1. Purpose

Essential Standardization Institution (ESI) considers impartiality and avoidance of conflict of interest as critical to maintaining trust among all stakeholders. Impartial certification is essential for the credibility of management system certification.

2. Commitment to Impartiality

ESI is fully committed to complying with ISO/IEC 17021 requirements, ensuring that all certification activities are conducted impartially. Maintaining impartiality is a key responsibility at every level of the organisation.

3. Organisational Structure

ESI is structured to safeguard impartiality and prevent influence from commercial, financial, or other pressures. Executive management ensures balanced participation of interested parties, with no single interest dominating decisions.

4. Training Services and Impartiality

ESI provides only generic training programmes related to management systems. Training services do not include consultancy, are not mandatory for certification, and do not guarantee certification.

5. No Consultancy Activities

ESI does not offer consultancy services and has no relationship with organisations providing consultancy. ESI does not promote or recommend any consultancy services to its clients.

6. Conflict of Interest Control

All ESI personnel, auditors, and committee members are required to declare any potential conflict of interest. Certification decisions are taken by competent persons independent of audit activities.

7. Monitoring of Impartiality Risks

ESI continuously identifies and evaluates risks to impartiality through internal audits, management reviews, and stakeholder consultations. Appropriate actions are taken to eliminate or minimise identified risks.

8. Stakeholder Concerns

If clients or stakeholders have concerns regarding impartiality or objectivity, they may submit a complaint or appeal as per ESI’s defined procedures. All such concerns are handled fairly and transparently.