Transparent and credible governance of certification bodies through the accreditation process is fundamentally important to the value of independent assessment and certification.
It is central to stakeholder confidence in ensuring that the competence of assessors and the impartiality of the decision-making process is maintained. Accredited certification of management systems to recognized national or international standards provides organizations with a credible means of managing risk, improving efficiencies, and fostering continual improvement and greater competitiveness.
Accreditation is the process by which a certification body is recognised to offer certification services. In order to become accredited, Universal Assurance is required to implement a Quality Management System which is assessed by an Independent Authorised Body (National Accreditation Body) to determine that it meets International Standards. Universal Assurance is audited annually to ensure its services meet the exact requirements of the relevant accreditation standards.
IAF is the world association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies. Its main function is to develop a world-wide program of conformity assessment which will promote the elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade.
IAF membership includes accreditation bodies from all parts of the world, industry representatives and accredited certification bodies.
IAF's objectives include facilitating trade and commerce, in accordance with World Trade Organisation policies, by establishing a Multilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MLA) based on the equivalence of accreditation programmes operated by accreditation body members, verified through peer review among those accreditation body members.
United Accreditation Foundation - Full Member of IAF.
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