Terms & Conditions of Certification

These Terms & Conditions govern the certification relationship between BCERT LTD ("BCERT", "the Certification Body") and the organisation applying for or holding certification ("the Client"). These terms form part of the certification agreement between BCERT and the Client. The Client's acceptance is recorded at the point of application (electronic acceptance, with date, time and the version of this document) and confirmed in the signed certification agreement / accepted quotation before audit activities commence.

1. Scope of Agreement

This agreement applies to all certification activities carried out by BCERT LTD in relation to management system standards, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management), and any other standards within BCERT's scope of operation.

The agreement takes effect from the date the Client's application is accepted by BCERT and remains in force for the duration of the certification relationship, including all renewal cycles, unless terminated in accordance with Section 10.

These terms apply to the named certified organisation and extend to any subcontracted processes, sites, or entities included within the defined scope of certification.

2. Obligations of the Client

The Client agrees to:

• Comply at all times with the requirements of the applicable management system standard and any relevant regulatory or legal obligations
• Make all necessary arrangements for the conduct of audits, including provision for examining documentation, gaining access to all areas, equipment, records, and personnel
• Provide access to any subcontracted processes that fall within the scope of certification
• Inform BCERT without delay of any changes that may affect the management system, scope of certification, legal status, commercial arrangements, or ownership structure
• Not use certification in any way that could bring BCERT into disrepute or mislead third parties
• Not make misleading or unauthorised statements regarding certification status or scope
• Discontinue all use of the BCERT certification mark and all references to certified status upon suspension, withdrawal, or expiry of the certificate
• Pay all fees as agreed in the certification contract, within the agreed payment terms
• Co-operate with BCERT's investigation of any complaint or appeal relating to the Client's management system or the certification activities
• Allow the participation of observers where required — including assessors of an accreditation body conducting witness assessments of BCERT, and auditors-in-training — it being understood that observers do not influence or interfere with the audit

3. Obligations of BCERT

BCERT agrees to:

• Conduct all certification activities in accordance with ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 and applicable accreditation requirements
• Maintain impartiality in all certification decisions and manage conflicts of interest in accordance with its Impartiality Policy
• Assign competent audit teams with appropriate qualifications, sector knowledge, and experience relevant to the Client's standard and industry
• Provide adequate notice of audit dates, audit team composition, and any changes thereto — the Client may object to the appointment of any particular auditor or technical expert on justified grounds (e.g. conflict of interest), in which case BCERT will reconstitute the team
• Maintain confidentiality of all information obtained during certification activities, in accordance with Section 8
• Communicate all certification decisions promptly and in writing, including the basis for any refusal, suspension, or withdrawal
• Maintain a publicly accessible register of certifications granted, suspended, or withdrawn at bcert.uk/verify
• Handle all complaints and appeals in accordance with the Complaints & Appeals Procedure
• Issue certificates that clearly identify the organisation, standard, scope, and validity dates

4. Certification Cycle

All certificates issued by BCERT are valid for a period of three years from the date of the certification decision. The certification cycle consists of the following activities:

• Initial certification — Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (implementation audit), followed by a certification decision
• Surveillance audits — the first surveillance audit following initial certification is conducted no later than 12 months from the certification decision date; subsequent surveillance audits are conducted at least once each calendar year, covering a representative sample of the management system
• Recertification audit — a full audit conducted before the certificate expiry date, evaluating the continued effectiveness of the complete management system

The Client must allow all audits to be conducted within the required timeframes. Failure to do so may result in suspension of certification in accordance with Section 6.

Audit durations are calculated in accordance with IAF MD 5 and documented in the audit plan provided to the Client before each audit.

5. Use of Certificate and Mark

Upon being granted certification, the Client is licensed to use the BCERT certification mark solely in accordance with the Use of Certification Mark & Logo procedure. This licence is non-transferable, non-exclusive, and is limited to the certified scope.

Key requirements for use of the mark:

• The mark may be used on marketing materials, websites, stationery, and tender documents
• The mark must not be applied directly to products or product packaging in a way that implies product certification
• The certified scope and certificate number must accompany any reference to certification status
• The mark must not be modified, distorted, or altered in any way
• Use of the mark must cease immediately upon suspension, withdrawal, or expiry of the certificate

Misuse of the certification mark is grounds for suspension or withdrawal of certification and may result in legal action.

6. Suspension and Withdrawal

BCERT reserves the right to suspend or withdraw certification in circumstances including, but not limited to:

• Persistent or serious failure to meet the requirements of the applicable standard
• Refusal to allow surveillance or recertification audits to proceed at the required frequency
• Misuse of the certification mark or misleading claims regarding certification status
• Non-payment of certification fees
• Material changes to the management system or scope that have not been communicated to BCERT
• Voluntary request by the Client

Before suspension or withdrawal, BCERT will notify the Client in writing, stating the reasons and the right to submit a complaint or appeal. The certificate status will be updated in the public registry.

Suspension shall not exceed six months. If the grounds for suspension are not resolved within this period, certification will be withdrawn.

7. Complaints and Appeals

The Client has the right to:

• Submit a complaint about any aspect of BCERT's certification activities or the conduct of its auditors
• Submit an appeal against any certification decision made by BCERT, including decisions to refuse, suspend, or withdraw certification

All complaints and appeals are handled in accordance with BCERT's Complaints & Appeals Procedure (PRO-004). Submissions are acknowledged within 2 working days and resolved within 10 working days.

BCERT ensures that the Client does not suffer any adverse consequences as a result of making a good-faith complaint or appeal. All investigations are conducted by personnel independent of the subject matter.

8. Confidentiality

All information obtained by BCERT during the certification process — including management system documentation, audit findings, internal records, and personnel information — is treated as strictly confidential.

BCERT may disclose information only in the following circumstances:

• As required by law or court order
• As required by the accreditation body during oversight assessments
• With the Client's explicit written consent

Publicly available information is limited to: organisation name, applicable standard, defined scope of certification, certificate status, and validity dates — as published in the certificate registry.

BCERT's personnel and contracted auditors are required to sign a Confidentiality & Impartiality Declaration before commencing any certification-related activity.

9. Liability

Certification by BCERT does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or endorsement of the Client's products, services, or management practices. Certification signifies that the management system has been assessed and found to meet the requirements of the applicable standard at the time of audit.

BCERT's certification does not relieve the Client of its legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations to any third party. The Client remains solely responsible for the effectiveness of its management system and compliance with applicable requirements.

BCERT's total liability to the Client arising from or in connection with these terms or any certification activity shall be limited to the total fees paid by the Client to BCERT for the specific certification service giving rise to the claim.

BCERT shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, special, or punitive loss or damage, including loss of business, loss of profit, or reputational damage, regardless of the cause.

10. Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement by providing 30 days' written notice to the other party. In addition, BCERT may terminate the agreement with immediate effect if:

• The Client engages in fraudulent activity or makes material misrepresentations
• The Client repeatedly or seriously fails to comply with these terms
• The Client is dissolved, enters insolvency proceedings, or ceases to trade

Upon termination for any reason, the Client must:

• Immediately cease all use of the BCERT certification mark
• Remove all references to certified status from websites, marketing materials, documentation, and products within 30 days
• Return or destroy any physical certification marks or branded materials

Any outstanding fees remain payable in full upon termination. BCERT will update the certificate status in the public registry to reflect the termination.

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute that cannot be resolved through the complaints and appeals process shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales. BCERT LTD is registered in England & Wales. Registered office: 7 Bell Yard, London, WC2A 2JR.