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

2. 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) UKAS – who we are

3. 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 UKAS – who we are

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. UKAS Members represent: 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

6. UKAS Policy Advisory Council (PAC) 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

7. Where do we fit in?

8. UKAS Activities 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

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. Accreditation and Certification 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…

12. Standards accredited by UKAS (not an exhaustive list) 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)

13. Standards accredited by UKAS (not an exhaustive list) 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

14. UKAS assessment visits 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

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

16. UKAS and international requirements 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

17. EA Multilateral Agreement (Testing)

18. ILAC Arrangement

20. UKAS – our role in the process 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