Book of Explanation: Synopsis

Frequency of Review:

- At least once every five years.

Volume of Work Reviewed:

- A minimum of four (4) to a maximum of ten (10) plans is selected by plan submission number with the volume dependent on past Review history.

Plan Selection:

- Each firm must list all completed surveys on a log, as per Schedule B.

 

- At the time of the Review, S.R.D. will contact the firm to obtain a copy of the log, to be supplied in digital or hard-copy format.

 

- The log identifies the type of survey for each assigned S.R.D. sticker .

 

- For each Review, S.R.D. will select, by sticker number, the approved number of plans to provide a representative sampling of the work.

File Composition:

- Each firm will forward a signed print, the support file and any other pertinent information for each selected plan, as specified in Schedule A .

 

- Submissions are required within three weeks of notification.

Field Examinations:

- Field examinations are conducted on a portion of the selected surveys by an O.L.S. staff member and/or consultant with the aid of an assistant.

 

- The field examination is not a re-survey, but is an examination of the site to determine whether the plan is representative of field conditions.

 

- The S.R.D. surveyor will take notes and photographs as required for the Review process.

File Review:

- Once the field examinations are consolidated to the support files, an in-depth examination is undertaken by a staff member and/or consulting surveyor.

 

- The Check List and Rating Scale , is used for uniformity and consistency in the audit examination of the surveys in meeting the pertinent Standards, Guidelines, Legislation, Regulations and accepted standard practices.

File Review (Cont d):

- The Check List, while not conclusive, identifies the key portions of Regulations, Legislation, Guidelines and Standards that govern the work of surveyors.

 

- The Rating Scale provides an indication of the levels of concern placed on issues or areas of non-compliance.

 

- The Rating Scale is used as a guide due to the professional nature of the work reviewed.

Reports/Office Visit:

- Draft reports are forwarded to the firm, which include:

 

i)            A separate report on each survey reviewed;

 

ii)              A file summary report to identify the level of concern for each deficiency;

 

iii)             A summary report highlighting areas of non-compliance; and

 

iv)             A covering letter to identify areas of recommended change or response to the practice.

 

- An office visit will be conducted to finalize the report.

 

- The meeting is attended by the consultant who prepared the draft report and, at times, the Manager of the Survey Review Department.

 

- A copy of the final report is provided to the firm.

Purpose:

- Provides an independent audit of the reviewed firm or agency.

 

- Identifies issues, inadequacies or areas of non-compliance in the approach of the firm.

 

- Identifies areas of significant non-compliance or substandard work to which additional support education is necessary.

Confidentiality:

- Review results are held in strict confidence by the Survey Review Department.