Scheme integrity update

There has been recent recognition within the international accreditation community for the need to provide a stronger global focus on scheme integrity and the confidence that comes with routine robust scheme review. This approach will ensure the integrity of the schemes that underpin accredited certification and inspection and the confidence and reassurance this brings to the public, governments, regulators and global markets.

As part of this focus, UKAS is strengthening its processes to ensure the eligibility of the schemes used in accredited conformity assessment. This includes the development of a scheme directory that will be publicly available, detailing scheme information and recognition status as well as identifying the Scheme Owner.

UKAS has now commenced a significant piece of work which will include the review of all existing schemes across all sectors and standards, so we can provide continued confidence in the scheme content and increase the visibility and traceability of scheme information. All new or updated schemes will need to be reviewed and recognised prior to any assessment process taking place. If, as a UKAS customer, you are aware of any changes to your scheme that UKAS is not aware of, please contact your Assessment Manager as soon as possible.

UKAS will provide regular updates on this process via information on the website, and we will be delivering a webinar on this development. Relevant UKAS customers have already been informed about these details and Assessment Managers will be in touch in due course to discuss how this will be managed.

Should you require any clarification on the above, please contact your Assessment Manager in the first instance or email [email protected].