Most importantly, in this age of corporate manslaughter and personal liability for directors, having the three elements of instruction, testing and audit in place provides you with the best chance to demonstrate a 'Due Diligence' defence in case of accident or error. This is because, even with the most robust and all-encompassing quality management process in place, there will be times when things go wrong. When the worst happens, being able to demonstrate that you took 'reasonable steps' to prevent the occurrence, helps you avoid the fines, adverse publicity, cessation orders and even imprisonment that you may otherwise receive.

Anything less than all three elements of instruction, testing and audit could leave your company open to prosecution. We call this our 'umbrella of protection'.