UKAS Approach to Transitions of Standards and Schemes

Overview

UKAS manages transitions to revised accreditation standards and sector schemes* through a structured, risk-based approach designed to maintain confidence in accredited services while ensuring timely implementation of new requirements.

Where higher-level standards or sector schemes* are revised, UKAS manages these as transition assessments rather than extensions to scope to confirm that accredited bodies have appropriately understood and implemented the changes within their management systems and operations. A scheme cannot be accredited but is recognised as suitable for accreditation against level 3 ISO Standards e.g. ISO/IEC 17065.

The approach is aligned with the requirements and positions of international organisations such as EA and Global ACI, ensuring global consistency and recognition.

It is important that scheme owners inform UKAS at the earliest opportunity of any changes to a currently recognised scheme to allow for a full review of assessment requirements. At least 6 months should be allowed for the scheme review process and CAB accreditation transition process to be completed.

The UKAS portal contains a simple form to request a transition; transitions are managed as part of the ongoing accreditation lifecycle rather than via extension to scope (ETS) applications

* Scheme definition (ISO/IEC 17000):

A documented and publicly available set of requirements which establishes the following:

• the object of conformity assessment, (material, product, installation, process, system, person or body)
• the requirements against which conformity is to be assessed
• the mechanism by which conformity is determined (testing, inspection or auditing)
• any requirements placed on CABs by the scheme owner
• any specific applications or interpretations of ISO/IEC 17011, if applicable

UKAS Transition Process

Preparation and Planning

UKAS will:

• Review the revised standard or scheme requirements
• Determine the scope and complexity of the transition
• Develop a transition project plan, including:
  • Key stages and milestones
  • Assessment strategy
• Determine resource and competence requirements
• Establish timelines based on international agreements and scheme expectations (noting our time frame stated above)

Project planning may include the creation of dedicated transition teams for significant or complex changes.

Communication

It is important the scheme owners inform UKAS at the earliest opportunity of any changes to a currently recognised scheme to allow for a full review of both the scheme suitability for meeting accreditation requirements and the CAB implementation of the new or revised scheme requirements under accreditation before any implementation date is active.

UKAS communicates transition arrangements to affected accredited bodies through:

• Technical bulletins
• Direct communication (email or letter)
• Website updates

These communications outline expectations, timelines, and required actions. Early communication is essential, particularly where scheme owners require minimum transition periods (at least six months).

Accredited Body Responsibilities

Accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs) are expected to:

• Review the revised standard or scheme
• Conduct a gap analysis
• Develop and implement a transition plan
• Update management systems and operational processes
• Demonstrate competence and compliance during assessment

Supporting documentation (e.g. gap analysis and plans) should be submitted to UKAS in advance of assessment.

Assessment and Evaluation

Transition assessments typically involve:

• Review of documented gap analysis and transition plans
• Evaluation of implemented changes
• Verification of competence and understanding
• Confirmation that risks associated with the transition are controlled

This may be a desktop exercise, involve a remote assessment of staff and records or be a full site assessment possibly aligned with existing annual scheduled assessments if timing allows.

Decision and Completion

A formal accreditation decision confirms successful transition by granting the CAB the new version of the scheme on their schedule of accreditation.

UKAS ensures sufficient time for:

• Closure of findings
• Completion of assessment activities
• Decision-making prior to the transition deadline

Failure to transition within the agreed period may result in suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.

Summary

UKAS applies a consistent, internationally aligned, and proportionate approach to managing transitions. The model ensures that:

• Accredited bodies are given sufficient time and guidance
• Assessments remain robust and credible
• Accreditation decisions reflect demonstrated compliance with new requirements

This approach safeguards confidence in accredited services while supporting effective adoption of evolving standards and schemes.