New accreditation for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) strengthens confidence in forensic medical services

UKAS is pleased to confirm the establishment of accreditation for Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), following the successful completion of a multi-year development project.

This represents a significant step forward in strengthening the quality and consistency of services provided by SARCs across the UK. The first three grants of accreditation under this new programme will be formally announced in the coming weeks.

A new standard of assurance for SARC services

Developed in line with the requirements of ISO 15189:2022 Medical laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence, ILAC G19:2022 Modules in Forensic Science, and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice, this accreditation provides formal recognition of competence for SARC services undertaking forensic medical examinations.

SARCs play a vital role in supporting victims and survivors of sexual assault, delivering specialist healthcare while ensuring the appropriate collection, preservation, and handling of forensic evidence. Accreditation to ISO 15189 demonstrates that these services operate to internationally recognised standards of quality, safety, and reliability – providing confidence in both patient care and the integrity of the forensic process.

Collaboration across healthcare and forensic science

The introduction of accreditation for SARCs follows the requirement set by the Forensic Science Regulator for these services to achieve accreditation to ISO 15189:2022 for the forensic examination process by 2 October 2025.

Throughout the development phase, UKAS worked closely with SARC service providers, government departments, and sector stakeholders to create a tailored assessment approach that reflects the unique clinical and forensic aspects of SARC service delivery. The resulting framework ensures that accredited SARCs can demonstrate both clinical excellence and robust forensic integrity.

Supporting confidence and quality

“The introduction of this accreditation marks an important milestone in assuring confidence in the quality and consistency of SARC services across the UK,” said Louise Sanders, Head of Development and Scheme Integrity at UKAS. “These centres provide vital support to some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society, and accreditation to ISO 15189 provides the reassurance that both clinical and forensic processes meet the highest standards of competence and care. We’re proud to have worked collaboratively with the sector and the Forensic Science Regulator to deliver this outcome.”

Strengthening trust in survivor-focused services

This achievement also reflects UKAS’s wider commitment to supporting services that deliver care, protection, and justice for survivors. It follows the recent accreditation of The Survivors Trust under ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for the inspection of organisations providing support to survivors of sexual violence and childhood abuse. Together, these accreditations demonstrate the growing role of accreditation in strengthening trust, consistency, and accountability within sensitive and specialist services across the UK.

Ongoing support for applicants

The UKAS Assisted Application Service continues to be available to support applicants through the accreditation process. Since 1 April 2025, the document review element of this support has been incorporated into the standard assessment process as part of normal accreditation activities.

Further information about the background and development of the SARC accreditation programme can be found here.