Validation and Verification Bodies Accreditation

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

The ERS Secretariat must ensure accredited VVBs demonstrate the following qualifications and skills:

1. Legal entity. VVBs must be an entity registered under applicable national or international law to function legally, enter into contracts, and make decisions independently. 
2. Accreditation. VVBs must hold valid ISO 14064-3 and 14065 accreditations delivered by a recognised international accreditation standard (e.g. IAF, ANSI).
3. Track record and competence. VVBs must have practical experience in the Validation/Verification of carbon removal, ecological recovery, and livelihoods. VVBs must furnish evidence of their prior engagements with other entities in the relevant sectoral scope, showcasing their track record. 
4. Language proficiency. All team members involved in Validation/Verification must be proficient in English. 
5. Judicial record. VVBs must not have any open judicial process for malpractice, fraud, and/or other activity incompatible with their functions as independent auditing bodies. 
6. Impartiality. 
   1. VVBs must have a publicly available impartiality policy.  
   2. VVBs are required to sign ERS's Declaration of Interest when submitting the Project Mandate.

VVB ACCREDITATION PROCESS

1. First contact  

   1. VVBs can contact the ERS Secretariat via the contact form on the ERS website. 
   2. The ERS Secretariat must review the contact form, and if the VVB complies with the Eligibility Criteria, a first call is scheduled. During the first call, the Secretariat exposes ERS’ expectations and details about the contractual relationship.

2. Application

   1. The ERS Secretariat sends the VVB an Application Form for accreditation. This form consists of a series of questions designed to confirm the VVB's adherence to the criteria outlined in the Requirements section.
   2. The ERS Secretariat evaluates the completed Application Form for compliance.

3. Screening

   1. The ERS Secretariat sends the Third-Party Screening Questionnaire to the VVB seeking accreditation.
   2. The ERS Secretariat evaluates the completed Questionnaire for compliance following the procedure described in the Anti-Fraud Policy.

4. Training & Test  

   1. The ERS Secretariat provides structured training that covers all topics relevant to Validation/Verification. These modules include:
      1. ERS Programme: Provides in-depth training on ERS's specific templates, procedures, and guidelines. This training includes a comprehensive review of Programme documentation to ensure that VVBs fully understand ERS's requirements.
      2. M001: Provides in-depth training on ERS’ MRV and three-pillar approach and their related templates, procedures, and guidelines. This training includes a thorough review of the M001 documentation to ensure that VVBs fully understand ERS's requirements.
      3. Reporting and Documentation. Provides in-depth training on ERS’ documentation practices, including data collection, record keeping, and reporting requirements.
   2. Auditors planned as Audit Team Leaders must follow the training to be able to perform Validation or Verification.
   3. A knowledge test is sent to every applying auditor to verify their knowledge of the Standard. All auditors must pass the knowledge test to perform Validation or Verification. 

💡 The content of the knowledge test and its supporting tools remain at the discretion of ERS

5. Onboarding

   1. Agreement. A Legally Binding Agreement must be signed between ERS and the applying VVB.  
   2. Fees. The VVB organisation must pay an invoice of 1500€ to cover the costs related to the accreditation process.

6. Accreditation 

   1. Once the VVB successfully signs the Legally Binding Agreement and the invoice is paid, the ERS Secretariat considers the VVB accredited and must list it on the website.
   2. Every VVB is classified into one of three specific statuses: Pending, Active, or Inactive. Each status is characterised as follows:
      1. Pending: is assigned to VVBs currently undergoing the accreditation process, either for initial approval or re-approval.
      2. Active: is assigned to accredited VVBs that have undergone successful Performance Evaluations, as described in the Performance Evaluation section.
      3. Suspended: is assigned to VVBs that are accredited but that failed to pass the Performance Evaluation.
   3. The list of accredited VVBs is available on the ERS website. 

7. Communication

   1. The ERS Secretariat can be contacted at secretariat@ers.org to address inquiries, technical issues, or concerns. 
   2. Regular meetings or webinars are scheduled with the VVB network to facilitate information sharing, address questions, and provide information on Programme updates.

8. Continuous Learning 

   1. ERS promotes continuous learning by encouraging VVBs to stay updated with the latest industry advancements, methodologies, and standards. VVBs are encouraged to participate in relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance their expertise.
   2. Training sessions for refresher courses are provided biennially, while updates are offered annually to ensure that VVBs remain current and informed about Programme developments and requirements.