Getting BQWV certified is more straightforward than you might think.
Certification is open to all wild venison producers and processors in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The assessment process is structured, well-supported, and is now even easier for producers through the new SCI Verification app. If you already follow best practice, certification formalises the standards you are already working to.
Producers audit remotely via an app. Processors audit on-site.
Route 1
Producers – SCI Verification app
Purchase the app assessment route to get information on how to download the SCI Verification app and what to do next.
Route 2
Processors
You will be assessed directly through Supply Chain In-Sites. An SCI assessor will be assigned to your application.
The certification process, step by step
Here is what to expect from the moment you request an application pack through to receiving your certificate.
Step 1
Application submission
Apply online via Supply Chain In-Sites. Select your assessment route, submit the form with your operation details, and pay the membership fee online.
Step 2
Getting set up for your audit
Producers: From 5 October, producers are audited remotely through the SCI Verification app. Once your application has been processed, you will receive instructions on how to download the app and next steps.
Processors: An SCI auditor will be allocated to your application. They will contact you directly and agree a date for your on-site assessment.
Step 3
Preparing for your assessment
Use the pre-application checklist and the BQWV Producer Handbook (it is useful for both producers and processors) to check your records, facilities, and documentation before you begin. Producers should do this before starting the app audit, and processors before the auditor visits. If you’re unsure about any requirements, contact Supply Chain In-Sites.
Step 4
The assessment visit
Producers: Complete your audit remotely in the SCI Verification app. It guides you through the requirements, you upload photos and records, and you can correct any issues it flags.
Processors: An SCI auditor will visit your site for a facilities tour and a review of your records, typically taking 2.5 to 4 hours. Any issues are discussed on the day, and you can rectify them and receive a written summary.
Step 5
Certification review and approval
The certification team reviews your audit report. If you have rectified any previously raised issues and no further issues are found, we will issue your BQWV certificate and certification mark. You can then begin using the BQWV mark on your documentation and marketing materials, and your business will be listed in the certified members directory.
Step 6
Renewal
BQWV certification is valid for 12 months. Supply Chain In-Sites will contact you six weeks before your certificate expires with renewal details and the renewal fee. Producers will be regularly adding evidence to the app, and you will be notified if any further evidence is required to maintain your renewal. For processors, Supply Chain In-Sites will conduct in-person assessments every 18 months to ensure continued compliance with the standard.
Certification costs
All fees are set by Supply Chain In-Sites. Prices shown are exclusive of VAT. For a quote, please contact Supply Chain In-Sites.
Producer Scheme Fees
Fee (ex-VAT)
Producer - with BQWV 'SCI Verification' app
£67
Processor Scheme fees
Fee (ex-VAT)
BQWV Processor Standard
£804.00
Processor with BRC or SALSA
£562.50
All fees cover the app’s operation, your processor assessment visit, certification, and the issuing of your certificate. Certification is valid for 12 months, and renewal fees apply annually.
If you are unsure which scheme applies to your operation, contact Supply Chain In-Sites before applying. They will confirm the right route and fee for your circumstances.
A few things worth knowing before you apply
Most applicants find the process straightforward, particularly if they are already following best practice. These are the most common issues, and how to avoid them.
Apply in good time
If using the app, certification can usually be approved within 7 days of submitting all required evidence, and the processor certification process typically takes between four and eight weeks from application to certificate. If you have a target date in mind, for example, a new supply contract starting, apply well in advance.
Get your records in order first
The most common reason for non-conformances is missing or incomplete documentation. Temperature logs, hygiene records, cull records, and your HACCP plan should all be up to date before your assessor visits. The pre-application checklist will tell you exactly what is needed.
Use the handbook
The Assessment Handbook makes preparation straightforward. It contains templates for every record you will need, along with guidance on completing them correctly.
Non-conformances are not the end
If issues are identified during your assessment, you have 90 days to resolve them and submit evidence. Most non-conformances are administrative rather than fundamental, and most applicants achieve certification after addressing them.
Frequently asked questions
Does BQWV certification cover Scotland?
No. Scotland has its own equivalent scheme – Scottish Quality Wild Venison (SQWV). BQWV covers England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only.
How long does the process take?
From submitting your application to receiving your certificate, the process typically takes between four and eight weeks. This can vary depending on assessor availability and how quickly you resolve any issues identified during the assessment. If you use the app, certification is usually approved within 7 days of submitting all required evidence.
How long is certification valid for?
BQWV certification is valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually. For producers using the SCI Verification app we will be requesting updated images of the larders/chillers or documentation on a sample basis. For processors, ongoing assessment visits are carried out every 18 months.
What happens if issues are identified during my assessment?
For app users, we will notify you of non-conformances via the app. For on-site assessments, any non-conformances will be discussed with you on the day of the assessment. You will receive a written summary and have 90 days to submit evidence that you have resolved the issues. Once confirmed by the certification team, your certificate is issued.
Can I be certified as both a producer and a processor?
Yes, you can have a combined audit for both processor and producer accreditation. Please contact Supply Chain In-Sites to receive a quote.
What does the BQWV mark allow me to do?
Once certified, you can use the BQWV certification mark on your documentation, packaging, and marketing materials. You will also be listed in the BQWV certified members directory, which is publicly searchable by buyers and processors.
Is a remote audit as robust as a site visit?
Yes. We assess producers against the same BQWV Standard, and the certification team reviews every audit before issuing certification.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply via Supply Chain In-Sites and select your membership type.
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