Accreditation

Accreditation – the way forward

HAP’s commitment to creating an accountable humanitarian sector through certification also presents challenges: how to increase the number and type of agencies able to apply for certification without vastly expanding the Geneva Secretariat? For HAP, the answer lies in accreditation: a procedure by which an authoritative body (such as HAP) formally recognizes another body (such as an NGO network) as competent to carry out certifications. Click here to download HAP's Accreditation Policy in full.

Accreditation – the model

HAP’s accreditation model is based on ISO 9000. It would see the HAP Secretariat accrediting NGO networks as qualified to certify their members according to the HAP Standard. Networks would need to show that they are able to correctly interpret and apply the Standard according to appropriate procedural standards. Networks that pass this test would then be granted authority to register and certify their members and to run HAP approved complaints handling mechanisms.

Accreditation – the opportunities and risks

Accreditation is a significant opportunity for HAP and NGO networks. For the networks, accreditation is a unique member service that anticipates donor expectations about increased accountability and promotes quality service delivery by members. HAP, for its part, takes a risk that the Standard could be misinterpreted or applied. However, ‘outsourcing’ certification to localized networks is an even greater opportunity to increase the accessibility of certification for smaller NGOs and to ‘test’ the adaptability of HAP’s core principles to different legal political, cultural, social and economic conditions.

Accreditation – where we are in the process

HAP has begun negotiating with local NGO networks to establish accreditation schemes. If your agency or network is interested in joining these discussions or becoming accredited as a certifying agency, please contact us at secretariat@hapinternational.org.