Auditors, reviewers, and certification decision makers are invited to register for this two-day online PEFC recognised chain of custody initial training, which is being held on 9th & 10th March 2026. This training will include the PEFC EUDR DDS module standard.
Attending a PEFC recognised chain of custody initial training is a pre-requisite for an auditor, reviewer or certification decision maker wishing to issue certification against the 2020 PEFC chain of custody related standards, as required by PEFC ST 2003.
The training will provide an introduction to the 2020 PEFC Chain of Custody standard, focusing on the input-output process, the PEFC Due Diligence System (DDS & EUDR DDS), the chain of custody methods and multi-site certification. It will also cover the 2020 PEFC Trademarks standard and 2020 Certification Body Requirements standard.
Before the training, participants are expected to read the 2020 versions of the PEFC standards and the EUDR DDS Module, which will be issued after you have registered. Participants will also be provided with case studies in advance of the training, which will form part of the training content during the course.
The cost of the course is £300 + VAT per delegate.
Knowledge Test
Following the training, participants will have three weeks to complete the online knowledge tests, one for the chain of custody element of the course and one for the EUDR DDS element of the course. Participants that pass these tests will receive a PEFC recognised chain of custody training certificate within two weeks. Successful participants will also be added to the PEFC register of trained auditors, reviewers, and certification decision makers.
Meet the Trainers
The Chain of Custody Refresher training will be presented by John Kirkby, Executive Director and National Secretary of PEFC UK.
Since graduating with a degree in Forest Management from the University of Aberdeen in 2001, John has worked in the timber products industry in a number of roles. From 2012 until he joined PEFC UK in June 2023, he ran his own consultancy business which specialised in helping companies in the UK achieve and maintain PEFC chain of custody certification. During this time, John was also a qualified lead auditor for both the FSC and PEFC schemes and worked for a number of certification bodies in the UK. This background and experience have provided John with a deep understanding of both the technical requirements of the PEFC chain of custody standard and the practicalities of auditing these requirements.
The PEFC EUDR DDS Initial training module will be presented by Ambra Scodro, National Systems Assessment Officer of PEFC International. Ambra joined PEFC international in August 2024 as National Systems Assessment Officer.
Previously, after obtaining a degree in Forest Management, she worked as Technical Manager at Soil Association, a UK-based certification body for both the FSC and PEFC forest management and chain of custody schemes. Since 2014, she has been a qualified FSC and PEFC auditor, and for the last 4 years she has been a qualified chain of custody trainer for both schemes, delivering courses both remotely and in person in various places around the world.’