WHAT IS THE ALS?
The HCV Network’s Assessor Licensing Scheme (ALS) issues licences to qualified professionals worldwide and monitors their performance by evaluating their HCV or HCV-HCSA assessment reports. Before the ALS launched in 2014, the Network did not have a quality assurance system to guarantee the adequate identification of HCVs and High Carbon Stock forests. The scheme provides continuous development opportunities, normative guidance to guide Licensed Assessors in the field, and training opportunities for current and future assessors.
HOW IT WORKS
- Prospective assessors apply for a licence.
- Once Licensed, Assessors are required to submit all their HCV or HCV-HCSA assessment reports for evaluation. There are two categories of Licensed Assessors: Provisionally Licensed Assessors and Fully Licensed Assessors. Once licensed, assessors can lead HCV assessments and can choose to take additional training to qualify to lead HCV-HCSA Assessments.
- Through report evaluations, Licensed Assessors are provided with feedback on how to improve their work 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 oil palm plantings.
From November 2017, the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA) also requires their Members to hire Licensed Assessors to conduct integrated HCV-HCSA assessments prior to the establishment of forestry, oil palm and rubber plantations. Although quality assurance of HCV and HCV-HCSA assessments is only formally required by RSPO and HCSA, other sustainability schemes, initiatives and companies may hire Licensed Assessors.
