When it comes to statutory engineering inspections, the credentials of your inspection provider matter. UKAS accreditation — issued by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service — is widely regarded as the gold standard for demonstrating that an inspection body operates to a recognised and independently verified quality standard. But what does UKAS accreditation actually mean, how do UKAS inspection providers differ from one another, and how should you compare them?
What Is UKAS Accreditation?
UKAS is the UK's national accreditation body, appointed by the Government under the Accreditation Regulations 2009. It assesses and accredits organisations that provide inspection, testing, calibration, and certification services.
For inspection bodies, UKAS accreditation is granted under the international standard ISO/IEC 17020. This standard sets requirements for the competence and impartiality of inspection bodies across all sectors and disciplines.
A UKAS-accredited inspection body has demonstrated to UKAS assessors that it:
- Has the necessary technical competence to perform the specific inspections it is accredited for
- Operates an effective quality management system
- Employs competent staff with appropriate qualifications and experience
- Maintains impartiality (independence from commercial interests that could compromise inspection outcomes)
- Issues inspection reports that meet defined content and format requirements
- Is subject to ongoing surveillance assessments to maintain its accreditation
UKAS publishes a directory of all accredited bodies at ukas.com, where you can verify the scope of any body's accreditation.
What Inspection Activities Can UKAS Accreditation Cover?
UKAS accreditation for inspection bodies covers a wide range of activities. In the statutory engineering inspection sector, relevant scopes include:
- Pressure systems examination (PSSR)
- Lifting equipment inspection (LOLER)
- Local exhaust ventilation examination (COSHH/LEV)
- Work equipment inspection (PUWER)
- Electrical installation inspection and testing
- Gas installations
- Mechanical and structural inspections
Not every inspection body is accredited for every scope. A body may be UKAS-accredited for pressure systems but not for lifting equipment. Always check the specific accreditation scope, not just whether a body is "UKAS accredited" in general.
Is UKAS Accreditation a Legal Requirement?
For most statutory inspections, UKAS accreditation is not explicitly required by the legislation. The regulations (LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, COSHH) require inspection by a "competent person" — they do not mandate that the competent person be employed by a UKAS-accredited body.
However:
- UKAS accreditation provides objective, third-party evidence of competence. It is the most straightforward way to demonstrate to the HSE (or an insurer) that your inspection provider meets the required standard.
- Some industries and insurance arrangements require UKAS-accredited inspection as a contractual or policy condition. Check your own insurance policy and any sector-specific requirements.
- For certain high-risk activities or regulated sectors, UKAS accreditation may be expected or de facto required.
In practice, many businesses choose UKAS-accredited providers for the assurance it provides, even where it is not strictly required.
How Do UKAS-Accredited Inspection Providers Differ?
Holding UKAS accreditation means meeting the same baseline standard — but beyond that baseline, providers differ significantly in ways that matter to your business:
Scope of accreditation Some bodies are accredited across multiple inspection disciplines; others specialise narrowly. A specialist lifting equipment inspector may offer greater expertise in LOLER than a generalist body, even if both are accredited.
Scale and geographic coverage Large national inspection bodies (such as Lloyds Register, Bureau Veritas, Intertek, or SGS) have engineers across the UK and can service multiple sites and locations. Smaller regional bodies may offer more personalised service and faster response times in their area.
Industry sector experience Inspection of a pharmaceutical facility requires different knowledge from inspection of a construction site or a food processing plant. Ask providers about their experience in your specific sector.
Turnaround times for reports LOLER, PSSR, and other written examination reports should be issued promptly after inspection. Some providers offer digital reporting with rapid turnaround; others are slower. If you need reports quickly for insurance or compliance purposes, this matters.
Digital platforms and inspection management Modern inspection bodies increasingly offer client portals where you can view your inspection history, download reports, and receive reminders when inspections are due. For businesses managing large equipment fleets, this is a significant practical advantage.
Contract terms and flexibility Some providers require annual contracts with all equipment pre-listed; others can accommodate ad hoc additions or removals. If your equipment fleet changes frequently, flexibility may be important.
Price Prices vary between accredited providers, sometimes significantly. Higher prices do not necessarily mean better quality, and UKAS accreditation sets a consistent floor. Comparing quotes across multiple accredited providers is worthwhile.
What to Check When Comparing UKAS Inspection Providers
When evaluating providers, consider asking the following:
- What is your UKAS accreditation number, and what is the specific scope relevant to my equipment?
- How many of your engineers are qualified and experienced with this equipment type?
- What is your typical turnaround time for issuing written examination reports?
- Do you offer an inspection management portal or digital records?
- What is included in your quote — report, travel, any follow-up examination if a defect is found?
- Can you provide references or case studies from similar businesses or sectors?
- What happens if a defect is found — do you support us through the repair and re-examination process?
Non-UKAS Accredited Providers: Are They Acceptable?
Yes — provided they are genuinely competent and impartial. The legal requirement is for a competent person, not a UKAS-accredited body. Some competent inspection providers, particularly smaller specialists, are not UKAS-accredited. They may instead hold membership of relevant professional or trade bodies, or demonstrate competence through their engineers' qualifications and track record.
If you are considering a non-UKAS provider, ask how they demonstrate competence and how you would evidence that standard to your insurer or the HSE if required.
Comparing Inspection Providers: The Case for a Marketplace Approach
Many businesses end up with their inspection provider by default — inherited from a previous contract, recommended by a colleague, or selected years ago without a formal review. The result is often that businesses are paying above-market rates or receiving a level of service that no longer fits their needs.
The most effective way to compare UKAS inspection providers is to request quotes and credentials simultaneously, using the same scope of information for each provider. This gives you a genuine like-for-like comparison of price, accreditation scope, service levels, and coverage.
Compare UKAS Inspection Providers at Compare Engineering
Compare Engineering is the UK's dedicated marketplace for statutory engineering inspections. You can compare UKAS-accredited and specialist inspection providers side by side — pricing, accreditation scope, geographic coverage, and service levels — and appoint the provider that best fits your requirements.
Visit compareengineering.com to start comparing inspection providers.
This article is for general guidance only. Always verify accreditation status directly with UKAS at ukas.com and consult a competent adviser for recommendations specific to your industry and equipment.