News article • 1 min read
UKAS has always worked closely with Trading Standards organisations, including the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, where accreditation plays a part in upholding safety, quality and consumer protection.
More recently this relationship has been strengthened by the creation of a Primary Authority Relationship between UKAS and Buckinghamshire & Surrey Trading Standards, which is the Trading Standards department most ‘local’ to UKAS Head Office in Staines.
The advantage of this arrangement is that it provides a two-way dialogue between UKAS and the trading standards network. Bucks & Surrey TS will liaise with their counterparts across the UK on any issues relating to accreditation and conformity assessment. If there is an issue concerning accreditation somewhere in the UK, it can be fed back to Bucks & Surrey, who will discuss it with UKAS. Similarly, if UKAS are aware of issues (such as the fraudulent use of accreditation marks), Bucks & Surrey will take this up and work with their colleagues in whatever part of the country is required. This relationship is already bearing fruit and one illegitimate website has been taken down as a result of this close cooperation.