Selective quoting
Now please don't take this the wrong way .....
cogito, when you said:
This illustrates the point perfectly as it is a statement of opinion, not fact. The fact is that the standard doesn't mandate a signature on the Quality Policy. If we (as an industry) allow auditors (me included) to get away with opinion-based auditing, then shame on us.
In response to my post here, then you could at least have posted the full quote, otherwise it makes it look as if I am trying to impose my opinion re signatures on the OP. When, if you look at my whole post, you will see I said nothing of the sort.
Please excuse the added emphasis.
Just a comment - their auditors are operating to ISO IEC 17025 - not ISO 9001 - it's not an excuse.
Just that accreditation body assessors operate to a different set of rules (and are a breed apart, IMHO).
No particular relevance to your post. I've just included it to show I'm not selectively quoting.
I'm not saying your CB auditor was right by any means - I'm just a bit confused about the logic of the argument.
This is where I am saying I do not agree with the OP's auditor querying the fact that the posted policy is not signed.
I then go on to say that the OP's argument to his / her CB auditor is the reason I am confused.
And now the bit you quoted:
If there is any document that should be signed it is the one on display to the workforce. If a signature has any value it is as a visual display of endorsement and commitment.
Added emphasis here, my apologies for shouting. Signatures do have a perceived value - that is why we sign contracts. They demonstrate with our mark that we are the ones who endorse a particular statement or future action. Signatures are one way of demonstrating to others that we support (in this case) a policy.
So the purpose of having the hidden document signed when the displayed version is not frankly baffles me ...
My summary. But what is the point of signing a document hidden away in a drawer except as a bureaucratic sop to an auditor.
So, I hope you will agree, no shame on me.
I do not care if a policy is signed or not. There are some arguments I do not understand and I feel comfortable questioning in the forum of the cove.
Long may it continue.