RSPO Training

Palm oil is an increasingly popular product, but with its rise in use comes an increase in the controversy surrounding it. There was much made in the media about a UK supermarket’s ban on palm oil in 2018, and many were quick to congratulate them for their forward thinking. But this ban actually showed a lack of foresight, as rather than banning all palm oil, producers should be focusing on education and why we should be championing sustainable palm oil.

If palm oil was banned worldwide, and comparable oil, like rapeseed, was used in its place, the amount of land required to harvest the necessary quantities would be equivalent to Canada. Palm oil on the other hand, requires land equivalent only to the size of the Iberian Peninsula and with its efficient production and reliability in use, it is here to stay – though hopefully when produced and certified sustainably.

With this in mind, there will most likely be a rise in demand for certified sustainable palm oil, and with the need for proof and traceability, a knock-on increased requirement for auditors to undertake assessments of the supply chain.

How to become a RSPO auditor

BM TRADA offers an internationally recognized lead auditor training course, fully endorsed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).

The two-day course is suitable for people with demonstrable field work experience in similar supply chains, or in other relevant certification schemes. IRCA/IEMA lead auditors who wish to become a RSPO approved supply chain auditor, or an individual whose organization is considering or has started the implementation of palm oil certification, may wish to consider this course.

What does the RSPO Lead Auditor course entail?

BM TRADA’s trainers are highly qualified with extensive hands-on experience in the field, and are there to guide delegates through the course material, and put them at ease during the training.

The course, which covers the same material wherever it is delivered in the world, incorporates group seminars, exercises and presentations, and concludes with a two-hour written exam.

It covers the essentials of RSPO supply chain auditing, including the following topics:

• An introduction to palm oil
• RSPO governance, mission, membership and funding
• RSPO supply chain certification scheme and units of certification
• RSPO Palm Trace,
• RSPO Next
• RSPO trademark and corporate logo use
• The certification cycle of evaluation, surveillance and re-evaluation
• Corrective action reports (CARs)
• Audit scenarios/report writing
• Why should I become a RSPO supply chain auditor?

RSPO accredited auditors are, in most cases, self-employed and therefore able to choose how often and where in the world they work. There is always a demand for auditors as there are simply not enough people accredited to meet current needs, and work is generally guaranteed for those who prove to be competent in their role.

Palm oil often conjures an emotional response from people, and as awareness grows, this will only continue. It is crucial on many levels that we work towards 100% RSPO certified palm oil products in the production process across the globe. Playing a part in supporting this through the critical role of supply chain auditing will make a significant contribution to the health of our planet, and to the welfare of many people and animals – it could also be good for business!

More information about RSPO certification is available on our website. 

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