UK Accreditation & Conformity Assessment
How UKAS accreditation actually works, and what certification bodies, inspection bodies and laboratories are held to. Practical, not theoretical.
Core topics
UKAS accreditation basics
What UKAS accredits, what it doesn't, and what the tick means to your customers.
ISO/IEC 17021-1
Requirements for bodies certifying management systems — and what a good audit looks like from both sides.
ISO/IEC 17020
Inspection bodies — types A, B and C, and evidencing impartiality.
ISO/IEC 17025
Testing and calibration laboratories — method validation, measurement uncertainty and traceability.
Choosing a certification body
What to check on the UKAS schedule and how to read the scope.
Verification & validation
Where V&V schemes fit — carbon, product, and sector schemes.
Accreditation & conformity assessment discussion
- Sample question 1 — pending community activitySeeded placeholder · replies open after moderation · ask your own
- Sample question 2 — pending community activitySeeded placeholder · replies open after moderation · ask your own
- Sample question 3 — pending community activitySeeded placeholder · replies open after moderation · ask your own
Premium membership
Future tier for templates, benchmarking libraries, expert sessions, premium contributor profiles and private roundtables. Membership is free at launch.
Frequently asked
Is UKAS the only recognised accreditation body in the UK?
UKAS is the sole national accreditation body for the UK, appointed by government.
Do I have to use a UKAS-accredited certification body?
Not always — but many buyers, tenders and regulators require it. Check contract requirements.
What's the difference between accreditation and certification?
Accreditation is of the certification body. Certification is of your organisation. Ask Gareth is neither.
Talk to ParagonQMS about accreditation readiness
Client delivery, audits and portal onboarding happen inside ParagonQMS — kept separate from public discussion.