LRQA gains prestigious SA8000 social accountability accreditation

LRQA (Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance) has achieved official accreditation from Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) for SA8000, the certification standard for social accountability.

LRQA met the strict SAAS criteria for global SA8000 accreditation, which included being audited by SAAS in the UK and Italy.

Sandy Sutherland, LRQA's Corporate Technical Manager, said, "SA8000 is one of the most widely recognised standards that incorporates the effective use of systems for managing social accountability, with the motivation to improve conditions for workers. By carrying out independent social accountability assessments, we can help our clients demonstrate to their stakeholders that they are accountable and responsible."

About SA8000
Developed by Social Accountability International (SAI), SA8000 was published in late 1997, revised in 2001 and reached its third edition in 2008. The standard, as well as the supporting independent certification process, provides the basis for a comprehensive and widely accepted approach for assuring fair and humane workplaces. SAI's SA8000 system includes:
• factory-level management system requirements for ongoing social compliance and continual improvement
• independent, expert verification of compliance by certification bodies accredited by SAAS
• involvement by stakeholders including participation by all key sectors in the SA8000 system: workers, trade unions, companies, socially responsible investors, non-governmental organisations and government
• public reporting on SA8000 certified facilities through postings on the SAAS and SAI websites
• training for workers, managers, auditors and other interested parties in effective use of SA8000
• research and publication of guidance in the effective use of SA8000.
• complaints, appeals and surveillance processes.

SA8000 brings a management systems-based approach to the managing of social and ethical issues. LRQA is a global leader in the certification, validation and verification of management systems including quality, environmental, information security, health and safety and business continuity.

For further information on SA8000 certification, please contact us at enquiries@lrqa.com .

Ends

Note to editors

1. LRQA is a member of the Lloyd's Register Group providing verification and assessment services. Lloyd's Register is an independent risk management organisation. The Lloyd's Register Group works to help improve its clients' quality, safety, environmental and business performance throughout the world, because life matters. Its expertise and activities cover shipping, railways, other land-based industries and oil and gas. The Group comprises charities and non-charitable companies, with the latter supporting the charities in their main public benefit goal.
2. Social Accountability Accreditation Services (SAAS) is an accreditation agency founded to accredit and monitor organisations as certifiers of compliance with social standards, including the Social Accountability 8000 standard for ethical working conditions. Based in the USA, SAAS began work as a department within Social Accountability International (SAI) in 1997 and was formally established as its own not-for-profit organisation in 2007.

For more information, contact:

Alex Briggs,
Marketing Communications Manager
LRQA Centre
T +44 (0) 24 7688 2382
E alex.briggs@lrqa.com