Certification

Certification is the process of auditing an organisation's operations and issuing a certificate to signify compliance with the requirements of a particular standard such as ISO 9001:2008 or ISO 14001:2004. The benefits of certification are obvious - confirming to customers and prospective customers that you have effective management systems in place and as a consequence improving your standing in the marketplace.  HPA is not an assessment body.  We believe that it is important to separate the design and implementation of a system from its auditing.

HPA only recommends UKAS accredited assessments bodies

We only recommend the use of United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited assessment bodies.  UKAS is the only accreditation service recognised by the UK government.  Each accredited assessment body has to meet its own stringent standards to be able to issue accredited certification.  The table below lists some of the better known assessment bodies.

There are a number of non-accredited assessments bodies (some of whom set up their own accreditation bodies to accredit themselves!) who issue certificates.  Many of these will offer to implement and certificate standards within a very short period and at a very low cost.  We do not believe that such services add any value to your business and ultimately may not be acceptable to your customers.

Assessment body selection

HPA helps all its clients to find the most appropriate assessment body for their circumstances.  We will obtain quotes and negotiate on your behalf and will liaise with the assessment body to ensure that the audit and certification process is as smooth and painless as possible.