About us

IIOC was set up in 1993 by a number of key international certification bodies, each delivering a range of management systems certification schemes. IIOC represents their views on management system certification issues and provides technical input to decision making in this field. To achieve its mission and vision, IIOC has clearly defined aims, values and policy objectives.

Mission

To promote the value of high quality accredited certification to ensure cost effective, high quality delivery of benefits to all clients and their customers and stakeholders.

Aims

To create a strong, credible representative network that genuinely represents the certification industry.
To draw the worlds of standardization, certification and accreditation closer together to the benefit of the business community.
To raise awareness of the benefits of accredited certification.

Vision

To raise the standard of independent accredited certification.
To have continuous open dialogue with the business community, ensuring its needs are at the heart of driving accredited certification forward.
To expand the market for accredited certification for members.
To represent the aspirations and interests of members globally.
To create a sustainable future for accredited certification.
To be at the heart of decision-making on regulation affecting accredited certification.

Values

To work to a high standard of ethics and integrity.
To promote high values of service by members to their clients and their customers.
To communicate and liaise openly with business, regulators, international organizations and governments.
To enable members to play a key role in helping to address the industry’s key issues.
To foster professional development among members.
To strive for continuous improvement and innovation.
To work cooperatively to continually improve the reliability of the assessment process to the benefit of all key parties (ie clients, end-customers, certification bodies and accreditation bodies), enhancing the integrity of certification.

Policy objectives

To ensure a level global playing field, develop strong international relationships to ensure all key markets are open and unrestricted and where appropriate, that all markets comply with industry recognized accreditation schemes.
To ensure the appropriate level of regulation and rules with accreditation, supporting the value of accreditation as a key tool in validating certification.
To work with accreditation bodies and other key stakeholders to ensure national rules are consistent with internationally agreed requirements.
To work with ISO and other appropriate standards-makers to ensure the delivery of efficient, effective certification through appropriate standards.
To work with the IAF to help it deliver a better global accreditation system.

Values – accreditation

To support accreditation, as the IIOC and individually as certification bodies.
To support accreditation in evolving markets where new certification needs are created by market demands.
Work with the accreditation and standardization bodies to ensure the market’s voice is heard and acted upon.
Where appropriate, explain to customers the differences between non-accredited and accredited schemes.
IIOC members will all clearly state which certification schemes they deliver are to which they are accredited.

Raising global awareness of the benefits of accredited certification