WHAT IS THE ALS?
The Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS) issues licences to qualified professionals worldwide and monitors their performance through desk-based evaluation of their HCV or HCV-HCSA assessment reports. The scheme provides continuous development opportunities, manuals and guidance to assist Licensed Assessors in the field, and training opportunities for current and future assessors. For a detailed description of how the ALS works, please read the ALS Specification.
HOW IT WORKS
There are two categories of Licensed Assessors: Provisionally Licensed and Fully Licensed. Both categories of assessors can lead HCV assessments and may choose to take additional training to qualify to lead HCV-HCSA assessments. Moving from a provisional licence to a full licence is based on successful report evaluations. For a detailed description of how the ALS works, please read the ALS Specification.
- Prospective assessors apply for a licence following the application guidelines and application process
- Once licensed, assessors are required to submit all their HCV or HCV-HCSA assessment reports for evaluation.
- Through desk-based report evaluations and continuous development opportunities, Licensed Assessors can improve their skills over time.
USERS
From 1 January 2015, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) requires oil palm growers to hire Licensed Assessors to conduct HCV assessments before establishing any new plantations. The RSPO Principles and Criteria were updated in November 2018 and they now incorporate the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA). Growers are now required to commission integrated HCV-HCSA assessments led by Licensed Assessors. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in RSPO New Planting Procedure Public Consultations.
From November 2017, members of the High Carbon Stock Approach, including plantation companies of several commodities, are required to commission integrated HCV-HCSA assessments led by Licensed Assessors.