"It’s been a busy and exciting few months here at LWG Assurances Services. As Managing Director, my job is to provide essential support and guidance as this newly established organisation reports on the environmental performance and compliance of leather manufacturing facilities.
"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."