Revolutionary Database of 300,000 Worldwide Certifications Aims to Weed Out Fraudulent Claims in Procurement Processes.
In a groundbreaking move towards enhancing transparency and reliability in supply chain management, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has introduced UKAS CertCheck. This innovative database houses information on over 300,000 management systems certifications issued globally by UKAS-accredited certification bodies, aiming to simplify the verification process and eliminate fraudulent accreditation claims.
UKAS CertCheck comes as a response to growing pressures on organisations to streamline their procurement processes while ensuring the authenticity of certifications held by potential suppliers. The two-stage verification process, often a cumbersome task for organisations independently checking each supplier's certification, is now streamlined into a comprehensive online service.
This free-to-use database automates and combines both certification and accreditation verification, providing companies with a swift and efficient means to verify the standing of any supplier.
Jeff Ruddle, Strategic Development Director at UKAS, highlighted the importance of reducing barriers in verifying UKAS accreditation, instilling an additional layer of confidence in supply chain certification. With a focus on waste reduction in the supply chain, UKAS CertCheck aims to thwart instances of fraudulent claims, ensuring the integrity of accredited certification.
Organisations mandating UKAS-accredited certification for suppliers within their supply chain stand to benefit significantly from UKAS CertCheck. The database allows users to set alerts on specific certifications, receiving notifications in case of changes in certification status. This proactive approach addresses concerns of fraudulent claims and brings an added layer of reassurance.
The database encompasses a vast array of management systems certifications, including widely used standards such as ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. Additionally, sector-specific standards like ISO 22000:2018 for Food Safety Management Systems and ISO 13485:2016 for Medical Devices – Quality Management Systems are included.
The development of UKAS CertCheck involved collaboration with the Australian-based technical provider QualityTrade and received substantial support from key stakeholders, including certification bodies. Mandatory data submission ensures comprehensive coverage and prevents confusion in search results.
Data security was a primary concern addressed during the development, with rigorous measures in place to protect customer data and ensure confidentiality. The success of UKAS CertCheck in its initial focus on management systems certification sets the stage for a broader rollout across various certification areas in the future.
Wayne Terry, Chief Executive of the Association of British Certification Bodies, praised the initiative, stating, "UKAS CertCheck will give confidence to organisations that rely upon accredited certification, helping them ensure those claims are valid." The database is poised to be a valuable tool in combating fraudulent claims and fortifying the integrity of supply chain certifications.
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