ISO/IEC 17024 certification
The Inspectorate meets with the sampling certification body at least twice each year. This is primarily to monitor progress with the implementation of the scheme across the local authorities in England and Wales, and to identify any areas that are causing setbacks. The Inspectorate also attends training sessions to maintain an independent view of the scheme’s implementation. The scheme appears to be well embedded, and numbers of individuals certified continues to increase.
By the end of 2024, 115 local authorities had at least one certified sampler. Some of the remaining local authorities may use laboratory samplers, in which case they would not need in-house certified samplers. However, it is important to note that any samples taken and then analysed under part 2 (Monitoring) of the Regulations, must be done so in accordance with schedule 4 parts 1 and 2, which requires compliance with ISO 17024 or ISO 17025. Less than 1% of tests in Wales did not meet these requirements in 2024.
In 2023, the certification body introduced online training, reducing the need to find suitable training venues and removing the need for delegates to travel. The practical element of the assessment then follows and is carried out at a mutually convenient later date, in the field.
In February 2024, the certification body was audited by UKAS. No issues were raised.
The Inspectorate is satisfied that local authorities are generally complying with the regulatory requirement for samplers to be accredited under an ISO 17024 scheme (or equivalent). The scheme is now established and certification for the sampling of private water is an accepted necessary requirement. General feedback by delegates shows that the training is well received and provides essential training to maintain a common and recognised national standard.
Table 3 Status of certification under the ISO/IEC 17024 scheme
Number of samplers to date with valid/in date certificates. |
332 |
Number of samplers certified for the first time this year? |
54 |
Number of individual sampler 36 month re-certifications carried out this year. |
108 |
Number of trainees that failed the assessment first time during this year (including re-certifications). |
8 |
Number of samplers that have out of date certification. |
56 |
Number of sampler audits carried out this year. |
44 |
Number of certified samplers that were not audited within the 18-month window this year. |
19 |
Number of certified samplers to date have never received at least one audit. |
35 |
Number of local authorities with at least one certified sampler to date. |
115 |