1. Why is Standards Australia encouraging organisations to become Standards Development Organisations?

• Standards Australia's Business Model enables strategic ways of engaging stakeholders across the economy.
  
• Part of this Business Model is to give stakeholders choice in the way Standards are developed .
  
• The development of the Accreditation Board for Standards Development Organisations encourages the development of Australian Standards.

2. Is my organisation eligible to become an accredited SDO?

There are several basic requirements for organisations to satisfy in order to consider an application to become an accredited SDO, including:

• The organisation must be of good standing and suitable to undertake Australian Standards development in the area / industry in which accreditation is being sought.
• The organisation must be sufficiently and appropriately resourced to carry out Australian Standards development work within the scope of work and within a reasonable timeframe.      
• The organisation must follow the documented processes requirements set out in Criteria for Designation as an Australian Standard

• More information about Organisational Requirements to become an accredited SDO can be found at Requirements for Accreditation of Standards Development Organisations

3. How long does the process take for an organisation to become accredited?

• The length of time to achieve accreditation depends on the scale of operation of the SDO, its standards development experience and preparedness to meet the Requirements for Accreditation of Standards Development Organisations.  Normally, this would involve several months.

4. Is there a minimum / maximum number of Australian Standards an SDO must develop to retain accreditation?

• There is no maximum number and it would usually be expected that an accredited SDO would be developing at least one Australian Standard.

5. Can my organisation become an SDO for a limited period of time ie for the development of just one Australian Standard?

• The standard term of accreditation is three (3) years, however ABSDO may apply other conditions at their discretion.
  
• Once an SDO develops an Australian Standard, the organisation must retain all records which demonstrate compliance with the Criteria for Designation as an Australian Standard for at least seven (7) years from the date of Standard publication.

6. What happens to the Australian Standards we develop if we choose not to reapply for accreditation

• Accredited SDOs are required to maintain and keep up to date the Australian Standards within their scope of accreditation.  Should an SDO not seek reaccreditation at any time, ABSDO would determine the process for ongoing maintenance of the Australian Standards in consultation with the SDO.

7. What level of support can my organisation receive during the accreditation process?

There are a number of comprehensive documents to assist organisations through the accreditation process. These include:

• Requirements for Accreditation of Standards Development Organisations
  
• Criteria for Designation as an Australian Standard
  

In addition, the Secretary of ABSDO is available to assist with any questions.

Fred Reynolds
02 6237 6028
fred.reynolds@standards.org.au

8. How is the Australian Standards development industry regulated?

• ABSDO will conduct regular audits of each SDO to ensure minimum standard requirements are maintained. These audits will take place at least once per year, but not more frequently than at six month intervals.
• Should a fault be identified, ABSDO may require remedial action, or may suspend or cancel accreditation status.