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, ASC has made the following improvements to how they set their standards:

• Actively reaching out to stakeholders about new or revised standards.
• Published comments received during the consultation period.
• Developed a public consultation manual to ensure a streamlined process in the compilation, publication and consideration of all stakeholder comments.

As a result of this independent evaluation, ASC made the following improvements to their assurance system:

• Created a dynamic version of the organisational organigram to show the relationships between the Board and the senior management team.
• Review the risk management plan every six months
• Revised the data protection policy about disclosure of personal information
• Formalised its management review process, which is conducted at least once a year
• Published instructions on audit duration
• Ensured that after the Conformity Assessment Bodies communicates the suspension/withdrawal/cancellation, the updates are made to the certification log and the ASC brand team is notified
• The results of the internal audit of the Conformity Assessment Bodies are reported to ASC in an annual safety system review meeting
• Published clarifying statements on data ownership and use of non-personal data on the website

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

• Published Terms of Reference for the commissioning of an impact study.
• Released the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework 2.0 which details indicators for monitoring and data availability.
• Invited stakeholders to provide feedback on the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework 2.0.