When comparing statutory inspection providers in the UK, you will frequently see the term "UKAS accredited." For many businesses, it is a key differentiator when choosing an inspection body — but what does it actually mean? Is it a legal requirement? And does it guarantee a better service?
This guide explains what UKAS accreditation is, how it works, and why it matters when you are choosing a provider for LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, or other statutory inspections.
What Is UKAS?
UKAS stands for the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. It is the sole national accreditation body for the United Kingdom, recognised by the UK government.
UKAS does not carry out inspections itself. Instead, it assesses and accredits organisations that provide inspection, testing, calibration, and certification services. When UKAS accredits an inspection body, it is confirming that the organisation meets internationally recognised standards for technical competence, impartiality, and consistent operation.
UKAS operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK government and is a signatory to international mutual recognition agreements. This means that UKAS accreditation is recognised not only in the UK but across Europe and internationally.
What Standard Are Inspection Bodies Accredited To?
Most statutory inspection bodies in the UK are accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 — the international standard for the competence of bodies performing inspection.
ISO 17020 sets requirements in several key areas:
Impartiality and independence
The inspection body must demonstrate that it is free from commercial, financial, or other pressures that could influence its technical judgement. For statutory inspections — where the outcome can determine whether equipment is safe to operate — this independence is critical.
Technical competence
The inspection body must employ personnel with the qualifications, training, and experience needed for the specific types of inspection it performs. This is not a generic requirement — competence must be demonstrated for each discipline (e.g., lifting equipment, pressure systems, electrical installations).
Quality management
The inspection body must operate a quality management system that ensures consistent, reliable results. This includes document control, internal audits, management review, and procedures for handling complaints and non-conformities.
Equipment and facilities
Where the inspection involves measurements or testing (e.g., airflow measurement for LEV, non-destructive testing for pressure vessels), the inspection body must use calibrated equipment and appropriate methods.
Reporting
Inspection reports must be clear, accurate, and complete. They must contain all information necessary for the reader to understand the findings, and they must be issued in a timely manner.
How Does UKAS Accreditation Work?
Accreditation is not a one-off assessment. The process involves:
- Initial assessment — UKAS assessors visit the inspection body, review its management system, observe inspections in progress, interview technical staff, and assess competence across the declared scope of accreditation
- Surveillance visits — after accreditation is granted, UKAS conducts regular surveillance assessments (typically annually) to confirm that the inspection body continues to meet the standard
- Reassessment — a full reassessment is carried out at defined intervals (typically every four years) to renew accreditation
- Scope management — the accreditation specifies exactly which types of inspection the body is accredited for. An inspection body accredited for lifting equipment examination is not necessarily accredited for pressure systems or LEV testing
If UKAS finds that an inspection body no longer meets the standard, it can suspend or withdraw accreditation. UKAS publishes a searchable register of accredited organisations, so you can verify any provider's accreditation status.
Is UKAS Accreditation a Legal Requirement?
No — UKAS accreditation is not a legal requirement for carrying out statutory inspections. The regulations (LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, COSHH) require inspections to be carried out by a "competent person" — but they do not mandate UKAS accreditation as the sole proof of competence.
However, UKAS accreditation is widely recognised as the strongest evidence of competence:
- The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) recognises UKAS accreditation as a reliable indicator of competence for inspection bodies
- Many insurance companies require or prefer UKAS-accredited providers, particularly for PSSR Written Schemes of Examination
- Some industry standards and client contracts specify UKAS accreditation as a requirement for inspection providers
- In the event of an incident or enforcement action, using a UKAS-accredited provider strengthens the duty holder's position that they took reasonable steps to appoint a competent person
In practical terms, while you are not legally obliged to use a UKAS-accredited provider, doing so provides the clearest, most defensible evidence that your inspections are being carried out competently.
What Does the Schedule of Accreditation Show?
Every UKAS-accredited inspection body has a "Schedule of Accreditation" — a detailed document published on the UKAS website that specifies exactly what the body is accredited to inspect. This typically includes:
- The types of equipment or systems covered (e.g., lifting equipment, pressure systems, LEV)
- The specific regulations or standards referenced (e.g., LOLER 1998, PSSR 2000)
- The types of inspection activities (e.g., thorough examination, non-destructive testing, commissioning)
- Any limitations or exclusions
This is important when comparing providers. A provider accredited for LOLER inspections of cranes may not be accredited for PSSR examination of steam boilers. Always check the schedule of accreditation against your specific requirements.
UKAS Accredited vs Non-Accredited: What Is the Difference?
| UKAS Accredited | Non-Accredited | |
|---|---|---|
| Independent assessment | Yes — assessed by UKAS against ISO 17020 | No independent verification |
| Ongoing surveillance | Yes — regular UKAS assessments | No external oversight |
| Published scope | Yes — schedule of accreditation publicly available | No published scope |
| Quality management | Mandatory under ISO 17020 | May or may not be in place |
| HSE recognition | Recognised as strong evidence of competence | Must demonstrate competence by other means |
| Insurance acceptance | Widely accepted | May not be accepted by all insurers |
| Cost | May be slightly higher (accreditation has costs) | May be lower |
A non-accredited provider can still be competent — but the burden of proving competence falls on the provider (and, ultimately, on you as the duty holder who appointed them). With a UKAS-accredited provider, the accreditation itself serves as that evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a provider is UKAS accredited?
Search the UKAS website (ukas.com) for accredited inspection bodies. You can search by organisation name, location, or type of inspection. Each accredited body has a published schedule of accreditation showing exactly what they are accredited to inspect.
Does UKAS accreditation guarantee the cheapest price?
No. Accreditation relates to competence and quality, not price. UKAS-accredited providers may charge more to cover the cost of maintaining accreditation — but the price difference is often small, and many accredited providers are competitively priced. The best approach is to compare quotes from multiple providers.
Can a provider lose UKAS accreditation?
Yes. If UKAS finds that a provider no longer meets the standard during surveillance or reassessment, it can suspend or withdraw accreditation. Suspended or withdrawn accreditation is reflected on the UKAS register.
Is UKAS accreditation the same as ISO 9001 certification?
No. ISO 9001 is a general quality management standard that applies to any organisation. ISO 17020 is a specific standard for inspection bodies and includes technical competence requirements that ISO 9001 does not. A provider with ISO 9001 but without UKAS accreditation to ISO 17020 has not been assessed for inspection-specific competence.
Do all inspection regimes require the same accreditation?
The underlying standard (ISO 17020) is the same, but the scope of accreditation differs. An inspection body accredited for LOLER lifting equipment inspections has been assessed specifically for that discipline. PSSR, LEV, electrical, and other inspections each have their own scope within the schedule of accreditation.
Compare UKAS-Accredited Inspection Providers
If you want to find and compare UKAS-accredited inspection providers for statutory inspections in the UK, Compare Engineering makes it easy. Request and compare quotes from qualified providers across LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, and more at compareengineering.com.
This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. UKAS accreditation status should be verified directly with UKAS. Always consult a competent person for advice specific to your circumstances.