Governance & the Database Management Committee (DMC)

Q: What are the IAF CertSearch Principles?

Answer

The IAF CertSearch Principles are the primary rules describing how the IAFCertSearch database will operate and its relationship to IAF members. These principles are described within a document which is approved by IAF members: Structure for the Management and Operation of IAF Database LLC. Any additions of changes to these principles must be approved by IAF members.

The principles can be found here

Q: What does the Database Management Committee (DMC) do?

Answer

The DMC reports directly to the IAF Board of Directors and it is the key oversight and management body for IAF CertSearch and monitoring the contractual arrangements with QualityTrade. It maintains a project plan for the development of the new business model. The DMC is representative of IAF Membership, it includes representatives to ensure there is one representative from each Regional Accreditation Group. The DMC meets bi-weekly to review progress against the project plan. The IAF Chair and Vice chair meet regularly with QualityTrade to monitor progress.

Q: Who is Quality Trade ?

Answer

Quality Trade Pty Ltd is a technology company specialising in developing software for the accredited network and has a track record supporting Accreditation Bodies, Certification Bodies and Certified Entities. QualityTrade was founded in 2013 and is based in Sydney, Australia. Quality Trade has built the IAF database and has been operating the IAF CertSearch Database since 2018. Prior to developing IAF CertSearch, QualityTrade has been working with JAS-ANZ and is the IT Provider for the UKAS certification database. QualityTrade has a legally binding agreement to develop and maintain the IAF CertSearch database. Quality Trade Pty Ltd is certified to ISO/IEC 27001 - Information security management systems and ISO/IEC 27701- Security techniques — Extension to ISO/IEC 27001 for privacy information management.