UKAS, our role in the process IFST Food Auditing Conference 13 th October 2011

1. UKAS, our role in the process IFST Food Auditing Conference 13th October 2011

2. UKAS – who we are • The National Accreditation Body • Accreditation – the recognition of competence of organisations to perform specific tasks – calibration, inspection, testing and certification • UKAS assesses for compliance against criteria of competence (international standards)

3. UKAS – who we are • Established 1995 by Ministers as a private company limited by guarantee • Operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) • Monitored by BIS and peer assessed internationally • New EU Regulation has strengthened accreditation • Accreditation recognised as a public authority activity • UKAS appointed as National Accreditation Body by The Accreditation Regulations 2009

4. UKAS Members Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Association of British Certification Bodies British Retail Consortium British Measurement & Testing Association Confederation of British Industry Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply Chartered Quality Institute Consumer Focus Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Department for Business, Innovation and Skills Federation of Small Businesses Food Standards Agency Health & Safety Executive Health Protection Agency Local Government Regulation Ministry of Defence Safety Assessment Federation Science Council Department of Health

5. Government BIS, DEFRA, DPA, HSE, FSA, HPA, DH Our direct customers ABCB, BMTA, SAFed End users BRC, CBI, FSB Professional interests CQI, CIPS, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, The Science Council Consumer interests Local Government Regulation, Consumer Focus UKAS Members represent:

6. In addition to the 19 Members, UKAS aims to consult with a broader base of stakeholders UKAS holds an annual Policy Advisory Forum (PAF) attended by more than 60 stakeholder groups The PAF elects a small group of delegates to a Policy Advisory Council which works on specific topics The aims and requirements of UKAS are to ensure that views from various users of accreditation can be canvassed and to allow these groups to have a direct influence on UKAS policy UKAS Policy Advisory Council (PAC)

7. Where do we fit in?

8. UKAS is not responsible for writing or maintaining a standard UKAS is required to meet the requirements of ISO 17011 and is regularly peer reviewed How UKAS assesses any particular standard is shaped by the scheme owner (and stakeholder) input Not all standards can be accredited by UKAS UKAS Activities

9. UKAS underpins….. • …..the credibility and robustness of a wide spectrum of standards and services, ranging across: • Quality management – BIS • National measurement system - NMO • Drinking water quality – DEFRA • Environmental Management - DEFRA • Emissions Trading Scheme – DEFRA • Food safety & quality – DEFRA/FSA • Forensic laboratories – Home Office • National DNA database – Home Office

10. UKAS underpins….. • …..the credibility and robustness of a wide spectrum of standards and services, ranging across: • Asbestos testing & surveying - HSE • Customer Service Excellence - Cabinet Office • Gas safe register – HSE • Construction products testing – DCLG • High Speed Rail Interoperability – DfT • Medical laboratories – DH • Imaging services – DH • Carbon measurement - DECC

11. UKAS assesses and accredits “conformity assessment bodies” In the food area UKAS directly accredits approximately 150 food microbiology labs and 100 food chemistry labs However, a number of certification bodies (e.g. SAI Global, CMI, BSI, Lloyds Register) are accredited by UKAS Accredited certification schemes have the widest reach across the food industry Some of the schemes/standards we accredit… Accreditation and Certification

12. BRC Global Standard (GFSI recognised) FSSC 22000 (GFSI recognised) Global Red Meat Standard (GFSI recognised) International Food Standard (GFSI recognised) ISO 22000 FSMS Scottish Quality Salmon Red Tractor (beef, lamb, poultry, pork) & livestock transport RSPCA/Freedom Food welfare standards LEAF (Linking Environment and Farms) Standards accredited by UKAS (not an exhaustive list)

13. GAFTA (grain and feed) Assurance Scheme NACB – catering butchers standard Combinable crops and sugar beet Assured Dairy Farms – production of milk UFAS – Universal Feed Assurance Scheme BRC Consumer Products Standard Packaging and distribution Flowers and ornamentals Standards accredited by UKAS (not an exhaustive list)

14. What we are looking for is evidence to give confidence in the manufacturing process to deliver a safe wholesome product. The management system to deliver good administration of the process from application to certificate issues. Focus on contract reviews and technical competence requirements Confirmation that what is written in the process is delivered in the field Authorisation of approved auditors Review of the report content, justification for the certification decision & objective evidence UKAS assessment visits

15. The auditing “soft skills” are assessed (questioning techniques, technical knowledge, tenacity) Review the auditor’s role and ability to apply their experience Witnessed assessments

16. EU Regulation requires UKAS to be peer reviewed by the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) EA also has multi-lateral agreements with other accreditation groups (Americas, Asia Pacific) This ensures the equivalence and acceptance of accreditation certificates around the world UKAS and international requirements

17. EA Multilateral Agreement (Testing)

18. ILAC Arrangement

19. ILAC Arrangement

20. UKAS does not write the standards UKAS is required to meet the ISO 17011 standard in the way it operates However, continuous dialogue with scheme owners and standard owners can help improve the accreditation process Active participation by stakeholders and members in the various formal meetings in welcome UKAS – our role in the process