Put simply, a company’s management system is certified to the relevant Standard by an accredited assessment body. In our opinion, this should always be a UKAS accredited body.
UKAS is the only accreditation body recognised by the UK Government to certify these standards. This is because it operates within strict rules agreed by the Department of Trade and Industry and is regularly peer assessed by other recognised international accreditation bodies.
Some organisation’s claim to offer a one-stop-shop for consultancy and certification, which on the surface may seem like the quickest, cheapest, and easiest option. However, this practice completely goes against the rules by which UKAS accredited certification bodies are required to comply.
These organisations may even state that they are accredited but, if they do, their accreditation is not through UKAS.
Non-UKAS accreditation is not subject to agreed regulatory constraints and therefore provides little assurance of integrity, impartiality, or accountability. Certificates issued by these organisations are often not recognised by customers and clients and may even be detrimental for business development and tender applications.
The UK Government advises that The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy ((BEIS) who is responsible for conformity assessment and accreditation policy)). The BEIS is aware of the increase in the number of organisation’s offering certification when they are not accredited to do so. The BEIS has also advised that any organisation that suggests it is accredited in the sense of the Regulation on accreditation and market surveillance when they are not, maybe guilty of an offence under the Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008. If identified these cases should be highlighted to trading standards or UKAS in the first instance.
Only companies certified by a UKAS accredited certification body may display the 'Tick & Crown' logo.
To find out more on the Government’s stance on this subject please click here
If you would like some help in choosing a UKAS Accredited Certification Body, please click here for some further guidance and information of some of the UKAS Accredited Certification Bodies that AvISO are associated with.
At AvISO we work with only UKAS accredited certification bodies to ensure you get the absolute best from your investment.
The ethos is always to develop a system that meets your needs first, whilst still complying with the standard. We have shown that a management system tailored to your individual goals and objectives can be more than just a certificate and will bring about truly positive improvements for your company.
Our experience and approach uniquely position us to offer and deliver the most meaningful advice in a way that best suits you.
What Standard are you looking to obtain:
If you would like to know more about ISO Standards, Certification and the value of a good management system you can add to your business we would love to hear from you: Kent: 01892 800476 | London: 02037 458 476 | [email protected]
