As IQNet membership is still heavily focused on Management System Certification, it is only logical to begin with the Rules for MS Certification bodies (ISO/IEC 17021-1). When ISO CASCO began the development of ISO/IEC 17021, way back in 2003/2004, a number of partners were personally participating as national Standards Bodies delegates. So, as a strategic initiative, IQNet Board of Directors took the decision to take a number of practical steps, including:
a) formally requesting liaison status with ISO CASCO;
b) nominating liaison delegates formally on behalf of IQNet;
c) setting up a corresponding task group within IQNet Standing Committees to monitor, collect input, define a common IQNet position where possible and promote and defend this position;
d) informing and sharing feedback and providing training for all IQNet partners on on-going matters relating to relevant international standardization.
Given the success of this approach, the Board of Directors now have extended this approach to have formal liaisons with a wide number of standards bodies and certification related bodies. In addition to the successive versions of ISO/IEC 17021-1, the standards concerned cover the revisions of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 17011.
Equally, IQNet delegates participate in various committees within the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA), ISO’s Conformity Assessment Committee (ISO CASCO) where standardization strategy makers and users gather.
As can been seen from all the above initiatives, IQNet is becoming a clear and an authoritative voice in the World of Management System Standards.