UKWAS UK Woodland Assurance Standard
UK WAS
 
 

The Standard
Revision 2009-2011

Revision Process and Timetable

The UK Woodland Assurance Standard was first launched in 1999 and a revised second edition was released in 2006 and further amended in 2008 following a review which tried to make greater provision for smaller woodland owners.

Under the UKWAS standard setting process which conforms to FSC and PEFC requirements the standard must be revised every five years by means of a three-year revision process. The Steering Group has drawn up a process and timetable for the revision to be undertaken between 2009 and 2011 and the aim is for the 3rd edition of the UKWAS to be available for use in November 2011.

The revision and consultation process will be taken forward in three main phases and there will be three opportunities for stakeholders to make input:

  • Phase 1 in 2009 is an evidence gathering phase including an initial stakeholder consultation
  • Phase 2 in 2010 is the main revision drafting phase leading to a revision draft for consultation
  • Phase 3 in 2011 is the conclusion phase including further revision and preparation of a pre-approval draft for a final consultation. After further amendment, FSC UK and PEFC UK will be invited to submit the standard to their international parent bodies for approval.

For full information: UKWAS Revision Process 2009-2011 & Standard Setting Process document

Evidence Gathering

Initial Stakeholder Consultation

A key part of the Phase 1 evidence gathering phase was an initial stakeholder consultation giving interested parties an important opportunity to raise issues right at the beginning of the review process. The consultation period closed on June 30th 2009 and the Steering Group is developing an Issues Paper which includes the comments received.

Respondents were free to make any input they wish but the Steering Group was particularly interested to hear comments on:

  • The format and layout of the standard
  • The content of the standard.

Respondents were asked to remember that the UKWAS Steering Group is only responsible for preparing a certification standard, not for the content of government guidance or the requirements set by the FSC and PEFC certification schemes.

Download the consultation paper here: UKWAS Revision Initial Stakeholder Consultation Paper

This Initial Stakeholders’ Consultation forms just one part of our evidence-gathering phase. The other elements are listed below:

An Interpretation Review

Advice developed by the Interpretation Panel will be considered. To date the Panel has considered the use of bio-solids (IP Note 6) and wind-farm development on certified forest land (IP Note 7).

A Technical Review

This will involve the consideration of any new scientific or technical knowledge including the forthcoming revisions of the UK Forestry Standard and forest practice Guidelines including new advice on deadwood and the new Forests and Climate Change Guidelines. 

An International Benchmarking Review (To be provided by FSC UK and PEFC UK.)

A comparison with any equivalent accredited standards of a similar geographical or ecological scope of application, and an evaluation of whether there are any substantial differences in the overall cost/benefit balance of compliance for similar types of enterprise with similar forest conditions.

A Standard Users’ Feedback Review (To be provided by FSC UK and PEFC UK.)

A consideration of feedback received from certificate holders and accredited certification bodies.

A Small and Low Intensity Managed (SLIM) Woodlands Review

A consideration of the impact and applicability of the standard for small and low intensity operations was undertaken by the UKWAS Steering Group in 2007-08. In addition to the changes made in 2008, the Steering Group concluded that in the next full revision there should be a continued emphasis on adapting the text to cater best for SLIM woods and for ‘very small’ woods (<10 ha). Any new evidence received will also be considered.

A Certification Schemes’ Requirements Review (To be provided by the FSC UK and PEFC UK.)

A consideration of advice on any new or revised policies, procedures or guidance that is relevant to the revision.

How will the UKWAS Steering Group consider the input received?

To begin with all the evidence received from all the elements of the review will be brought together in an Issues Paper for consideration by the UKWAS Steering Group. The Issues Paper will be made available on the website in December 2009. Following its discussions the Steering Group will prepare a Revision Draft of the standard which will be made available for public comment in December 2010.

A Matrix of the issues raised will be placed on the UKWAS website to show how each issue has been considered and the outcome of the Steering Group’s discussions.