Impartiality policy
How ISAO keeps its certification and accreditation decisions objective.
ISAO's certification and accreditation decisions must be objective and free from commercial, financial or other pressures. This policy sets out how ISAO protects the impartiality of its work.
Our commitments
- ISAO does not offer consultancy on management systems to the organisations it certifies, and does not certify a management system it has helped to design, put in place or maintain.
- ISAO does not offer consultancy to the certification bodies it accredits or to their clients.
- Fees do not depend on the outcome of an audit or an assessment.
- People who audited an organisation do not take part in the certification decision for it, and people who assessed a certification body do not take part in the accreditation decision for that body.
- Staff, assessors and committee members declare any interest that could affect their work, and do not work on a case in which they have a conflict of interest.
- ISAO does not accredit a body with which it shares ownership, management or staff.
Managing risks to impartiality
ISAO keeps a register of risks to its impartiality, including relationships, financial interests and pressure from applicants. The impartiality committee reviews the register at least once a year and can report concerns directly to the board.
Raising a concern
If you believe ISAO, or anyone acting for it, has not acted impartially, tell us through the complaints form. A concern about impartiality is investigated by someone who was not involved in the matter.