2.4.3 under the guidance document "The HACCP Plan is not a static document. Critical limits must be re-validated at least annually (refer 2.5.2.1 v) by the SQF practitioner, and the entire Food Safety Plan verified annually. When changes occur in the process, the HACCP Plan must be updated and re-validated to reflect the changes (refer 2.1.4.3)."
"The SQF practitioner ensures that the Food Safety Plan is effectively developed, implemented, maintained, and verified (refer 2.1.2.4 i)."
2.5.1
The SQF practitioner is responsible for ensuring that all validation and verification activities are carried out. The SQF practitioner may utilize internal or external resources to conduct these activities, but takes responsibility for ensuring they are carried out.
2.5.1"The SQF practitioner is responsible for establishing a frequency schedule and methods for validating and verifying all parts of the supplier’s SQF System. An SQF consultant may be utilized by the facility to aid in verification activities, however ultimate responsibility for verification and validation must belong to the supplier management and the SQF practitioner."
So to summarize nowhere do I see backup SQF Practitioner is responsible for...
You can argue that SQF practitioner may utilize internal sources to conduct these activities. However as Magenta Majors stated, it looks like a conflict if interest if you're essentially grading your own paper. If your directly in charge of an area Operations Director and you are validating operations then you do not comply with
2.5.7.3 Where possible staff conducting internal audits shall be independent of the function being audited.