Sexual Assault Referral Centres – How UKAS is supporting your route to Accreditation

In 2020, the Forensic Science Regulator set in place a timeline for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to achieve accreditation to ISO 15189:2012, by  2nd October 2025.

UKAS recognised that ISO 15189:2012, and now ISO 15189:2022 and the requirements for a management system was a new and unknown element for many SARCs and has worked with the FSR to develop an assisted application scheme (UAAS).

The UKAS application fee, includes access to the UAAS. The UAAS has been developed as a series of eLearning modules that guide all SARCs through the accreditation process, how to develop their management systems and consider and develop those items identified in the FSR Code.

The eLearning modules include such areas as follows:

Legal Entity, Service Structure, Quality Management System, Quality Manual, Quality Policy and Objectives, Document Control, The Quality Manager, Training, Competence, Periodic review of competence, Personnel Records, Method SOPs, Validation, Verification, Quality Assurance, Record Keeping, Internal Audit including schedule, conduct and output, Non-conformities, corrective and preventive action, Continual service improvement and Management review.

They provide a comprehensive starting point for anyone new to standards and/or accreditation and are available within the cost of your initial application. They can be accessed anytime, anywhere and by any of your staff to suit your development and service needs.

At the end of each module there is the opportunity for the SARC to submit key documentation that will then be reviewed by UKAS and feedback provided to further develop and prepare for each next step.

If you are stuck and unsure how to get started on your accreditation journey now is the time to act. Please contact UKAS at [email protected] and we will be happy to talk you through the application process.

We have developed further bespoke blended training courses: Introduction to Accreditation, ISO 15189:2022 and The FSR Code Extended Awareness of ISO 15189:2022 and The FSR Code Internal Audit for SARCs

Please contact UKAS to express your interest in joining any of these now!

REMEMBER – it takes an average of 18 months to 2 years for new applicants to achieve accreditation. NOW is the time to start your Accreditation Journey and benefit from the support in our Development and Technical teams!