The certification bodies are appointed by REAL to provide compost producers independent assessment for conformance with PAS 100, the Compost Quality Protocol (if applicable) and REAL's Certification Scheme rules. The certification body shall have composting expertise within its structure, or utilise technical support from REAL, such that the CB's personnel can gain technical interpretation of the standards and scheme requirements when requested.
The three certification bodies Aardvark Certification Ltd (Aardvark), Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G), and NSF Certification (NSF) have been appointed by REAL to assess composting sites. They are also in the process of gaining specific accreditation from UKAS (ISO/IEC 17065:2012) for the provision of certification services against the Compost Certification Scheme.
This is the checklist the Certification Bodies will be using to certify processes against the PAS100 and CQP in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.
Accreditation
CCS certificates are now UKAS accredited: OF&G, NSF, and ACL successfully completed the pilot programme, gaining accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065 and the CCS. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these organisations and increases the robustness of the Scheme.
UKAS
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, and inspection and calibration services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators. UKAS is a non-profit-distributing company, limited by guarantee, and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government through the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills.