The Role of Governance in Scheme Impartiality: what organisations should pay attention.

In today's complex and competitive environment, organisations rely on certification schemes to prove compliance, build trust, and access new markets. Yet the true value of certification depends on the credibility and impartiality of the scheme behind it. This is where governance plays a vital role. A well-governed Conformity Assessment Scheme (CAS) ensures decisions are taken transparently, impartially, and with balanced stakeholder input—free from undue influence or conflicts of interest.

According to IAF MD 25:2022, scheme owners must structure governance to safeguard impartiality, especially when decisions could affect certification outcomes. Risks emerge when governance boards include individuals or organisations—such as competitors of certified companies—who may benefit from steering the scheme. This not only weakens integrity but also erodes stakeholder trust. Strong governance requires clear rules on board composition, robust conflict-of-interest management, and independent oversight.

ISO certification remains the global benchmark for management systems, but sector-specific and sustainability-focused schemes are expanding because they meet targeted needs and market expectations. The International Trade Centre (ITC) highlights that voluntary standards are increasingly used when they combine strong governance with transparent and inclusive stakeholder processes. See also Understanding Sustainability Initiatives

Too often, companies simply comply with whichever scheme their clients demand. This practice should be questioned. As awareness grows around the risks and responsibilities tied to certification, organisations must take a proactive role in choosing schemes that reflect not only technical requirements but also transparency, fairness, and shared values. Before joining, always ask: Who governs the scheme? How are decisions made? And do stakeholders—including you—have a meaningful voice?

 One lesson stands out: prioritise schemes with open governance, active stakeholder working groups, and transparent channels for participation. A CAS should never be a closed club or a gatekeeping mechanism controlled by a few. Instead, it should be a shared platform that delivers credible, collaborative progress.

Ultimately, effective governance transforms a CAS from a simple compliance tool into a driver of trust, value creation, and continuous improvement for certified organisations and their stakeholders.

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