Natural England, working in close association with the Association of Local Environmental Records Centres (ALERC), commissioned the development of an Accreditation System.  The project ran in 2 phases:

·        Phase 1 - development of a suite of criteria between February and August 2010.

·        Phase 2 – pilot project looking to accredit 2 LRCs using the criteria and the development of a guidance document in parallel between November 2010 and March 2011.

The aims of LRC Accreditation are to identify a minimum level of standards, to build confidence in LRCs as bodies which hold biodiversity information in trust for society and manage public resources well.  Specifically, the system should:

• Provide a set of objective criteria against which LRC operation can be assessed to demonstrate that it is effective and efficient.

• Outline core levels of products and services that an LRC should provide to assist key users.

• Ensure the LRC is actively working with data holders to improve the availability and quality of data.

• Provide guidance and examples of best practice to assist LRCs in their application.

• Recognise the existing range of business models that LRCs operate under.

The criteria have been tested and 2 LRCs have successfully completed the process – Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Environmental records Centre (CPERC) and Lincolnshire Environmental Records Centre.

On this page are both the criteria against which an LRC will be assessed and a comprehensive guidance document to help all LRCs in preparing for future accreditation.

Until ALERC has the resource to “roll out” accreditation to a wider audience, please use this documentation to plan your preparations.