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CPA Guidance on the Accreditation of Managed Networked EQA Schemes 


What is an accreditable Managed Networked EQA Scheme? CPA`s View
  1. Every unit in the network will comply with all CPA standards but those key standards, mainly `A` standards, defining a networked EQA Scheme are as follows:

    > The network, or the parent organisation of which it is a part, shall be an entity that can be held legally responsible (A1.1)

    > It shall have a single Quality Management System, or be part of organisations/laboratories that have Quality Management Systems (A4)

    > It shall be defined in a single organisational chart (A1.5)

    > It shall have a single Quality Policy (A3)

    > There shall be a single Quality Manual (A6) which may contain separate sections for its component units

    > There may be more than one Quality Manager (A7) but they shall operate to the same policies and procedures

    > There shall be a single Annual Management Review between the Network Lead and the host organisation (A11)

    > There shall be regular meetings between management and the staff involved in all branches of the network (B8)

    > Users shall be assured of equity of access to EQA data (D2) and advice from the Scheme Organiser (G2.1)

    > There shall be a single User Manual (E1) which may contain separate sections for its constituent units

    > There shall be a common format for submitting EQA returns (F2.3) and reporting results (F5)

    > There shall be a common format for written procedures (SOPs) across the network (A8,A9,A10,B3,C6,D1,D2,D3,E4,E5,E6,F1,F2,F3,F4,G1,H1)
  2. A managed EQA Scheme Network will therefore :

    > Operate under a single CPA reference number

    > Submit one application form with one Quality Manual from the host organisation/laboratory

    > Be subject to a single assessment for which there will be a single report

    > Have a single CPA status for all its constituent units
  3. If a managed networked EQA Scheme considers that it does not meet these standards during its formative period of incremental development, it is advised to apply as separate schemes retaining their own registration numbers and separate CPA status.
  4. In the view of CPA a managed networked EQA Scheme must be distinguished from networks of cooperating professionals without identified single management arrangements.



Policies & Procedures
Nov 2003