Feedback

Complaints provide a valuable mechanism for receiving feedback relating to the effectiveness of the MLA. This often confirms that the MLA is working effectively and that the process in place is suitably robust. It can also provide information that can be used to improve areas of the MLA. During the reporting period, the following complaints were received and processed:

• Complaints referred to ABs – 8 received and were closed on 31 December 2024
• Complaints referred to RAGs – 3 received and were closed on 31 December 2024

These figures reflect IAF’s ongoing commitment to transparency, responsiveness, and continual improvement across the MLA framework.

Improvement Activities

IAF remains dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness, credibility, and value of the IAF MLA. This includes wide-ranging stakeholder engagement, continual refinement of procedures, and close collaboration with ILAC through the Joint Management Committee (JMC), which oversees all peer evaluation activities.

• Collaboration with ILAC through the JMC

In 2024, IAF and ILAC continued to coordinate all peer evaluation matters through the JMC. By eliminating separate meetings of the IAF MLA Management Committee and the ILAC Arrangement Management Committee, the JMC fosters more efficient decision-making and harmonized practices.

Key JMC Initiatives in 2024:

• Revisions of Foundational Documents:
The JMC progressed in revising IAF/ILAC A1 (evaluation of Regional Accreditation Groups) and IAF/ILAC A2 (evaluation of individual Accreditation Bodies), incorporating feedback from a 2023 workshop and integrating risk-based evaluation principles.

• Strategic Alignment Meetings:
The JMC convened virtually in April and in person in October 2024 to discuss procedural improvements, aligned reporting formats, and preparation for the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated framework. The meetings reinforced the shared direction between IAF and ILAC as they advance toward integration.

• Highlights from the 22nd Meeting of the MLAC – Berlin, 4 October 2024

The 22nd meeting of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement Committee (MLAC) brought together delegates from RAGs, ABs, and key stakeholders. Discussions focused on improving the structure and functioning of the MLA in alignment with future integration under the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated.

• Evaluator Training Program for Regional Accreditation Group Evaluations:

In 2024, the JMC Training Task Force Group (TFG) made significant progress in developing a comprehensive training program for evaluators involved in the assessment of RAGs. The objective is to ensure consistency, competence, and alignment in peer evaluations conducted under the IAF/ILAC framework. This initiative reinforces the commitment of IAF and ILAC to capacity-building and quality assurance in peer evaluations, particularly at the regional level, and will be instrumental in supporting a consistent approach under the forthcoming unified global accreditation structure.

Key Discussions and Outcomes:

Progress of TFGs:

• Improving the MLA Scope Extension Process: A proposal was made to integrate IAF MD 25 elements into IAF PL 3 to simplify scope extensions, improve transparency, and establish clearer thresholds for international relevance.
• Addressing AB Cooperation: A unified cooperation document was drafted to consolidate existing IAF and ILAC principles, aiming to reduce inconsistencies and enhance collaboration among ABs.
• Revision of IAF ML4: Updates include clarified evaluation procedures, conflict of interest handling, and withdrawal of outdated annexes. The revision aligns IAF practices with ILAC policies and anticipates the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated structure.

Looking Ahead – MLAC Priorities for 2025:

• Revise IAF PL3 to streamline MLA scope extensions.
• Finalize a consolidated cooperation framework to improve AB collaboration.
• Publish the updated IAF ML4, reflecting current practices.