The Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA) is the only accreditation organisation in the Netherlands working in the public field. We place great importance on the following values:
Independence
In awarding accreditation, we endeavour to safeguard as far as possible the interests of all parties involved. We also pay attention to the independence of the assessors when deploying an assessment team.
Market orientation
When we carry out our work, we pay as close attention as possible to the wishes of our clients – so long as this does not, of course, put pressures on the assessment. We use various forms of communication to publicise our role amongst a wide circle of interested parties and successfully anticipate the needs of the market for information. At all times we take into consideration the comments, wishes, ideas and proposals of all interested parties.
Integrity
The judgment of our assessors is binding in respect of the accreditation. It is therefore vital that our assessors act with integrity. Accordingly, an RvA assessor must comply with agreed procedures. Only in this way can we restrict the scope for interpretation as far as possible.
Transparency
The RvA’s success depends on having a sound internal organisation, especially since we assess other organisations on the correct application of quality systems. We particularly emphasise the importance of good business communications, a clear decision-making structure within the RvA and clearly-defined tasks, competencies and responsibilities.
Competence
Appropriate education and training ensures that the level of lead assessors, assessors and technical experts is continually raised. We also assess lead assessors often. Internal personnel attend an annual performance meeting.
Areas of work
An accreditation body accredits conformity-assessment bodies by means of independent assessment and supervision.
Accreditation is carried out in the following areas of work:
