What is the IAF Development Support programme?
It is IAF policy to provide technical assistance to emerging accreditation bodies in low and medium income economies. The IAF also provides financial assistance to help emerging accreditation bodies by giving them the means to to enable their staff to attend training programmes. The programme also ensures representation by accreditation bodies of low and medium income economies on the IAF Board.
The IAF Membership fee structure is designed to encourage accreditation bodies in low and medium income economies to join IAF and benefit from technical assistance available to Members. Typically Members from low income economies pay fees that are less than 15% of those paid by Members in high income economies.
The IAF Development Support programme includes workshops, seminars and specific training programmes for the staff members of emerging accreditation bodies. The IAF also provides expert advice and encourages staff from emerging bodies to observe experienced staff from other accreditation bodies conducting assessments. IAF and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) co-operate in operating technical assistance programmes for emerging bodies.