Certification Process
On whose authority is HAP certification granted?
HAP International is the certifying agency. This means that HAP is the sole body with the authority to determine whether an agency meets the HAP Standard. In the future, HAP expects to accredit other agencies (such as national or regional NGO networks) to certify according to the HAP Standard as well.
The General Assembly and the Certification and Accreditation Review Board (CARB)
Within HAP, the General Assembly has final authority over the HAP standard and the process for certification. It delegates responsibility for awarding certificates to the “Certification and Accreditation Review Board” (CARB), which is comprised of three independent members and two full member representatives elected by the members of the HAP General Assembly. The CARB formally awards HAP certificates and accreditations, HAP's Regulatory Director provides secretariat support.
The Audit Process
The HAP audits are carried out by registered HAP Standard auditors. Employed as independent consultants, the HAP auditors have been rigorously trained prior to being granted a place on the list of registered HAP Standard auditors. The HAP auditor makes a recommendation to the CARB.
Complaints and Appeals
If the agency is disatisfied with the audit process or the conduct of the HAP auditor, it may submit a complaint to the CARB. If the agency has substantive grounds for disagreeing with the decision of the CARB, it may submit an appeal with additional evidence, in the first instance to the CARB. If the agency is disatisfied with the outcome of its first appeal, it can submit a final appeal to the Standing Complaints Handling Committee of the HAP General Assembly.
Enrolment in the certification scheme
Agencies may choose to become certified against the HAP Standard for a number of reasons. The process of deliberation is an important one and HAP encourages agencies to look carefully at its benefits, challenges and costs. It may be helpful to work through a few key questions first. To take part in the HAP certification scheme an agency must first make a formal "expression of commitment", which is done through a simple on-line enrolment process. Click on the link below for this.
Enrol
