The ISEAL Code came into effect on 1 March 2024. Organisations that had adhered to the previous Codes of Good Practice were granted an 18-month transition period to align their system(s) with the ISEAL Code. For further information, visit: What is ISEAL Code Compliant.

From October 2025, independent evaluations against the ISEAL Code will commence in accordance with the Independent Evaluation Procedure. ISEAL Code Compliant organisations are required to successfully close an evaluation across the full scope of the ISEAL Code. This can be done through a single, full-scope evaluation or through phased specific-scope evaluations. Evaluations must be completed within four years of the end of the transition period, no later than October 2029, to maintain ISEAL Code Compliant status.

Details on the evaluation schedule will be made publicly available.
 

As a result of this independent evaluation, RJC is in the process of making the following improvements to how they set their standards:

• Updated its standard setting procedure to proactively identify underrepresented groups and proactively seek their contributions into the standards development process
• Developing a harmonisation and cross-recognition requirements for local standards applicability, which will include local standard equivalency.
• Developing communication strategies for public consultation outcomes into the standards development procedure

As a result of this independent evaluation, RJC will make the following improvements to their assurance system:

• Have additional high-level skilled and external oversight of system performance every two years, with a review of a sample of reports / certification decisions taken to ascertain the level of independence, consistency, and accuracy of the assurance process
• Rename the in-house certification audit clearance activities as calibration and further clarify any limitations, the decision-making process for member certification and the establishment of minimum competence requirements for certification personnel who calibrate reports

As a result of this independent evaluation, RJC has made the following improvements to their M&E system:

• Conducted an impact evaluation based on the topic of Gender Equality.
• Revised the Monitoring & Evaluation System Report to ensure the results from M&E activities are routinely used for internal learning and improvement of the scheme’s effectiveness.