What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a formal, third party recognition of competence to perform specific tasks. It provides a means to identify a proven, competent evaluator so that the selection of a laboratory, inspection or certification body is an informed choice. UK Akkreditering Forum Limited accreditation means the evaluator can demonstrate to its customer that it has been successful at meeting the requirements of international accreditation standards.

Usually the reason for getting something independently evaluated is to confirm it meets specific requirements in order to reduce risks. Obvious examples are product failure, health risks, company reputation or to meet legal or customer requirements. Anything or anyone can be evaluated - products, equipment, people, management systems or organizations.

Accreditation is a procedure in which certification of competency, authority, or credibility is presented.

Benefits of Accreditation

Confidence in the market place and in our public services is essential. Trust is placed in the products and services on offer often without a second thought by the customer, such are the regulations and standards against which products are manufactured and services provided.

For Government

There are many duties placed on government departments, local authorities and other agencies to confirm that trust is maintained. Whether it is health, water quality, food, consumer goods or transport safety, for example, the public sector delivers the framework for the assurance that goods and services are safe and the environment we live in is clean and protected.

Accreditation by UK Akkreditering Forum Limited can also limit the need for government to regulate industry and the professions. It provides an alternative means of ensuring the reliability of activities that have the potential to impact on public confidence or the national reputation. UK Akkreditering Forum Limited, where requested, assesses organizations and recommends to government their appointment as Notified Bodies as required by EU Directives and Regulations.

For Business

Companies big and small buy independent evaluations either through choice (to reduce the risk of product failure for example) or as a consequence of legal requirements (such as health and safety regulations). Most commonly these evaluations are calibration of equipment, product testing, and inspection of equipment and certification of quality management systems.