23 June 2025
Leather Working Group (LWG) has announced the establishment of a new, separate organisation, LWG Assurance Services (LWG AS), to independently manage certification to LWG Standards.
LWG AS is a not-for-profit entity created to uphold the integrity of the LWG Standards through impartial and robust certification. This strategic shift is designed to reinforce trust, strengthen impartiality, and enhance the long-term credibility of the LWG assurance system.
By operating independently and without commercial pressures, LWG AS is free to focus solely on delivering certification services aligned to best auditing practices.
With a core team with experience in managing audits to the LWG Standards, this new organisation brings a wealth of technical knowledge and industry expertise. It will be headed by Managing Director, Jon Loxston. Previously Director of Operations at Pittards, Jon has served on the Leather Working Group Board (Technical Subgroup) and as a technical advisor. He brings a broad experience of leather manufacturing and auditing and assurance.
Transparent governance and accountability will be underpinned by a publicly available framework and policies to secure impartiality, and a structured process for addressing concerns and resolving conflicts of interest. These measures aim to foster trust and ensure fairness throughout the certification process. LWG AS intends to achieve accreditation with UKAS and become certified to ISO 17065.
Audits will continue to be conducted by impartial and competent auditors trained and approved in the LWG Standards. All future audits will be assigned and coordinated by LWG AS, with a controlled booking system to manage auditor rotation, sector knowledge and local experience.
Third-party reviews and verifications to further ensure audit consistency and integrity will be managed by LWG AS, while medal ratings and certification will now be issued under the new organisation’s name.
The transition brings both immediate and long-term benefits to the leather industry and its stakeholders, enhancing the assurance process while maintaining the core Leather Working Group values.
"The inauguration of LWG Assurance Services marks a pivotal moment in our journey to drive greater transparency, trust, and integrity across the leather supply chain," said Vanessa Podmore, Executive Director of Leather Working Group. "By establishing an independent, not-for-profit body to oversee our audit and assurance processes, we are reinforcing our commitment to impartiality and continuous improvement – ensuring that the LWG Standards remain robust, credible, and fit for the future.”
For further information, please visit the LWG AS website here.
Categories: Standards, Environmental Auditing