The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) is the sole national accreditation body for the United Kingdom. UKAS is recognised by government, to assess against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators. In short, UKAS ‘checks the checkers’. UKAS is a non-profit-distributing private company, limited by guarantee. UKAS is independent of Government.
The IAF is the world association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies and other bodies interested in conformity assessment in the fields of management systems, products, services, personnel and other similar programmes of conformity assessment. Its primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment which reduces risk for business and its customers by assuring them that accredited certificates may be relied upon. Accreditation assures users of the competence and impartiality of the body accredited.
The Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB) is the UK Trade Association for nationally accredited certification bodies. Membership is open to UK based certification bodies holding UKAS accreditation.
CQI | IRCA
Incorporated by Royal Charter and a registered charity (no. 259678) the CQI exists to benefit the public by advancing education in, knowledge of and the practice of quality in industry, commerce, the public sector and the voluntary sectors. In short, the CQI exists to help make organisations better.
The International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA) is the leading professional body for management system auditors. IRCA represents 10,000 registered auditors in over 120 countries and every year, over 60, 000 delegates attend an IRCA approved training course. Their mission is to make a positive and profound contribution to the business management systems audit profession; to inspire and empower auditors and auditor training organisations worldwide, to achieve excellence and promote the value auditors add to businesses.
IOSH is the Chartered body for health and safety professionals. As the world’s biggest professional health and safety membership organisation, they’re the voice of the profession, campaigning on issues that affect millions of working people. They set standards and support, develop and connect our members with resources, guidance, events and training.
IEMA is the worldwide membership body for environment and sustainability professionals, driving global standards for sustainable practice.
