Asbestos Surveys, Management & Specialist Consultancy Across the UK

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If you’re researching asbestos surveyors, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled across the term UKAS accredited and wondered whether it’s a legal requirement, a quality stamp, or just another box-ticking exercise. Spoiler alert: it’s not that simple. In this article, we’re cutting through the confusion and giving you the no-fluff, fact-based truth about UKAS vs Non-UKAS asbestos surveyors —what the difference actually means, why we chose to remain non-UKAS accredited, and how that decision benefits our clients. Whether you’re a property manager, contractor, facilities professional, or just someone trying to stay compliant—you’re in the right place. What Is UKAS and Why Do Some Surveyors Get Accredited? UKAS stands for the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. It’s the UK’s only government-recognised body for accrediting organisations against internationally agreed standards, including ISO 17020 (inspection bodies) and ISO 17025 (testing laboratories). When it comes to asbestos surveying , UKAS can accredit companies to ISO 17020 standards for inspection bodies. In simple terms, that means the company has been assessed to ensure it follows consistent internal processes when delivering surveys. Here’s the key thing: There is NO legal requirement for asbestos surveyors to be UKAS accredited. None. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 require employers to appoint a competent person or organisation—but competence doesn’t automatically mean accreditation . Yet many asbestos companies still throw around the UKAS badge to create the impression that only accredited firms are “good enough.” That's simply not true—and it's why you need to dig a little deeper. Why We Chose Not to Become UKAS Accredited We didn’t stumble into being non-UKAS by accident. It was a deliberate choice—and here’s why: 1. Experience Over Paperwork UKAS focuses on whether your process is consistent. It doesn’t test whether the individual surveyor on your site has 10 years’ experience—or 10 weeks. We believe deep technical knowledge is far more valuable than a certificate on a wall. 2. Flexibility to Do What’s Right UKAS-accredited firms are often boxed into rigid procedures that aren’t always the best or most pragmatic approach for every client. We work in the real world, not the theoretical world of audits. 3. Lower Costs Passed Back to Clients Maintaining UKAS accreditation is expensive—consultants, audits, extra paperwork. Those costs are baked into the fees you pay. We’d rather focus on delivering exceptional service and passing savings back to our clients wherever we can. 4. We Influence the Industry Directly Our directors sit on technical committees for two of the three major asbestos trade bodies. We’re literally shaping future best practice alongside the HSE and the industry's most respected voices. Our standards don’t come from fear of failing audits—they come from leading the industry forward . Is It Ever Better to Use a UKAS Accredited Surveyor? In some very specific situations, yes: Government/Public Sector Contracts Some public sector tender processes still specify that a UKAS-accredited surveyor must be used. Client Policy Requirements A handful of private clients (especially big corporates) insist on UKAS accreditation for internal policy reasons. Laboratory Testing and Air Monitoring Separate issue—but if you’re commissioning bulk sampling analysis or air monitoring, those must be UKAS accredited activities under UK law. For general asbestos surveys—especially for commercial refurbishments, domestic property works, facilities management, and ongoing compliance there is absolutely no need to insist on a UKAS accredited surveyor if you have a competent, experienced team. The Danger of Blindly Chasing Accreditation Here’s something most asbestos consultants won’t tell you: Accreditation doesn’t guarantee experience. It guarantees processes were followed. It guarantees the paperwork lines up. But the surveyor who shows up to inspect your £30m commercial site could just as easily be on their second month in the industry—following a checklist they barely understand. We’ve seen it happen. Too many times. Clients who think they’re "safe" because they ticked the UKAS box can still end up with surveys that are: Incomplete Misleading Not fit for purpose Causing huge project delays and unnecessary removal costs later And that’s the whole point: Choosing the right asbestos surveyor is about trust, not logos or badges. Why Clients Choose Consulo Compliance Instead We’re proudly non-UKAS because we put competence before compliance checklists . With Consulo Compliance, you get: Senior-level surveyors every time – no trainees running your site survey. Pragmatic advice – we weigh risk, cost, and compliance to give you sensible, practical guidance. Genuine client-first culture – our employees care because they’re looked after properly, not micromanaged to death. Independent support – no upselling you removal works you don't need. Huge network of trusted contractors – if removal or remediation is needed, we help you get it done right (often at rates cheaper than going direct). And ultimately, you get peace of mind —because you know the team supporting you is made up of real experts who genuinely have your best interests at heart. Conclusion: Accreditation Is a Tool, Not a Guarantee UKAS accreditation isn’t bad. It’s just not the magic bullet many people assume it is. When you're selecting an asbestos surveyor, the real questions you should be asking are: Who will actually be doing the work? What experience do they have? Can they give me pragmatic, real-world advice instead of just ticking boxes? Will they help me manage my asbestos safely without costing me a fortune unnecessarily? If the answer to those questions matters to you, you’re already thinking the way we do. And if you want a team that will give you straight answers, world-class service, and proper backup if you ever need it Consulo Compliance is ready when you are.