Consulting Services – Audit Questionnaire Completion – How We Can Help

As your trusted IT Managed Service Provider (MSP), our primary goal is to ensure the seamless and secure operation of your IT infrastructure, enabling your business to grow and succeed.

In recent times we have found increasing numbers of customers approaching us to help with completing questionnaires. That can include compliance questionnaires from your customers or prospective customers, audit reports, insurance questionnaires, technical assessments by regulatory bodies for example the MHRA and more.

As the cyber security landscape gets ever more threatening and complex, we have seen not only the number of questionnaires increase but the scope and depth of the questionnaires has increased dramatically. A few years ago, the scope was of a few questions, then it grew to maybe a page and now it’s many pages. The depth of the questioning has become greater, often requiring detailed knowledge that only an IT cyber security expert can answer.

Could you answer these questions or would you need Greenlight Computers consultancy help?

These are example questions from various compliancy audits our clients have received: 

• Can you define the policies, procedures and process in use by your company to ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practice as defined by publication ISBN 978-1-904610-00-7 (Sections 8, 10, 12, 16, 17) and to MHRA GXP Data Integrity Guidance and Definitions 2018?
• Are you aware of the recommendations as to the approach to the validation and operation of computerised systems as defined in the OECD Environment, Health and Safety Publications?
• Is your company able to provide a response if it is asked to provide documentation regarding the general policies and controls which have been put in place by management, regarding IT systems and applications.

Here’s why we get called upon to help:

Increasing scope of the questions posed

The demand for professional assistance with compliance and audits has grown. Questionnaires have grown in complexity and depth of technical knowledge required to understand the questions, reflecting broader market trends such as cyber security fears, insurance claim management etc. Clients are increasingly having to ask their MSP partners to assist with completion of such documentation because of the technical and specialist knowledge needed to answer the questions.

Specialised expertise required

Completing questionnaires and audit reports demands the application of expertise. The complexity of today’s regulatory and compliance landscape requires a higher level of expertise. In order to support you, our clients, in the markets in which you operate our technical experts possess specialised knowledge necessary for navigating these complexities accurately. This expertise is invaluable, and the answers we help provide minimise risk for your business. Providing accurate, compliant documentation through professional consultancy has an exceptional return on investment where it helps you win or retain clients.

Navigating increasing complexity

Regulations and compliance requirements are more demanding than ever, with stringent data protection and cybersecurity mandates. Assisting with compliance-related tasks goes beyond traditional IT support, requiring a deep understanding of regulatory environments and technical details. This complexity makes the service a specialised offering, distinct from Greenlight Computers or any MSP’s IT support services.

Here’s how we help:

Expert input

The process of providing the correct information in questionnaires requires that someone understands the question and can then respond appropriately. The Greenlight Computers senior technical team know more about your IT systems than possibly anyone in your organisation. Working in your industry we also understand what your industry demands in terms of IT service and cyber security. With our experience in the industries we work amongst, including for example the Life Sciences industry, we understand the questions posed by bodies such as MHRA, HIPAA etc. Our team includes Masters qualified Scientists who work alongside our IT technicians and consultants, are able to understand the question that is posed and then respond with the knowledge of your systems and your requirements.

Answering properly also involves meticulous research, and validation of information. Again, our team can be trusted to carry that out to a level that is generally not possible as internal staff often are not the subject matter experts in those areas.

Awareness

We can spot gaps and help close them. Sometimes questions arise for which your service is not currently compliant. Using our knowledge of your systems we can help to identify how you might close that gap and provide suitable mitigation strategies or solutions to remove risk and achieve compliance.

Time to respond

We often find that there are time pressures on getting a questionnaire completed. By involving Greenlight Computers consultants as early as possible in the IT related questions we can hopefully get you the answers quicker than if you have to look for the answers yourselves.

Accountability

By asking us to help we take accountability for the information we provide. In order to be comfortable with that accountability we make sure that our team are properly trained and maintain awareness of the latest situations.

Greenlight Computers is also a key part of your supply chain as your IT partner and we maintain a stringent cyber security regime and certification profile, making us a significant differentiator when you respond to your client and regulator questionnaire’s.

For further details of Greenlight Computers current certifications please visit our website www.greenlightcomputers.co.uk

So why do we charge for this service?

Completing questionnaires and audit reports properly demands a significant investment of time. As we hope you have gathered this is not just the act of providing the response but in having the knowledge in the team to answer the questions appropriately. To enable us to provide you with the most informed response we employ staff who are skilled professionals, often those with a background in your industry. For example our business development team in Life Sciences includes those with post graduate qualifications in Biological Sciences.  They keep themselves updated in industry knowledge. That, and also having them engaged in questionnaire preparation and assistance, takes time that we have to invest in. Charging for this service ensures that we can recruit, train and give off the job personal development time to those staff, thereby maintaining our high standards of customer focussed service.

Helping you complete these documents offers strategic benefits for your organisation, such as maintaining compliance, achieving certifications, and securing new business opportunities. By charging for these services, we acknowledge their value and the tangible benefits they provide to your organisation.

We are committed to providing  high-quality services that meet your needs and help your business thrive. Meeting the demand for compliance and audit assistance services helps our customers to maintain and grow their businesses. By formally offering these services, we respond to your needs and market demands, ensuring that we provide comprehensive support that covers all aspects of IT management and compliance.

Thank you for your understanding and continued trust in us as your MSP. We’re here to support you in navigating these complex requirements and look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence. If you are interested in our services you can contact us here.