What is a certificate of compliance?

Here is a simple guide to what a certificate of compliance is.

A basic definition

A certificate of compliance is a document awarded by a professional body to an organisation in recognition of their product or service’s satisfaction of a criterion based on competency. An example of one such body is HETAS who have government recognition to approve certain heating appliances and services. For example, a device installer can receive a certificate for working in compliance to certain standards.

The criterion

These certificates feature in many industries and therefore can vary dramatically in terms of content. Perhaps the best way to illustrate exactly what these certificates are is to give an example alongside its criterion. In 2004 Lawdit Solicitors gave website 4mortgages.co.uk which is a certificate of compliance. On the law firm’s website, they explain, “we certify that the website has reached a satisfactory level of legal compliance in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.” The criterion is then summarised in way of an explanation of what 4mortgages.co.uk had achieved. The summary articulates that the website have amongst other things, a legally compliant set of terms and conditions, a data protection registration and relevant policies and policies which reflect an awareness of certain legal obligations.

Why get a certificate of compliance?

A certificate of compliance is a great way to prove what you offer or the skills you have are of a certain standard which has been validated by an external body. You may be a gas engineer who is looking to start up on your own. Having a certificate of compliance and being on the Gas Safe Register will act as proof that you have reached a certain level and offer a certain amount of quality. This is something which is particularly important to customers when their safety may be at risk You may be trying to rent out a property. Having your electrical items such as kettle and oven safety checked by a professional with a certificate of compliance will help assure perspective tenants that the house is safe and cared for. It should be noted that holding a certificate of compliance is not a legal requirement but the benefits of having one means the effort it takes to obtain one will always be a worthy investment.