Steps To Accreditation

Step 1 – Choose a reviewer

The first step involves the applicant selecting a reviewer for the accreditation compliance checks.  All FCSA Code assessors are either chartered accountants or regulated solicitors and have at least five years demonstrable experience of specialising in the freelance sector. You can choose from the list below:

Financial assessors

• BDO
• Ernst & Young
• Saffery Champness

Legal assessors (for umbrella and CIS applications)

• Brabners
• HRC Law
• JMW Solicitors

You will need to choose a financial assessor from the first list, and if you are applying to have your umbrella or CIS accredited you will also need to select a legal assessor.  EY has an in-house SRA regulated legal team, so if you choose them for the financial elements they will also cover the legal aspects.  If you choose BDO or Saffery Champness to be your financial assessors, then you will need to choose a legal assessor from Brabners, HRC Law or JMW Solicitors, as listed above.  The cost of the application is the same whichever assessors you select.  

Step 2 – Notify FCSA

Once you have selected your reviewer, you will need to notify FCSA Chief Executive, Julia Kermode and pay the cost for the review directly to the FCSA. The FCSA will then ask the reviewer to commence the review.

Step 3 – The 3 stage review process

The review involves a 3 stage review process:

1. Self-assessment – the applicant is asked to answer a set of questions and provide all supporting documents requested. The reviewer will then assess all answers and documents.
2. Sampling – the applicant will need to provide the reviewer with an anonymized list of workers and pick a sample for review. All requested documents for the sample must be provided.
3. Site visit – if your documents and sample pass the desk review, the reviewer will visit your premises to interview key members of staff.

When will I know if my firm has passed?

Your assessors can usually give you a verbal indication on the day of the site visit, assuming that they have received all the information requested, and adequate answers to all of their enquiries.  If the assessors will need to undertake further work after the site visit (e.g. to consider documentation supplied to them during the site visit) then you will be informed of the assessment outcome as soon as possible.