Revision of UKWAS standard-setting process

An updated version of the UKWAS standard-setting process has been approved by the UKWAS steering group with immediate effect.

Version 3.2 includes two minor amendments relating to the review and revision of the standard. Download here.

UKWAS Chair, Ben Gunneberg, explained the rationale for the changes:

‘Both PEFC UK and FSC UK have advised us of changes in circumstance affecting the timing of future revisions. The steering group has therefore reviewed the standard-setting process document and made amendments to facilitate the consideration of any proposed changes.

• ‘The change to Section D1 provides a procedure for the steering group to consider flexibility in setting the review cycle and revision timetable.
• ‘A change to D5 provides a process for a certification scheme to put forward a proposal to the steering group to make an amendment to the current standard text or the standard-setting process.

‘The steering group will of course be able to accept or decline any proposals received.’

The new text is shown below in italics.

D1 REVIEW AND REVISION CYCLE

The standard shall be reviewed and, if deemed necessary, revised on a five-year cycle so that the revision process is concluded no later than the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date for the previous version.

N.B. The certification schemes’ requirements relating to the review cycle and revision timetable differ significantly. The certification schemes shall advise the Steering Group of any changes that occur, and the Steering Group shall review this element in light of those changes. Where expeditious, the Steering Group, in consultation with the certification schemes, shall determine a revised timetable or call a pause until such time as there is sufficient clarity to determine a revised timetable.

D5 AMENDMENTS INDUCED BY CERTIFICATION SCHEMES

In the event that a certification scheme requires a revision to be made to the standard or the standard-setting process prior to the normal revision period, the Steering Group shall consider the requirement and make any such amendment as it considers appropriate. A certification scheme requesting such a revision shall submit a written proposal setting out why the revision is needed, the changes sought and/or a proposed methodology to develop new or revised text.