The Real Deal About Accreditations: The Price Tag You Didn't Know About

Craig Ablett • 7 December 2023

Accreditations cannot be relied upon as a measure of credibility or competence

Introduction to accreditations

Accreditations play a pivotal role in establishing credibility and trust in various industries. They serve as a seal of approval, assuring consumers and clients that a particular organisation or individual meets certain standards of quality and professionalism.

However, what many people are unaware of is the hidden price tag that comes with these accreditations. In this article, we will delve into the lesser-known aspects of accreditations, shedding light on the true cost and questioning the credibility of accrediting bodies.

Assessing the credibility of accrediting bodies

When it comes to accreditations, the credibility of the accrediting body is of utmost importance. It is essential to thoroughly evaluate the reputation and track record of the accrediting body before placing blind trust in their accreditation. Unfortunately, many accrediting bodies fall short in terms of true independence, consistency and transparency.

Superficial application reviews

One of the main issues with accreditations is that applications are often reviewed on a superficial level. The accrediting bodies may not delve deep into the practices and processes of the organisation seeking accreditation.

This superficial review can lead to a false sense of credibility, as the accrediting body may not have a comprehensive understanding of the operations and standards of the organisation.

The Need for Proper and In-depth Fact Checking During the Review Process.

To ensure the integrity of accreditations, it is crucial for accrediting bodies to conduct proper and in-depth fact-checking during the review process. This includes examining company structures beyond the organisational chart, company documents, conducting random employee interviews, and even on-site visits if necessary. Without thorough fact-checking, accreditations may not truly reflect the quality and professionalism of the organisation.

Lack of true independence in accreditations

True independence is often not achieved in the accreditation process. Some accrediting bodies have ties to industry organisations or have vested interests that can compromise their objectivity. This lack of independence raises questions about the credibility and impartiality of the accreditation process.

Accrediting Bodies with the Monopoly over certain industries

In certain industries, there are accrediting bodies that hold a monopoly over the accreditation process. This monopoly gives them significant control and influence, which can be detrimental to fair competition and the establishment of diverse standards. It is important to question the motives behind such monopolies and ensure that they do not hinder innovation and growth within the industry.

Hidden conflicts of interest within accrediting bodies

Conflicts of interest can still be hidden from accrediting bodies, even with their best intentions. It is crucial for accrediting bodies to implement robust conflict of interest policies and procedures to avoid any biases or compromised assessments. Transparency and a robust process are key in ensuring that conflicts of interest are identified and therefore do not undermine the credibility of accreditations.

The importance of transparency in accreditations

Transparency is paramount in the accreditation process. Accrediting bodies should openly share information about their assessment criteria, review processes, and any potential conflicts of interest. This transparency allows organisations and individuals seeking accreditation to make informed decisions and ensures that accreditations hold true value and credibility.

Accreditations as a box-ticking exercise

Accreditations can sometimes become a mere box-ticking exercise, with organisations seeking accreditation merely to fulfil a requirement rather than genuinely striving for excellence. This approach undermines the true purpose of accreditations and dilutes their significance. It is important for organisations to embrace the spirit of continuous improvement and view accreditations as a means to enhance their operations, rather than simply a box to be ticked.

The true cost of accreditations

While accreditations may seem like a worthy investment, the true cost goes beyond the monetary expenses. Organisations often dedicate significant time and resources to prepare for and maintain accreditations. This can divert focus and energy away from other critical aspects of the business. Additionally, the pressure to conform to accreditation standards may stifle innovation and creativity, limiting the organisation's ability to adapt and grow.

Alternative ways to establish credibility.

Questioning the credibility of accrediting bodies should not discourage organisations from seeking validation and establishing credibility. There are alternative ways to achieve this without solely relying on accreditations. Building a strong reputation through consistent delivery of high-quality products or services, obtaining testimonials from satisfied clients, and participating in industry associations can all contribute to establishing credibility without the constraints and potential pitfalls of accreditations.

Why Accreditations Can't be Relied on

Accreditations, although valuable to a certain extent, cannot be solely relied upon as a measure of credibility. They represent only a snapshot in time and may not reflect the normal working practices of an organisation, with paperwork and records being doctored and application submissions often being rushed through at the last minute. It is essential for consumers and clients to dig deeper and carry out their own due diligence when evaluating the suitability and trustworthiness of an organisation.

Accreditations: A snapshot in time and may not reflect normal working practices.

Accreditations provide a momentary assessment of an organisation's practices and standards. They do not guarantee consistent adherence to those standards over time. It is important to recognise that organisations can change, and their commitment to quality may fluctuate. Therefore, relying solely on accreditations may lead to misplaced trust, disappointment and even breaches of regulations on site.

The importance of carrying out your own due diligence

To truly understand the credibility of an organisation, it is crucial to carry out your own due diligence. This involves researching their reputation, reading reviews, and seeking testimonials from previous clients or customers. By taking an active role in evaluating organisations, you can make informed decisions and minimise the risks associated with blindly relying on accreditations.

Conclusion: Understanding the true price tag of accreditations

Accreditations may come with a price tag, both in terms of financial investment and hidden costs. It is essential to question the credibility of accrediting bodies and recognise the limitations of accreditations. While they can provide a certain level of assurance, they should not be the sole basis for establishing trust and credibility. By conducting thorough due diligence and exploring alternative ways to validate an organisation's quality and professionalism, we can make informed decisions and ensure that the price we pay for accreditations is truly worth it.

As consumers and clients, let's not solely rely on accreditations but take an active role in evaluating the credibility of organisations. By conducting our own due diligence and exploring alternative ways to establish trust, we can make informed decisions and contribute to a more transparent and reliable business landscape.

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Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem

by Adam Fox • 9 April 2025

Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?