The Importance of Choosing the Right Certification Body: Why Choose NQA?

When choosing a certification body, credibility is essential. Many organisations aim to partner with a provider that not only understands their industry but also offers reliable, internationally recognised certification. NQA is one such body, with a long history of delivering value through its UKAS-accredited services. 

The importance of UKAS Accreditation

UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the UK’s national accreditation body, recognised by the government. UKAS accreditation ensures that certification bodies meet the highest international standards. 

What does this mean for organisations seeking certification? 

It guarantees that all UKAS-accredited bodies, like NQA, operate to the same global framework, offering certifications of equal credibility. So, when an organisation achieves certification through NQA, it carries the same weight and recognition as it would from any other UKAS-accredited body.

NQA’s active role in industry standards and accreditation

One of NQA’s key strengths lies in its active participation in shaping industry standards. NQA is a leading voice in various technical and national standards committees, ensuring that the certifications we provide reflect the most current and relevant industry practices. For example, NQA representatives play a vital role in the UKAS Policy Advisory Forum and the UKAS Management Systems Technical Advisory Committee, where crucial decisions about industry standards and best practices are made.

This active participation gives NQA unique insight into the evolving landscape of certification, allowing us to offer advice and certification that is not only compliant but forward-thinking.

Deep involvement in national and international forums

NQA also holds a prominent role within the Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB), with our Global Accreditation Director currently serving as Chair. This position allows NQA to influence the direction of certification standards across the UK, in collaboration with other industry leaders. Additionally, we attend key meetings and forums such as the Federation of Certification Bodies and the CQI Council. This commitment demonstrates NQA’s leadership and engagement in the certification industry at the highest level.

Furthermore, NQA contributes to the development of international standards through involvement with committees such as the BSI Standards Development Committee, where we provide input on critical areas like GHG Management and Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

This direct involvement ensures that NQA remains at the cutting edge of certification developments, benefiting clients who rely on accurate, timely, and globally recognised certifications.

A global perspective and recognition

NQA’s certifications are not only recognised within the UK but are also globally acknowledged. Thanks to UKAS’ membership in international organisations like the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the European Cooperation for Accreditation, any certification issued by NQA is recognised and respected worldwide.

This global recognition is crucial for businesses that operate internationally or are part of global supply chains. Whether you are in aerospace, construction, or any other sector, NQA’s certification offers you the confidence that your systems and processes meet the highest international standards.

Specialised expertise in key sectors

NQA is also proud to be the lead certification body for several National Highways Agency sector schemes, including schemes 6, 8, 17, 22, and 29. This responsibility underscores our expertise in highly regulated industries like transportation and infrastructure, where precision and adherence to standards are critical.

Our team’s deep knowledge and sector-specific experience ensure that we provide practical, insightful guidance to clients, helping them achieve and maintain compliance in some of the most complex and demanding fields.

Final thoughts: Trust in the certification process

Achieving certification with NQA means partnering with a body that is trusted within the UK, and globally respected. Our adherence to the same international accreditation standards as any other UKAS-accredited body guarantees the reliability and credibility of our certifications.

In conclusion, when you choose NQA, you are choosing a certification body that is deeply embedded in the standards development process, actively shaping the future of certification, and backed by the trusted mark of UKAS accreditation. Every certification we issue carries the same credibility and recognition, regardless of the industry or geographical location, helping you demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance on a global scale.

Contact one of our team to take your first step towards working with a UKAS accredited certification body.