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LWG Assurance Services has appointed Mark Lucas to the role of Technical Manager.
Mark brings a wealth of experience from many years of working in the leather industry. He gained practical experience in technical/managerial roles in tanneries before joining British Leather Manufacturer’s Research Association (now named Eurofins BLC) in 1997 to undertake publicly and privately funded research.
With graduate qualifications in Leather Technology and Business from the University of Northampton and a postgraduate Environment qualification from the Open University, Mark was also one of the initial collaborators in the development of the Leather Working Group protocol and has been an LWG auditor since the launch of the LWG audit programme.
He has been a member of LWG’s Technical Sub-Group since its inception and has contributed to the development of each of the versions of the protocol up to and including the current active version.
Mark begins work with LWG AS from 20 October 2025.
Just three months after LWG Assurance Services was established to oversee Leather Working Group's audit and assurance processes, we are proud to announce that our first certificate has been issued.
The tannery worked closely with the auditor we appointed and informed us that a lot was learned during the audit.
By operating independently and without commercial pressures, LWG AS is free to focus solely on delivering certification services aligned to best auditing practices.
Click here to learn more about LWG Assurance Services.
"The objective of LWG Assurances Service is to provide certification services in support of Leather Working Group’s audit framework. This means that booking audits will now involve contacting LWG Assurances Services instead of liaising directly with auditors. LWG Assurances Services will also assign auditors to tanneries, oversee the peer review process, manage contracts and payments, as well as issuing certification, providing a quality feedback loop to Leather Working Group, and dealing with violations, grievances, and appeals.
"A separate entity looking after audits allows for completely independent audit scheduling. With extra security of contracts and payments for tanneries, the not-for-profit structure allows for additional security and control while minimising extra cost to tanneries.
"Transparent governance and accountability are the buzzwords around the formation of LWG Assurances Services. Our policies are publicly available and designed to secure impartiality, with a structured process for addressing any concerns and resolving conflicts of interest. These measures aim to foster trust and ensure fairness throughout the certification process.
"All auditors will still be trained by Leather Working Group, with the same robust assurance process remaining in place. Leather Working Group will also still look after the creation of assurance guidelines, processes, and procedures, with all auditors retaining their independence as before.
"We believe this transition brings both immediate and long-term benefits to the leather industry and its stakeholders, enhancing the assurance process while maintaining the core Leather Working Group values.
"This strategic shift is designed to reinforce trust, strengthen impartiality, and enhance the long-term credibility of the LWG assurance system. Importantly, it means that LWG Assurance Services can be independently accredited."
LWG Assurance Services is aware of operational issues at the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Bantala, Kolkata, India.
A well-established and transparent process is in place for addressing such matters. In line with this, the CETP has been contacted and the results from any resulting discussions will be reviewed.
In keeping with established practice, the certification of the leather manufacturers to which this CETP is connected has been suspended.
A successful review of the CETP will be required before certification can be reinstated, and we anticipate that a visit and inspection can take place in early 2026.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as further information becomes available.
LWG Assurance Services has appointed Jon Loxston to the role of Managing Directoras part of the organisation’s strategic development.
He brings a wealth of experience from many years of working in the leather industry. He served for 37 years as Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at Pittards Plc, a world-famous leather company that specialised in performance leathers for gloving, footwear and interiors, as well as performing various consultancy roles.
During his time at Pittards, Jon was responsible for operations, production and technical development with a scope that included specifications, Restricted Substance List (RSL) requirements, testing and environmental responsibilities.
Jon was also the first point of contact for Leather Working Group audits, and contributed to LWG’s work through his membership of the organisation’s Executive Committee from April 2018 to March 202, and by chairing the Technical Sub Group from 2019 until 2023.
He joins LWG Assurance Services from its launch, having previously worked at Leather Working Group as Technical and Audit Advisor.
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