Scope-specific recognition
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
World time
About COHSEW / COHSEW knowledge
Accreditations
Competence and impartiality should be demonstrated against recognised requirements.
Objective
What this area means for safer, healthier and more responsible operations.
Accreditation is independent recognition that a conformity-assessment body is competent for a defined scope. Laboratory, inspection and certification scopes are not interchangeable, so users should verify the exact activity, method, site and status shown by the relevant accreditation body.
COHSEW principleUse competent, risk-based assurance to prevent harm, verify control and support continual improvement.
Priority controls
Where organisations should focus.
Priorities must be adapted to the organisation, activity, location, affected people and applicable legal requirements.
Competence and impartiality assessment
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
Traceable status and surveillance
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
International recognition arrangements where applicable
Define ownership, expected evidence, monitoring and escalation before relying on this control.
How COHSEW supports you
From risk question to measurable assurance.
Our specialists help organisations select proportionate methods, preserve independence and turn technical evidence into action.
- 01Publish clear scope and status information
Agree the scope, accountable owner, evidence and success measures, then review effectiveness over time.
- 02Use accredited methods and providers where required
Agree the scope, accountable owner, evidence and success measures, then review effectiveness over time.
- 03Explain the difference between accreditation and certification
Agree the scope, accountable owner, evidence and success measures, then review effectiveness over time.
Authoritative guidance
Continue with the primary sources.
These external resources informed this page. Always confirm current national law, regulator guidance and contractual requirements for your location.
01International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
Laboratory and inspection accreditation
Open official source ↗02International Laboratory Accreditation CooperationILAC MRA and signatories
Open official source ↗03ISO/IECISO/IEC 17025 laboratory competence
Open official source ↗Information on this page supports awareness and programme design. It is not legal, medical or regulatory advice, does not reproduce the full text of any standard and does not replace competent assessment of your specific circumstances.
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