Who We Are

About ICSC

The International Council for Standards & Certification (ICSC) is a UK-registered private certification organisation. We set the frameworks and quality standards under which certification is delivered, and we accredit third-party Certification Bodies to carry out assessments and issue ICSC-framework certificates on behalf of the individuals and organisations they serve.

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ICSC is a private limited company, not a government body, statutory regulator, or national accreditation authority. We are not accredited by UKAS or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Our certifications are “ISO-aligned” — developed with reference to ISO standards — but this is not the same as formal ISO accreditation. See our FAQ for a full explanation.

How It Works

The ICSC Accreditation Model

STEP 01

ICSC

Sets frameworks & standards. Accredits and oversees Certification Bodies.

STEP 02

Accredited CBs

Third-party bodies assessed and authorised by ICSC to deliver certifications.

STEP 03

Certificate Holder

Individual or organisation assessed by an accredited CB and issued an ICSC certificate.

Our Purpose

ICSC operates its own private accreditation scheme — setting the frameworks, standards, and quality requirements under which certification is delivered. We accredit third-party Certification Bodies (CBs) against our own ICSC framework, independently of UKAS, ISO, and government. ICSC accreditation is a private-sector scheme, not a national or statutory accreditation.

Mission

To provide a rigorous, transparent, and trusted accreditation framework that enables individuals and organisations to achieve meaningful certification through ICSC-accredited bodies — backed by secure digital verification and full traceability.

Governance

ICSC Ltd is a UK-registered company (Company No. 17110748), incorporated in March 2026 and operating under UK company law. We are committed to impartiality and consistency across all accreditation activities, with plans to expand our governance structure to include an independent advisory board.

Our Approach

ICSC does not directly issue certifications to individuals or organisations. Instead, we accredit and oversee a network of qualified Certification Bodies that carry out assessments and issue certificates under the ICSC framework. Every certificate issued through our network carries a unique identifier and QR code, verifiable instantly through the ICSC verification system.

Our Foundations

Built on Principle

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UK Registered

ICSC Ltd is registered in England and Wales (Company No. 17110748). We operate under UK company law with a commitment to transparent, accountable accreditation practice.

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ISO‑Aligned Frameworks

Our certification frameworks are developed with reference to internationally recognised ISO management system standards, ensuring consistency and rigour across all ICSC-approved programmes.

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Independently Assessed

ICSC-accredited Certification Bodies are independently evaluated under the ICSC framework before being authorised. Certifications are only issued where assessment criteria are fully met.

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Security & Traceability

Verification & Authenticity

Every certificate issued through the ICSC network includes a unique identifier and QR code enabling instant verification through our secure online system. This ensures full traceability and provides confidence to employers, institutions, and professionals that a certificate is genuine and has been properly issued by an ICSC-accredited body.

Verify a Certificate →View Accredited Bodies