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Updated: 2 hours 10 min ago

Updated guidance on UKCA and CE mark recognition now available

Tue, 02/11/2025 - 13:41

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published updated guidance on the recognition of UKCA and CE product markings in Great Britain. This follows the introduction of The Product Safety and Metrology Regulation (Amendment) 2024, which came into effect on 1 October 2024 and continues the recognition of EU requirements, including the CE marking, for a range of products placed on the GB market. 

To provide greater clarity to businesses on how they can make use of this approach, DBT has released new guidance outlining the requirements for placing products on the GB market. Links to this guidance are provided below: 

These updates provide essential information for businesses navigating UK product regulation requirements. UKAS will continue to monitor developments in product conformity assessment and provide updates where relevant. 

For further information, visit the Department for Business and Trade website

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UKAS maintains international recognition, boosting UK trade and confidence in UK conformity assessment

Fri, 01/31/2025 - 10:03

As the United Kingdom’s National Accreditation Body, UKAS plays a vital role in supporting conformity assessment across both regulated and non-regulated sectors. This ensures the reliability of the products and services that the UK depends on while also promoting trade and supporting exports. As such, UKAS’s international activities are key to strengthening the UK economy.

UKAS’s role as the national accreditation body places it within a global network of accreditation organisations, representing the UK’s interests on international platforms. These forums, such as the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), help ensure the consistent application of conformity assessment standards worldwide. This, in turn, provides confidence in the reports and certificates issued by accredited bodies.

This global recognition is facilitated through multilateral (or mutual) recognition arrangements (MLAs), where accreditation bodies demonstrate their competence in accordance with the international standards for the operation of accreditation bodies (ISO/IEC 17011: 2017). Just as conformity assessment bodies (e.g., laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies) are assessed for competence by UKAS, accreditation bodies themselves undergo rigorous peer evaluations by experts from other accreditation organisations.

UKAS is a long-standing signatory to the MLAs managed by EA, ILAC, and IAF. This status, held for over 25 years, ensures that UKAS’s accreditation services are recognised as equivalent to those of other accredited bodies worldwide. Consequently, reports and certificates from UKAS-accredited organisations are also internationally recognised. Routine peer assessments, including the most recent EA evaluation in November 2024, ensure that UKAS maintains this high standard.

During the November evaluation, a team of 11 experts spent a full week assessing the competence of UKAS’s staff and the effectiveness of its services. The evaluation covered the organisation’s management systems, policies, procedures, and their implementation across the range of fields in which it is active, such as testing, calibration, certification, inspection, and verification.

The findings of the evaluation were overwhelmingly positive, with the team praising UKAS for its transparency, openness, and the dedication of its management and staff. The team also commended the competence of UKAS staff in delivering quality accreditation services. However, there were a few minor areas where UKAS policies were found not to be in full compliance with some of the accreditation requirements. These related primarily to the way UKAS presents the scopes of its accreditations.

Since the evaluation, UKAS has been actively reviewing and addressing these findings. Actions are being implemented to ensure full compliance, and UKAS will provide evidence of these improvements to the evaluation team in the coming weeks.

At the evaluation’s closing meeting in November, the evaluation team confirmed that, subject to successful evidence submission, it shall be recommending that UKAS remain a signatory to the EA MLA, with official ratification by the EA’s Multilateral Agreements Council (MAC) expected to be made in early 2025. As the EA is a ‘Recognised Region’ under both ILAC and IAF, this will automatically ensure the continued validity of UKAS’s signatory status with these organisations as well.

Lord Lindsey, UKAS Chairman, congratulated the UKAS team on this achievement, recognising the significant benefits it brings to the UK, especially in reducing technical barriers to trade and enhancing international recognition of UKAS’s accreditation services.

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UKAS Training Academy – new focus for 2025

Thu, 01/30/2025 - 09:31

Required, desired and inspired learning

Who we are

The UKAS Training Academy provides training solutions that foster excellence, quality, and professionalism in various industries. We bring decades of expertise and a deep understanding of accreditation standards to our training programmes. Our commitment is to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to operate at the highest levels of competence and integrity.

Our trainers are industry leaders and subject matter experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Through interactive learning experiences, we ensure that our participants are not only well-versed in the technical knowledge they require but are also thoroughly proficient in the practical application of appropriate international standards wherever possible.

The Commercial Training team at UKAS is made up of a core team that collaborates with a wider team of industry experts and UKAS colleagues.

Our purpose

At the core of the UKAS Training Academy lies a clear and unwavering purpose: to elevate industry standards through education and development. We believe that by empowering individuals and organisations with the right tools and knowledge, we can drive significant improvements in quality, safety, and operational efficiency across various sectors and support individuals’ professional development.

By doing so, we contribute to the broader mission of UKAS, which is to build confidence and trust in the products and services that people rely on every day.

Listening to our customers

In a rapidly evolving business environment, it is crucial to stay attuned to the needs and expectations of our customers. At the UKAS Training Academy, we place great emphasis on listening to our customers and incorporating their feedback into our strategic planning and programme development.

We employ various methods to gather customer insights, including surveys, focus groups, and direct consultations. By leveraging these insights, we can identify emerging trends, address gaps in our training programmes and introduce new topics that are of interest to our customers.

We would love to hear your thoughts and if you are interested in joining our soon-to-be-launched Training working group, please add your details so we can get in touch.

The UKAS Training Academy is poised to be a beacon of excellence in the realm of professional training and development. Our structured and focused approach, coupled with our unwavering commitment to customer-centricity, positions us uniquely to support our customers in achieving their goals.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to our mission of empowering individuals and organisations through education. By listening to our customers and adapting to their needs, we will continue to drive positive change and uphold the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

View our current training calendar to join us on this exciting journey as we pave the way for a brighter future, one training session at a time.

 

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Call for Expression of Interest for Certification of BS 99001, ISO 37301 and ISO 56001

Tue, 01/28/2025 - 14:36

Over the past few years UKAS has issued public Expression of Interests (EoI) for the consideration of running pilot programmes for the accreditations of Certification Bodies to offer certification to BS99001: 2022 The Built Environment Quality Management Systems and ISO 37301:2021 Compliance Management Systems — Requirements with guidance for use.  The feedback from these indicated that there was only limited interest and therefore were not taken forward at that time.

We have also recently had enquiries in respect to possible accreditation of certification bodies to deliver certification to ISO 56001:2024 Innovation management system — Requirements.

As these standards have not previously been the subject of accredited conformity assessment, UKAS would need to undertake a development project to confirm the applicability of the standard and also to establish a robust and proportionate assessment approach. UKAS is initiating an EoI for ISO56001: 2024 and revisiting the situation with BS99001: 2022 and ISO 37301:2021 to gauge the level of interest there may now be from bodies who want to certify organisations against the individual standards.

Therefore, please could you confirm/ reconfirm if you have interest in one or more of these standards to UKAS (developmentenquiries@ukas.com) by the end of June 2025 as well as following information:

  1. The number of clients/estimated number of clients you have for (each of) this standard?
  2. For the standard in which you have interest the geographical location(s) where accredited certificates will be issued (solely UK, Solely Europe, Office outside of Europe)?
  3. The number of non-accredited certificates issued for the standard (s) and into which countries?
  4. The date by which you envisage your clients being ready for
    1. A Stage 1 audit.
    2. A Stage 2 audit
  5. Details of how you scope the certifications and please provide some example certificates. This will assist in the development and implementation of accreditation in this potential new area.

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Accelerating digitalisation in conformity assessment: challenges, opportunities, and next steps

Mon, 01/20/2025 - 12:17

Digital transformation is reshaping industries worldwide, and the Conformity Assessment sector is no exception. As businesses and stakeholders increasingly seek efficiency, transparency, and alignment with international trends, accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) must adapt to meet these evolving needs.  

Understanding digitalisation in conformity assessment 

Digitalisation in conformity assessment extends beyond converting paper-based reports into digital formats. It involves leveraging advanced tools and systems, such as digital reporting platforms, blockchain technology, and AI-driven processes, to enhance traceability, data security, and stakeholder confidence. 

For CABs, the potential benefits of digitalisation include: 

  • Improved efficiency: streamlined internal processes and reduced administrative burdens 
  • Enhanced accuracy: minimising human error through automated data handling 
  • Increased transparency: providing clients and regulators with real-time access to verifiable data 
  • Global alignment: positioning organisations to meet international expectations, such as digital product passports and blockchain-verified documentation. 

Barriers to progress 

Despite its promise, digitalisation poses significant challenges for CABs, including: 

  • Limited client demand: many clients remain satisfied with traditional formats, such as PDF reports, reducing the immediate pressure to innovate 
  • Resource constraints: smaller CABs, in particular, struggle to secure the funding and expertise needed to implement digital tools 
  • Data security concerns: questions around data ownership, confidentiality, and liability can hinder adoption 
  • Regulatory gaps: while international markets, such as the EU, push for digital product passports, UK-based CABs face fewer regulatory drivers to adopt digital solutions. 

Opportunities for leadership 

For CABs ready to embrace digitalisation, there are clear opportunities to lead the sector: 

  • Portals and QR codes: these tools allow clients and stakeholders to verify the authenticity and validity of reports instantly, enhancing trust and traceability 
  • Blockchain technology: providing immutable records of assessments, blockchain ensures transparency and integrity throughout the data lifecycle 
  • Verifiable credentials: these systems empower CABs to issue and control digital documentation, ensuring clients have secure, up-to-date information. 

Recommendations for CABs 

To progress effectively, CABs should consider the following actions: 

  1. Adopt a phased approach: implement digital solutions incrementally, focusing on areas with the highest potential for impact. 
  1. Invest in education and training: build internal expertise to overcome skills gaps and demystify digitalisation concepts. 
  1. Collaborate with stakeholders: engage with regulators, accreditation bodies, and clients to address shared challenges, such as data ownership and confidentiality. 
  1. Develop a digital transformation strategy: define clear goals, timelines, and resources to guide the transition. 

Aligning with international trends 

Digitalisation is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity for global alignment. Initiatives such as the UN/CEFACT white papers and the EU’s digital product passports highlight the increasing emphasis on transparency and data accessibility in global markets. CABs that proactively adopt these technologies position themselves as leaders in the evolving conformity assessment landscape. 

Explore UKAS resources 

UKAS is committed to supporting CABs on their digital transformation journey. In early 2025, UKAS will host a series of workshops and webinars addressing key topics, including: 

  • Digital reporting tools: Exploring technologies that streamline data sharing and reporting. 
  • Artificial intelligence: Understanding AI’s potential in the conformity assessment sector. 
  • Cybersecurity: Building robust frameworks to protect sensitive data. 

These sessions provide CABs with practical insights and opportunities to engage with experts and peers. UKAS will also offer tailored learning packages to help CABs build foundational knowledge and confidence in digitalisation. 

Take the next step 

Digitalisation is a journey, not a destination. CABs that invest in the right tools, skills, and strategies today will be better positioned to meet future demands. To learn more about upcoming workshops and resources, visit the UKAS website and subscribe to updates. 

You can also join UKAS on one of our upcoming events in our digitalisation programme: 

Embrace the opportunities digitalisation offers to strengthen your organisation, enhance stakeholder trust, and align with the future of conformity assessment. 

 

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UKAS’s House of Lords reception showcases how the National Quality Infrastructure can support better regulation

Mon, 01/13/2025 - 15:47

UKAS was delighted to host its House of Lords reception on Tuesday 17 December 2024.

This annual event represents an opportunity for UKAS to connect with colleagues across government, industry, professional bodies and its member organisations.

The British Standards Institution, BSI, and the National Physical Laboratory, NPL, partnered with UKAS to showcase how the tools of the National Quality Infrastructure can support better regulation, the reception’s theme of better regulation. This theme explored how accreditation, standards and metrology underpin market frameworks and support regulation across the economy and public services, promoting innovation, safety and international trade.

Lord Lindsay, UKAS Chair, and Marcial Boo, Chair of the Institute of Regulation, used their remarks to highlight how better regulation can further utilise these tools to minimise unnecessary compliance burdens on businesses and support economic growth, whilst maintaining necessary consumer and environmental protections. During his speech, Lord Jamie Lindsay provided a reflection on the successes and challenges of 2024, emphasising the importance of accreditation in supporting better regulation, public safety and economic growth. The event, initially planned for June but postponed due to the General Election, offered an opportunity to review key developments across the year.

Lord Lindsay highlighted the publication of the Phase 2 Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, which underscored critical lessons for the construction, testing, inspection and certification industries. UKAS’s ongoing Programme PACE, initiated in 2022, continues to address these findings, reinforcing its commitment to rigor and technical excellence.

In 2024, UKAS advanced its operational capabilities by leveraging new technologies to improve customer interaction and enhance the delivery of the national accreditation service.

Extensive stakeholder engagement has bolstered UKAS’s adaptability to market and political developments. Lord Lindsay acknowledged constructive discussions with government representatives, citing support for the Data Use and Access Bill, the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill and efforts to reduce trade barriers, particularly with the EU.

A central theme of the address was the role of accreditation in fostering intelligent regulation. By integrating market-based mechanisms and the expertise of the UK’s National Quality Infrastructure, government can encourage innovation and investment while maintaining and enhancing robust consumer and public protections. Accreditation provides confidence in the competence and integrity of conformity assessment bodies. Lord Lindsay emphasised how regulatory frameworks can utilise this in support of industry decarbonisation, climate accountability and the rollout of emerging technologies.  For example, accreditation can underpin confidence in the credibility of sustainability actions and the consistent use of best practice standards in the deployment of new technologies. He also highlighted the value of designing regulatory frameworks in reference to international standards, supporting export opportunities for businesses and confidence in the UK’s regulatory environment.

In closing, Lord Lindsay expressed gratitude to the Regulation Directorate at the Department for Business and Trade for their collaboration and support in advancing UKAS’s mission.

 

 

Full transcript of Lord Lindsay’s address to the UKAS House of Lords reception, Tuesday 17 October 2024

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you to UKAS’s annual reception, here at the House of Lords.

It is a delight to see so many new and familiar faces

I must extend a warm welcome on behalf of the British Standards Institution, BSI, and the National Physical Laboratory, NPL, who are partnering with us for today’s reception.

More pertinent to today’s theme, BSI and NPL are UKAS’s partners at the heart of the UK’s National Quality Infrastructure.

As some of you will recall, we were due to hold this event in June but postponed due to the General Election being called.

Hosting this important reception now, at the end of the year, allows us to reflect on the successes and challenges of 2024.

This year saw the publication of the phase 2 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

We welcomed the report, which detailed important learnings for both the construction and testing, inspection and certification industry.

Like many others, UKAS continues to study the report’s findings and recommendations.

Programme PACE, a series of workstreams that ensures UKAS is learning all relevant lessons from the tragedy, began in 2022 and continues today.

UKAS is committed to further embedding rigour and technical excellence across all our activities.

2024 has also seen UKAS make great strides in further enhancing operational delivery.

By using new technologies to streamline and improve the customer interface, UKAS is ensuring it delivers a national accreditation service that is not only fit for today, but also meets the needs of tomorrow in building a safe, secure and sustainable future.

This ambition has been demonstrated by the extensive stakeholder engagement across the past year.

We continue to respond to market and political developments, working with government departments, regulators and industry colleagues to provide accreditation services wherever they are needed and are in the public interest.

Constructive conversations with government colleagues, many of whom I am delighted are with us today, include support for the Data Use and Access Bill, which aims to increase trust in and acceptance of digital identities across the UK, the Product Regulation the Metrology Bill, which aims to modernise and strengthen the UK’s product regulation framework, and the Government’s efforts to reduce technical barriers to trade, especially between the UK and the EU.

 

More importantly, in the context of better regulation, our dialogue with government also includes utilising accreditation and the NQI to support the government’s focus on delivering economic growth.

An intelligent regulatory framework can purposefully facilitate investment and innovation alongside providing necessary protections to consumers and the public interest.

Better regulation can deploy market-based mechanisms, underpinned by the tools of the UK’s national quality infrastructure.

These mechanisms are well understood by business and provide government with confidence that robust technical standards are being consistently met.

For example, businesses may be required to demonstrate they are meeting industry best practice.

To do this, they may use a certification, verification or another type of conformity assessment service provided by a conformity assessment body.

The confidence in the competence and integrity of these bodies comes through their accreditation, awarded by National Accreditation Bodies with international recognition, such as UKAS.

This system of market-based assurance supports regulation that is agile, proportionate and responsive to technological developments.

 

To achieve better regulation, it is vital that we harness existing best practice and utilise the expertise of our world leading, government-appointed bodies for quality.

Indeed, the UK’s quality infrastructure already runs right across the economy and public services, whether it is food safety, NHS diagnostic testing or the competence of forensic science providers.

And it can go further still.

It can support market and consumer confidence in the quality and effectiveness of industry decarbonisation.

Climate accountability and credible sustainability actions are vital to competitive industrial activity.

Technical standards, underpinned by accredited certification or verification, are a key enabler of the successful implementation of robust and effective net zero and clean energy policies.

Additionally, standards and accreditation can support the better regulation of new and emerging technologies.

Regulatory interventions that seek to safeguard the use and diffusion of technology can refer to best practice standards and to accreditation, which provides confidence in the bodies assessing compliance with these important practical requirements.

Both clean energy and technology are built into the government’s industrial strategy green paper.

The UK’s national quality infrastructure will be an important partner in the delivery of an industrial activity that enables growth.

 

We must also recognise the importance of embedding international operability into regulation.

Here, governments can regulate in reference to international standards and globally recognised means of assuring these are met.

This taps into the global quality infrastructure, reducing the need for duplicate testing, evaluation or certification, and therefore increasing export opportunities, especially for small businesses.

This ‘tested once, accepted everywhere’ philosophy is also vital to global supply chains.

Regulatory frameworks that recognise this international system also promote a stable environment for investment, providing businesses with certainty and familiarity in market frameworks.

 

I must extend my sincere thanks to colleagues at the Regulation Directorate within the Department for Business and Trade.

I am pleased that UKAS has such a close working relationship with them, and they have offered significant support to today’s reception.

 

Unfortunately, as you may have heard, Minister Justin Madders MP, will no longer be addressing today’s reception due to being called away to a Bill Committee.

I am however extremely grateful to Marcial Boo, Chair of the Institute for Regulation, for agreeing to address the reception this afternoon.

UKAS is an associate member of the Institute, which aims to promote knowledge sharing and best practice to provide a framework for policy innovation, collaboration and improved public services.

As I am sure you will agree, this important work could not align more closely with the theme of today’s reception, better regulation.

Please do take the opportunity this afternoon to speak with Marcial and his colleagues about the work of the Institute.

I also encourage you to speak to BSI and NPL staff and of course my UKAS colleagues.

They stand ready to offer their expertise and support wherever possible.

On behalf of the whole UKAS team, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and we look forward to collaborating in 2025.”

 

 

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Global accreditation moves forward with the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated

Thu, 12/12/2024 - 14:29

The creation of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, a new global accreditation organisation that will merge the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), has moved closer following the official registration of the organisation as a legal entity and an incorporated society in New Zealand. This milestone follows the successful approval of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated Constitution and General Rules by the members of ILAC and IAF through a positive vote.

As a key contributor to the global accreditation landscape, UKAS recognises the importance of this development. The merging of ILAC and IAF into the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated signals a significant advancement toward streamlining accreditation processes globally. UKAS has long supported the ILAC and IAF Mutual Recognition Arrangements, which facilitate the mutual acceptance of accredited results and certificates across national borders, reinforcing the goal of “accredited once, accepted everywhere.”

The creation of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated represents an important step toward enhancing international cooperation and promoting trust in accreditation across the world. UKAS will continue to play an active role in shaping the future of global accreditation, and further details on the new organisation are expected to be released in the coming months.

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Forensic Technical Assessor workshop 2024

Tue, 12/10/2024 - 10:46

UKAS recently hosted a virtual workshop for Technical Assessors involved in the assessment of forensic organisations. The event was attended by 67 internal and external staff members.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for assessment staff to receive updates regarding UKAS policy and procedures and to discuss technical issues with their peers, promoting consistent and effective assessments.

Among the topics covered during the workshop were updates to UKAS publications, discussions regarding the content of UKAS reports, definitions for anticontamination activities, and emerging themes from the quality incidents and significant non-conforming work that is reported to UKAS by forensic units.

The event was also attended by the UKAS Operations Director Lynsey Poyner, who noted ‘It was great to see so many of our Forensic Technical Assessors at the workshop. It is imperative that we keep our assessors up to date with changes at UKAS and to ensure that they are equipped to undertake the robust assessments that are required to continue to deliver confidence in this critical sector’.

If you would be interested in becoming a Technical Assessor for UKAS you can find more information about the role on the UKAS website Independent technical assessors – UKAS

In addition, current opportunities for Technical Assessors listed on the UKAS website at   Independent technical assessor vacancies – UKAS

 

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Reflecting on UKAS’s participation in the Lord Mayor’s Show parade

Tue, 11/19/2024 - 09:30

On Saturday 9 November, UKAS proudly participated in the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show, joining its National Quality Infrastructure partners to sponsor the float of the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers.

The event, held in central London, featured a team of UKAS volunteers marching alongside representatives from the British Standards Institution (BSI), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), and the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI). Together, they highlighted the vital role of quality infrastructure in supporting scientific innovation and excellence.

The Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers’ float formed part of the parade’s ‘Knowledge Mile,’ emphasising the integral relationship between science and quality standards. Each organisation carried a branded inflatable, symbolising their commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing global quality frameworks.

Representing UKAS were Chief Executive Matt Gantley and Operations Director Lynsey Poyner, joined by a wide range of UKAS employees from various technical and support sections of the business. The procession commenced at London Wall, passing through iconic locations such as Blackfriars, Embankment, and St Paul’s, before concluding at Guildhall. Broadcast live by the BBC, the event attracted thousands of spectators who lined the streets to cheer on the floats.

The Lord Mayor’s Show is an enduring celebration of the City of London’s community, heritage, and resilience, with a history spanning more than 800 years. Its highlight, the golden State Coach, symbolises the City’s rich traditions and continued global relevance.

This year’s parade marked the conclusion of UKAS Non-Executive Director Michael Mainelli’s tenure as the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London. During his time in office, he championed the City on the international stage, leading business delegations to strengthen trade ties and promote London’s capabilities as a leading global financial centre.

The 696th Lord Mayor, Alastair King, has now succeeded Michael Mainelli and taken up residence at Mansion House, continuing the City’s legacy of leadership and innovation.

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Strengthening trust through quality: UKAS celebrates World Quality Week and prepares for peer evaluation

Thu, 11/14/2024 - 08:54

This year, as UKAS joins organisations worldwide in celebrating World Quality Week, we are also preparing for an essential milestone in our quality journey – our peer evaluation with the European cooperation for Accreditation (EA) which takes place between the 15th and 22nd of November.

This in-depth evaluation (occurring every four years) is a critical process that provides independent confirmation that UKAS continues to meet the requirements relevant to its roles as the UK’s National Accreditation Body. Successful peer evaluation ensures UKAS retains its EA, ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation), and IAF (International Accreditation Forum) multilateral agreement (MLA/MRA) signatory statuses, which enable global recognition of UKAS accredited services in areas including, but not limited to, certification, testing, calibration and inspection.

Maintaining MLA/MRA signatory status enables users of UKAS-accredited services around the world to have confidence in the reports and certificates issued by the accredited bodies. This recognition is made possible through this process of peer evaluation, where UKAS must demonstrate compliance with ISO/IEC 17011, the international standard for accreditation bodies. These agreements provide technical equivalence across borders, allowing UKAS customers to operate in overseas markets with the assurance that their accreditation meets internationally recognised quality standards.

What the peer evaluation involves

This peer evaluation will bring a team of evaluators from other EA member accreditation bodies to assess UKAS’s processes, technical competences and adherence to international standards. During the six-day evaluation, the evaluation team shall assess the compliance of UKAS’s policies and processes against international criteria, review the effectiveness of their implementation, observe assessment processes within each of the 10 fields covered within the scope of UKAS’s MLA, review records, and interview personnel to confirm how effectively UKAS maintains impartiality and ensures effective implementation of a robust and suitable management system.

Peer evaluations such as these are challenging, given the rigour and scope involved. However, they are crucial to maintaining the credibility of our accreditation services. By undergoing these evaluations, UKAS demonstrates that it can meet international standards, ensure technical competence, and deliver reliable, trustworthy accreditation. Our previous evaluation in 2021, a remote assessment conducted by a team of 13 EA colleagues, demonstrated UKAS’s strengths in data management, adherence to procedure, and the quality of our assessment processes, while also offering areas for continual improvement.

Tracy Pia, Head of Quality and Compliance at UKAS, reflects on the importance of the peer evaluation:

“Quality is at the heart of everything we do at UKAS and our peer evaluation is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining rigorous standards and dedication to continual improvement. We understand that each assessment, each process review, and each step in our journey towards excellence strengthens the trust our stakeholders place in us. Our aim is not only to meet the relevant requirements, but to exemplify the highest levels of quality and reliability.”

Going beyond compliance in World Quality Week

This year’s World Quality Week theme, “From Compliance to Performance,” resonates strongly with UKAS’s approach to quality. For UKAS, compliance is the foundation, but performance drives us forward, pushing us to exceed standards, improve practices, and enhance our ability to meet evolving customer needs. By maintaining and continuously enhancing our accreditation processes, UKAS reaffirms its role as a trusted leader in quality and accreditation.

As we prepare for this month’s peer evaluation, UKAS remains committed to delivering trusted and internationally recognised accreditation services. This World Quality Week, we celebrate not only our compliance with high standards but also our commitment to quality and continual performance improvement – qualities that keep UKAS at the forefront of global accreditation.

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Publication of UKAS Annual Report 2024: an agile accreditation body for a changing world

Fri, 10/25/2024 - 14:54

UKAS is delighted to announce the release of its Annual Report for the financial year 2023-24. With the theme “an agile accreditation body for a changing world,” the report reflects UKAS’s ongoing efforts to respond to industry developments, advance customer service and maintain a robust accreditation service.

This year’s report includes key insights from the UKAS Chair and Executive and features significant contributions from external authors:

Stephen Phipson, CEO of Make UK, presents an article on the critical role of mutual recognition agreements in stabilising supply chains through accreditation.

The Rt Hon Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, explores how standards and assurance help businesses “connect and prosper.”

Emily Campbell-Ratcliffe, Head of Assurance at the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, discusses the role of accreditation in artificial intelligence.

Caroline Hamilton, Chair of UKAS’s Public Advisory Forum and Council, addresses stakeholder engagement and the importance of impartiality in times of change.

Craig Watson, Deputy Director at the Office for Product Safety and Standards, outlines the importance of accreditation within the UK’s quality infrastructure.

Mark Babington, Executive Director of Regulatory Standards at the Financial Reporting Council, examines the role of accreditation in enhancing climate accountability and the credibility of sustainability actions.

The report also provides updates on UKAS’s digitalisation programme, the key statistics from the CertCheck database, and new areas of accreditation in healthcare, forensics, net zero and more. To gain a deeper understanding of how UKAS is evolving in a changing world, read the full UKAS Annual Report 2024.

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