SFQC is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, with a network of assessment staff and subcontractors operating throughout Scotland, the rest of the UK and, in some cases, outside the UK.
Established in 1995 SFQC now assesses and certifies over 18,000 farms, food and food related companies and caterers. SFQC assesses to a wide range of standards on behalf of businesses, organisations, and public sector bodies who want independent assurances that specified standards have been met.SFQC was accredited by UKAS (the United Kingdom Accreditation Service) in June 1997 to ISO Guide 65 (EN45011) – the International standard for product certification. It was the first UK company in the food and farming sector to achieve such Accreditation Certificate and SFQC is regularly (at least once each year) audited by UKAS to make sure these standards are maintained.
SFQC operates under a Certification Council that includes consumer, producer and independent representation. The Council acts in a “watchdog” capacity” to protect the interests of both those that are assessed and the consumers whom SFQC serves.
SFQC has no political links or industry control or influence.
SFQC engages approximately 30 full time staff and 70 subcontract assessors. Assessors have a range of specialisms and are trained and monitored to SFQC standards.
SFQC has developed specialist certification IT systems and has pioneered the use of electronic data capture during assessment. The large majority of assessments are now electronically reported.
SFQC has built up significant experience in developing standards and operating procedures across a wide variety of food and food related industries. SFQC staff have a versatile and flexible approach to meeting the needs of consumers and clients and each Scheme/Contract is allocated a dedicated Scheme/Contract Manager who acts as the main contact point between SFQC and the client.
In addition to assessment, SFQC Directors and Senior Managers provide consultancy services to a number of UK and International clients on food production and service issues.