WEO Recognized
Governance, competence, impartiality, operational controls and selected activity records are technically assessed, reviewed and approved through an independent recognition decision.
WEO PUBLIC RECOGNITION FRAMEWORK
Transparent criteria.
Independent review.
Publicly verifiable recognition.
The WEO Recognition Criteria establish a consistent framework for evaluating the competence, integrity, impartiality, governance and operating practices of organizations and individual professionals.
RECOGNITION MODEL
Recognition and registration are based on demonstrated evidence.
Applicants are evaluated only for clearly defined activities, standards, sectors and competence domains. WEO does not grant unrestricted recognition for “all standards” without objective supporting evidence.
ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for CBs, VVBs and Consulting Organizations
Verifiable legal and organizational identity
Clearly defined recognition scope and fields of activity
Objective evidence of organizational competence and relevant experience
Commitment to the WEO Code of Ethics and professional conduct
Impartiality and conflict-of-interest controls
Confidentiality, information security and data protection
Documented complaints and appeals arrangements
Professional liability arrangements where applicable
Recognition of Existing Accreditation & Scheme Approval
Certification Bodies (CBs) and Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs) holding a valid accreditation from a recognized national or international Accreditation Body may use such accreditation as primary evidence of organizational competence and conformity. This includes, for example, accreditation issued by ANAB, DAkkS, JAS-ANZ, UKAS, IAS and other recognized Accreditation Bodies.
WEO may also recognize valid approvals, licenses, authorizations or recognized status granted by established Scheme Owners and Program Owners, including, where applicable, FSSC 22000, BRCGS and other internationally established certification, verification, assurance or assessment schemes.
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC CRITERIA
Individual Professional Competence
In addition to the general individual recognition criteria, role-specific competence requirements apply as follows.
WEO-P
Individual Professionals
Competence is registered only for verified roles, standards, sectors and technical domains. Relevant guidance includes ISO 19011, ISO 14066 and ISO/IEC 17024 principles.
- Verified identity and complete professional history
- Relevant education, training and qualification evidence
- Documented professional, technical and sector experience
- Activity, audit, assessment, verification or training log
- Professional references and good-standing declaration
- Signed WEO Code of Ethics and impartiality commitment
Auditors & Lead Auditors
- Recognized auditor training and audit-method competence
- Completed audit experience appropriate to the requested level
- Supervised audits and demonstrated team-leadership experience
- Technical and sector competence for each requested scope
Assessors
- Knowledge of the applicable assessment framework
- Completed assessment assignments and evidence evaluation
- Competence in interviewing, sampling and reporting
- Observed assessment before lead-level recognition
Validators & Verifiers
- Training in validation and verification methodology
- Knowledge of materiality, assurance, risk and data testing
- Completed relevant engagements with supervised experience
- Sector competence for GHG, ESG or sustainability information
Trainers
- Demonstrated subject-matter and adult-learning competence
- Controlled learning objectives, materials and assessments
- Documented delivery experience and participant feedback
- Periodic review and updating of learning content
ASSESSMENT AND DECISION
One consistent process. Independent responsibilities.
The competence assessor and final recognition decision-maker may not be the same individual for the same application.
Application & Scope
Eligibility Review & Authentication
Document & Competence Assessment
Recognition Decision
Public Registration
Public registry status
ActiveProvisionalSuspendedScope ReducedExpiredWithdrawn
Important: WEO Recognition is an independent WEO-administered status. It does not constitute accreditation, governmental approval or licensing and does not replace any authorization required by law, regulation, contract, accreditation arrangement or scheme owner.