Why Become An EnviroCert Agent?
Many businesses are choosing to take control of their Environmental impacts, driven by increasing concerns about the Environment. Independent certification provides customers and regulators assurance that an organisation is committed to improving its environmental practices.
Working as an EnviroCert agent provides you with an opportunity to build or expand your own business portfolio in Environmental Management with positive future growth potential. Advantages include that you can achieve flexibility in your workload and be able to create an additional income stream without buy-in costs and financial outlay thereby providing a low risk opportunity to expand your business. Training and marketing support is provided to assist you in building your business.
Why Work With EnviroCert?
EnviroCert is an Australian owned and operated certifying body and is recognised as a credible and respected provider of independent certification and auditing services.
EnviroCert is investing in a national network of agents to support the roll out of the EnviroCert Environmental Management System programme across Australia. EnviroCert is also liaising with State and Federal authorities, non-Government organisations and industry groups to promote and raise the profile and recognition of EnviroCert certification.
EnviroCert is dedicated to providing their agents with service, assistance and support to ensure the ongoing success of the programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Support Do I Receive From EnviroCert?
EnviroCert will be actively involved in promoting the system to the public, local and federal government bodies, industry associations, etc. EnviroCert will also be publishing marketing material to support your promotional efforts.
EnviroCert will provide training on commencement of the agency and will organise regular training sessions to maintain consistency in administration and assessment processes amongst different agencies.
Additional support is provided as required.
What Are The Costs Involved?
After your application has been approved and we get to the stage where a formal agreement is signed you will be required to pay an administration fee of (currently) $200.00. This fee is payable annually on renewal of your agency license.
How Long Are My Services Contracted For?
The typical duration of a contract is one year. Under normal circumstances the intention is to renew contracts annually on the anniversary of their commencement.
Do I Get Exclusivity As An Agent For A Specified Region?
No, but the number of Agents in any specific region will be limited. We encourage and support competition and growth, however saturating the market with agents is contrary to our philosophy of helping our agents succeed. We will monitor and assess agent and market performance to ensure an appropriate balance is maintained.
What Do I Get For My Work?
Agents will get a fixed fee per activity they conduct. All fees are listed in the Agent Fee Schedule which forms part of the Agency Agreement. Customers that you find and that apply for certification will remain ‘your’ clients for the duration of the agreements between EnviroCert and you or EnviroCert and that client, whichever ends first. Therefore the audit fees are a recurring and reliable source of income for you.
Are My Costs Reimbursed?
Yes, costs specified in the Fee Schedule are reimbursed as long as they are reasonable and receipts are submitted with your invoice/report. Costs must be reported before the Client is invoiced by EnviroCert.
Will I Receive Leads/Contacts To Help Me Get Started?
No, you will need to do your own marketing and acquisition. Customers that you find and that apply for certification will remain ‘your’ clients for the duration of the agreements between EnviroCert and you or EnviroCert and that client, whichever ends first.
In case customers apply directly to the EnviroCert head office or when the agreement between EnviroCert and another agency is terminated, those clients may be assigned to other regional agencies. If so, this will be done at the sole discretion of EnviroCert.
What Happens If Another Agent Tries To Get To ‘My’ Clients?
Until the client is contracted it is basically a free market place and any Agent is free to offer their services, provided the terms of the agreement and the code of conduct are adhered to. There is a fixed fee schedule and standardised duration calculation, so there can be no competition on price/duration etc., only on personal preference of the client.
After a client has applied, that client is assigned to the agent that is listed on the application form. Any attempts to make clients transfer after then should be reported to the EnviroCert office. Appropriate action will then be taken.
What Sort Of Reporting Requirements Do I Need To Adhere To?
There are regular communications between EnviroCert and agents where it concerns the processing of enquiries, applications, audits, certification decisions etc. Additionally, agents are required to submit quarterly activity reports and business plan updates, specifying commercial activities and market approach.