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Welcome to the 110th edition of UPDATE, the quarterly newsletter from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. This newsletter contains a general update covering UKAS activities and other important developments in the field of accreditation. |
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Empowering tomorrow and shaping the future |
On 9 June, World Accreditation Day 2024 shed light on the vital role of accreditation in our evolving society. Themed "empowering tomorrow and shaping the future," the event highlighted how accreditation supports innovation, ensures public safety, and fosters global collaboration. UKAS showcased its adaptability in maintaining rigorous standards while embracing digital advancements, ultimately enhancing the accreditation process across various industries. Discover how these efforts are driving progress and reliability in today's fast-paced world. |
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An expert's guide to net zero and climate standardisation |
The UK's journey toward achieving net zero emissions by 2050 hinges on standardised climate assessments. UKAS’s Sector Specialist for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, Maria Varbeva-Daley, outlines the importance of cohesive standards to ensure all sectors contribute effectively to climate goals. Maria explores the role of accreditation in fostering confidence and reliability in environmental data and policies, highlighting the necessity for collaboration across industries and governments to develop robust frameworks that can guide the global transition to a sustainable future. |
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This article provides insight into the purpose of schemes, explaining how UKAS recognition is granted. Find out about each stage of the recognition process and access further useful documents and publications. UKAS schemes are a vital aspect of our services as the UK's National Accreditation Body. |
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UKAS's update on scheme integrity focuses on strengthening processes to ensure the eligibility of the schemes used in accredited conformity assessment. The scheme review aims to provide continued confidence in the scheme content and increase visibility and traceability of scheme information. |
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Discover how NCC Group, a global leader in cyber security, leverages UKAS accreditation to enhance their service quality and customer confidence. This case study highlights the pivotal role of accreditation in maintaining rigorous standards and ensuring robust security solutions. |
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Learn how Qrometric achieved accreditation for its state-of-the-art humidity and temperature calibration laboratory. This case study explores how this forward-thinking organisation uses UKAS accreditation as a tool to ensure precise measurement consistency across various industries. |
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Role of accreditation in ethical AI governance and innovation |
In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, the role of accreditation in AI governance is increasingly important. UKAS highlights how accreditation can act as an effective assurance mechanism, ensuring AI systems are rigorously tested and validated, enhancing their reliability and safety. This not only fosters innovation but also builds public trust and confidence in AI technologies. The article explores how the UK's approach to AI accreditation can serve as a model for ethical AI governance, ensuring that advancements in AI are aligned with societal values and ethical standards. |
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11 MRV Verification Bodies achieve accreditation |
11 Verification Bodies have now achieved UKAS accreditation for the UK MRV scheme, which mandates the monitoring and reporting of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport that enters and departs from UK Ports. Accredited verifiers play a crucial role in the delivery of this programme by ensuring the accuracy and validity of the emissions data reported by ship operators. |
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First building inspector competency scheme gains accreditation |
UKAS has granted the UK’s first accreditation of a building inspector competency scheme following assessment of the BCI competency certification scheme against the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17024 standard. The accreditation has been awarded to the Building Safety Competency Foundation (BSCF) for its Building Control Inspector (BCI) competence certification scheme. |
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Imaging accreditation update |
UKAS has recently announced important changes concerning the accreditation of diagnostic imaging services, which has been further enhanced by the inclusion of British Standard BS 70000 into the criteria used to assess and accredit imaging services. |
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The UKAS Training Academy offers professional development courses in accreditation and conformity assessment. This includes flexible learning options like eLearning and virtual training, covering all accreditation standards. |
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New Readiness Self-assessment Tools |
UKAS has developed free Readiness Self-assessment Tools for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to aid in achieving accreditation. These tools allow organisations to perform online self-assessments against international standards, helping identify gaps before applying for accreditation.
Available tools include: - ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and calibration labs - ISO 15189 for medical labs - ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection bodies - ISO/IEC 17021-1 for management system certification bodies - ISO/IEC 17065 for product/service certification bodies - IQIPS for physiological services
A tool for scheme owners is also available to assess accreditation readiness. |
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Why should supply chain managers use CertCheck? |
UKAS CertCheck is an essential tool for supply chain managers, providing a free, online database for the verification of more than 300,000 accredited certifications. CertCheck protects and streamlines procurement by confirming suppliers' certification authenticity and reducing the risk of fraud. |
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Demystifying success: the UKAS webinar series |
The UKAS 'Demystifying' webinar series has grown in popularity, highlighting a strong interest in accreditation and quality assurance. With over 2,700 registrants in the past year, the series attracts diverse participants, including representatives from government, healthcare, and law enforcement. |
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There are a number of exciting career opportunities at UKAS, in a wide range of technical specialities. Whether you're looking for a full-time role as an Assessment Manager or contractual opportunities as a Technical Assessor, explore all our vacancies on the UKAS website. |
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