An important recognition that strengthens RCA’s position in social management system certification and opens up new opportunities for organizations committed to sustainability and participation in public tenders.
RCA expands its scope of expertise and reaches another significant milestone: it has obtained accreditation for the certification of Social Management Systems in accordance with PAS 24000 – Social Management System – Requirements, granted by the LATAK accreditation body.
This significant achievement consolidates RCA’s growth and strengthens its role in the conformity assessment sector, in a context where social responsibility, worker protection and the sustainability of supply chains are becoming increasingly important.
LATAK is a signatory to the EA MLA (European co-operation for Accreditation Multilateral Agreement) and GLOBAL ACI MRA mutual recognition agreements, promoting the international recognition of accreditation activities within their respective scopes and under the conditions set out in these agreements.
PAS 24000: Social Responsibility and New Opportunities for Businesses
PAS 24000:2022 is a standard that defines the requirements for establishing, implementing and improving a Social Management System. It provides organizations with a structured framework for managing their social responsibilities, monitoring performance and promoting working conditions that respect people’s rights.
The areas covered include compliance with applicable social and labour requirements, occupational health and safety, the prevention of discriminatory practices, social risk management, management accountability and continuous improvement, with a focus also on the supply chain.
PAS 24000 falls within the same corporate social responsibility framework as SA8000 and shares several of its objectives, while retaining its own specific requirements and characteristics.
One particularly relevant aspect concerns public procurement. PAS 24000 certification can offer an opportunity for businesses seeking to demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and strengthen their position in public procurement procedures, particularly where tender requirements include certifications or award criteria relating to social responsibility.
In Italy, the judgment of the Piedmont Regional Administrative Court (TAR Piemonte), No. 924/2024, recognised the equivalence of PAS 24000 and SA8000 in a dispute concerning participation in a public tender. This is a significant precedent that highlights the importance of considering social responsibility certifications in light of the opportunities available in the public procurement market.
However, acceptance of the certification must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the provisions of the specific procurement procedure and the applicable requirements.
RCA Looks to the Future: Expertise, Credibility and Sustainability
Obtaining PAS 24000 accreditation confirms RCA’s commitment to continuing its growth by investing in new certification areas and responding to the needs of a market that is increasingly focused on sustainability and social responsibility.
A new milestone for RCA, an additional opportunity for businesses: promoting a corporate culture based on respect for people, transparency and continuous improvement, turning social responsibility into a tangible driver of growth and competitiveness.