international best practice code and commits to improving their operations in line with our custom-built Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) for that supplier based on the findings of our Assessment. Bettercoal does not provide a certification of performance bur instead drives a model of continuous improvement.
Every CIP is followed up and updated quarterly by the assessors.
Supplier Commitment
The coal mining company signs the Letter of Commitment and becomes a Bettercolal supplier
Desktop Review
An Approved Lead Assessor is allocated to the Bettercoal Supplier. The Bettercoal Supplier completes the Suppliers Questionnaire which is reviewed by the allocated Assessor. The Assesment Scope is finalised and a Assessment Plan for the Site-Visit is developed and shared with Members.
Site-Assessment
An on-site visit is planned at the Bettercoal Supplier mine site(s). A detailed Assessment Report is developed and once finalised, in consultation with the Bettercoal Supplier, is then shared with Bettercoal Members.
Continuous Improvement
The Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) is finalised and shared with Members. Monitoring the CIP takes place according to timelines identified in the CIP.
Verification methods include Desktop Review and Site-Visit. A public report will be uploaded on the Bettercoal website.
Re-Assessment
A full Re-Assessment is due within maximum five years from the coal mining company becoming a Bettercoal Supplier. The process starts from the beginning.
Lead Assessors
The robustness of the Bettercoal assessment process relies on the quality and independence of our independent, third-party assessors. Bettercoal approves lead assessors who are trained in our Standard and are then responsible for verifying whether producers within our network meet the requirements of our Standard.
Approved Lead Assessors
Assessor Allocation Procedures
If you would like to understand how Lead Assessors are allocated to the assessment of a specific coal producer, please read our document: ‘Lead Assessor Allocation Procedures’ by clicking on the link below.
Become a Lead Assessor
Bettercoal welcomes individuals to become Bettercoal Lead Assessors, conduct assessments and review Continuous Improvement Plan evidence submissions and verify when changes have been implemented sufficiently to meet the expectations of the Bettercoal Standard.
If you are interested in becoming a Bettercoal Lead Assessor, please complete the Application Form linked below. The accompanying document ‘Lead Assessor Approval Process & Criteria’ gives guidance to the application process. Please read this before applying. We look forward to hearing from you.
Assessors
The credibility of the Bettercoal Assessment Process relies on the quality and independence of the third-party Assessors. Bettercoal approves Lead Assessors who are responsible for verifying whether a Bettercoal Supplier meets the requirements of the Bettercoal Code.
LEAD ASSESSORS
Bettercoal welcomes individuals to become Bettercoal Lead Assessors and conduct Bettercoal Supplier Assessments.
The relevant documents and procedures for the Lead Assessor programme and Bettercoal Assessment Process include: