Duties
With the reorganisation of the committee structure in autumn 2023, DAkkS has set the course for a more flexible committee structure. As part of the Expert Council, working groups will be convened as required to discuss and work on specific issues, such as the development of an annex to a technical bulletin or ad hoc technical interpretation tasks.
The Expert Council advises the technical divisions of the operational departments of DAkkS with regard to technical requirements for accreditation and technical matters concerning the operation of the accreditation system. The working groups of the Expert Council have a supporting function for the technical divisions. The members assess the subjects of the consultations independently and according to exclusively technical aspects.
This highly flexible structure enables targeted access to valuable expertise, future-oriented topics such as digitalisation can be reflected on a sector-specific basis and there is equal representation from the various interested groups to ensure the independence of DAkkS.
The working groups provide support and advice in the assigned areas, including the following activities:
- Fleshing out and/or interpretation of existing requirements for conformity assessment bodies in the technical area of responsibility
- Drawing up and developing rules and procedures for the technical assessment of conformity assessment bodies by means of interpretation specific to subject area / technical field and specification of the applicable standards in each case
Work practices
Questions on specific topics may arise during the review process, and the joint discussion of a specific topic may be initiated by individual members. Or topics may be suggested from pending or revised regulations, programmes or standards. If necessary, the specialist areas activate a working group from the range of personnel and expertise of the Expert Council to discuss special projects and technical issues at the level of Level 4 and 5 standards (see Table 1, EA 1/06). Internal audits check the composition of the working groups to ensure that they are balanced.
The working groups should enable flexible and ad hoc consultation. The composition of the working groups is variable and focusses on specific topics.
Annual Conference: Expert Council
With the annual event format Annual Conference: Expert Council, DAkkS brings together the designated experts for a cross-disciplinary exchange on contributed topics. Information is provided on current developments and relevant topics; breakout sessions enable the discussion of specific topics and issues.