Certification scrutiny committee
The certification scrutiny committee is a group of independent representatives with knowledge of organic standards and certification. To ensure we operate to the high level of integrity expected of us, this committee scrutinise our certification* process and provide an impartial view of how we operate.
Committee members meet six times a year in Bristol and represent the following categories:
- producer interests;
- processing interests;
- retailers, brand holders or users of the logos;
- consumer;
- professional, academic or governmental organisations;
- members or other personnel appointed by the company.
- accreditation
*The certification scrutiny committee oversees both Soil Association Certification Limited (which certifies to Soil Association organic symbol scheme - UK5) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ascisco Limited (certifying to the EU regulation).
The CSC ensures that Soil Association Certification and Ascisco comply with and operate to the requirements of EN 45011, the standard for certification bodies. It ensures they apply a non-discriminatory and impartial service, which includes monitoring that all:
- certification decisions are clearly reasoned from the relevant standards and justified by evidence, and
- applicants and /or licensees are subject to the same policies and procedures at each stage of certification.