Independent Contracted Assessors

A Contracted Assessor for the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) plays a vital role in ensuring that organisations meet national and international standards of competence and quality. UKAS is the UK’s National Accreditation Body, responsible for accrediting organisations that perform testing, calibration, inspection, and certification services.

This is a flexible, freelance role, operating outside IR35. Contracted Assessors are independent professionals—typically self-employed or working through a limited company—contracted by UKAS to provide specialist expertise in their field. Assignments are offered based on demand and can be scheduled around other professional commitments.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting on-site assessments and document reviews to evaluate the technical competence of conformity assessment bodies.
• Verifying compliance with relevant accreditation standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 (testing/calibration), ISO/IEC 17020 (inspection), and ISO/IEC 17065 (certification).
• Producing detailed assessment reports that identify non-conformities and recommend corrective actions.
• Contributing to UKAS accreditation decisions by providing expert findings that support the granting, maintenance, suspension, or withdrawal of accreditation.
• Participating in ongoing surveillance assessments to ensure continued compliance.
• Applying deep subject-matter expertise to assess technical validity, staff competence, and equipment suitability.

Full training is provided during onboarding, including guidance on UKAS’s report writing standards and assessment methodology. Assessors are supported by UKAS Assessment Managers and technical staff throughout their engagement.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to quality assurance across industries while enhancing your own professional development.