Lazarus Alliance Usage Policy

Updated: August 13, 2026

Overview

These Terms of Use constitute a legal agreement between you and Lazarus Alliance. By accessing, browsing, or using this website and any associated web properties under the Lazarus Alliance corporate umbrella, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including export and re-export control laws and regulations. If you do not agree to these terms, do not use this website.

Lazarus Alliance may revise these Terms of Use and any other information on this website at any time without notice by updating this posting. Lazarus Alliance may also make improvements or changes to the products, services, or programs described on this site at any time without notice.

General Terms

This website contains proprietary notices and copyright information that must be observed and followed.

This site and all content on it may not be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, transmitted, distributed, or used to create derivative works without Lazarus Alliance’s prior written consent. Lazarus Alliance grants you a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited permission to access and display the web pages on this site solely on your computer for your personal, non-commercial use. This permission is conditioned on your not modifying the content, keeping intact all copyright, trademark, and other proprietary notices, and accepting any terms, conditions, and notices accompanying the content or otherwise set forth on this site.

Any software or other materials made available for downloading, access, or other use from this site that carry their own license terms, conditions, and notices will be governed by those terms.

Failure to comply with the terms, conditions, and notices on this site will result in automatic termination of any rights granted to you, without prior notice. You must immediately destroy all copies of downloaded materials in your possession or control. Except for the limited permission stated above, Lazarus Alliance grants no express or implied rights or licenses under any patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other proprietary or intellectual property rights. You may not mirror any content from this site on another website or in any other media.

Certain Disclaimers

Information on this website is not promised or guaranteed to be correct, current, or complete. This site may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Lazarus Alliance assumes no responsibility (and expressly disclaims responsibility) for updating this site to keep information current or to ensure the accuracy or completeness of any posted information. You should confirm the accuracy and completeness of all posted information before making any decision related to any services, products, or other matters described on this site.

Lazarus Alliance provides no assurances that any reported problems will be resolved, even if Lazarus Alliance elects to provide information addressing a problem.

Confidential Information

Lazarus Alliance does not want to receive confidential or proprietary information from you through this website. Any information or material you send to Lazarus Alliance will be deemed not confidential. By sending any information or material, you grant Lazarus Alliance an unrestricted, irrevocable license to copy, reproduce, publish, upload, post, transmit, distribute, publicly display, perform, modify, create derivative works from, and otherwise freely use those materials or information. You also agree that Lazarus Alliance is free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques you send for any purpose.

Personally identifiable information submitted for the purpose of receiving products or services will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Global Availability

Information Lazarus Alliance publishes on the World Wide Web may contain references or cross-references to products, programs, and services that are not announced or available in your country. Such references do not imply that Lazarus Alliance intends to announce or make those products, programs, or services available in your country. Consult your local Lazarus Alliance business contact for information regarding availability in your location.

Public Information

As an attestation and certification body, Lazarus Alliance publishes information (primarily on this website, but not limited to this medium) about its business activities in the geographical areas in which it operates.

Audit Processes

Lazarus Alliance helps organizations secure financial, health, sensitive, intellectual, employee, and third-party information; promote internal quality; manage IT service providers and requirements; and establish robust business continuity procedures. We prepare organizations for formal certification or alignment against internationally recognized standards, including ISO standards and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).

Core phases include:

  • Pre-assessment
  • Establishment
  • Implementation
  • Monitoring
  • External audit

Management system development methodology

Lazarus Alliance Compliance and Continuum GRC maintain an advisory practice that shares team resources with Lazarus Alliance, an accredited certification body. This dual perspective helps reduce the risk of over-preparation or under-preparation for third-party audits.

Pre-assessment

Certified lead auditors evaluate preparedness against the mandatory requirements of the applicable management system standard (typically Clauses 4–10). For ISO 27001, this includes evaluation of Annex A control objectives against required documentation. The pre-assessment includes interpretation of requirements, peer and sector observations, documentation insights, risk analysis, process summaries, and remediation recommendations. It also serves as training for internal stakeholders on Plan-Do-Check-Act, governance structures under the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), risk assessment, internal audit, and certificate validity evaluation.

Establishment

We work with your governance, risk, and compliance team to determine and draft core management system documents required by the applicable ISO standard(s), informed by the pre-assessment.

Implementation

We support development of policies and procedures that meet justified control objectives and facilitate management system risk assessment consistent with ISO 31000 principles (inherent/residual risk scoring, severity ratings, treatment options, and data sensitivity determination).

Monitoring

We support periodic internal audits consistent with ISO 19011 and facilitate management review. Deliverables typically include a three-year internal audit plan, annual internal audit reports, and evidence of lead auditor competence.

External audit support

We assist in identifying an accredited certification body and support responses to auditor inquiries regarding advisory work products. We also assist with root-cause analysis and corrective action planning for any identified non-conformities.

Processes for Granting, Refusing, Maintaining, Renewing, Suspending, Restoring, or Withdrawing Certification, or Expanding or Reducing the Scope of Certification

Granting of Certification

Lazarus Alliance examines the client’s management system for compliance with the applicable standard in all material respects as of the audit date. Upon successful completion, we issue a Certificate stating whether, in our opinion, the management system meets the requirements of the Standard as of the assessment date. A Report is also produced for the client’s internal use.

During the certification period, the client must:

  • Comply with the Standard and disclose all non-conformities;
  • Disclose relevant organizational or scope changes;
  • Disclose without delay significant events impacting certification (including fatal incidents, serious injuries, occupational disease, or regulatory legal action); and
  • Disclose occupational health and safety findings by third parties.

Clients may distribute complete Certificates to current and potential customers of the certified operations. Partial or incomplete certificates may not be distributed.

Lazarus Alliance may suspend or withdraw certification with immediate effect if, in its sole opinion, the client is not in conformance with maintenance conditions. Lazarus Alliance also reserves the right to revise certification requirements (including fees) during the certification period.

Refusal of Service

Lazarus Alliance may deny certification where fundamental or demonstrated reasons exist (illegal activities, repeated non-conformities, or similar issues). Lazarus Alliance is not obliged to enter or maintain any commercial relationship or issue/maintain a certificate where, in its sole opinion, the relationship would reflect poorly on Lazarus Alliance’s good name. This applies notwithstanding the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021 and ISO/IEC 17065. Contracts will contain a specific, legally binding clause to this effect.

Changes in Certification Requirements

Lazarus Alliance will provide due notice of intended changes to certification requirements (whether internal or driven by standards changes) within thirty (30) days of approval by the relevant body. Subsequent surveillance, certification, and re-certification audits will verify that certified organizations have implemented necessary adjustments within a reasonable time.

Lazarus Alliance will also evaluate client-initiated or other changes affecting certification and take appropriate action (including scope extension or reduction) in accordance with its Business Management System (BMS) and applicable requirements. Records will include the rationale for any exclusions.

Suspension of Certification

Certification may be suspended if the management system or product certification cannot be verified as effectively maintained, or if the client fails to meet contractual requirements (including timely payment of invoices or visit timing rules).

Maximum suspension period is six (6) months. During suspension, the client may not promote or advertise the certification. The suspension will be publicized on the relevant Lazarus Alliance website (and, where required by scheme procedures, notified to relevant industry groups).

The client will be notified in writing and must provide a written corrective action plan within ten (10) working days. Follow-up verification (on-site where required for technical issues) will be performed. Failure to resolve the issue within the established time will result in withdrawal or scope reduction.

Withdrawal of Certification

Certification will be withdrawn for significant non-conformity coupled with failure to correct in a timely manner, failure to pay invoices, or failure to provide auditor access. In most cases withdrawal is preceded by suspension; in cases of severe non-conformity or non-cooperation, withdrawal may occur immediately.

Re-certification

Lazarus Alliance will plan re-certification activities to allow reasonable time for completion before certificate expiry. Considerations include logistics, auditor availability, and verification of corrective actions for major non-conformities.

If re-certification activities are successfully completed before expiry, the new certificate’s expiry date may be based on the prior cycle. If activities extend past expiry or major non-conformities cannot be verified, re-certification will not be recommended. Restoration is possible within six (6) months of expiry if outstanding activities are completed; otherwise a Stage 2 audit is required.

Re-certification evaluates the overall effectiveness of the management system, interaction of its elements, continued relevance to the scope, commitment to improvement, and achievement of intended results.

Scope Changes

Scope changes will not extend the original certificate expiry date. Lazarus Alliance reserves the right to inspect the site before granting a change. Significant changes (area, management, or operational implications) require inspection. Upon granting a change, the prior certificate must be returned or destroyed and a revised certificate issued.

Certification Decision

The decision is made by the Quality and Technical Review (QTR) in conjunction with the Certification Manager, based on the full audit evidence. Decisions may be delayed to consider new or additional information that could affect the outcome.

Basis for Suspending, Withdrawing, or Reducing Scope

Lazarus Alliance will consider these actions where:

  • The certified management system has persistently or seriously failed to meet requirements;
  • Surveillance or re-certification audits are not completed at required frequencies;
  • The client voluntarily requests suspension;
  • Certification fees remain unpaid; or
  • Service marks are improperly used.

Suspended certification is considered temporarily invalid. Failure to resolve the situation within sixty (60) days generally results in scope reduction or withdrawal. Decisions involve at least two people not involved in the audit.

Clients must discontinue use of all advertising materials referencing certification status upon withdrawal. Public databases and relevant scheme owners/regulatory bodies will be updated promptly (within three business days where required).

Short-notice audits may be conducted to investigate complaints, respond to management system changes, or follow up on suspended certifications. For Integrated Management Systems, impact on other standards will be evaluated.

Types of Management Systems and Certification Schemes

The most comprehensive and current listing of management systems, attestations, and certification schemes supported by Lazarus Alliance is maintained on the Services section of our website.

Use of Our Name, Certification Mark, or Logo

No entity may use any Lazarus Alliance public or private intellectual property (logos, marks, designations, statements, documents, publications, or related materials) without prior permission.

Clients who have achieved attestation or certification may not use related logos, marks, designations, statements, documents, publications, or materials without permission. These may not be applied to laboratory test, calibration, or inspection reports; audit or assessment reports; certificates or attestations; websites; publications; products; or packaging in any way that could be interpreted as denoting product conformity.

All authorized uses must ensure clear traceability to Lazarus Alliance as the certification body. There must be no ambiguity regarding what has been certified and which body granted the certification. Marks shall not be used on products or product packaging in a manner suggesting product conformity.

Only marks provided directly by Lazarus Alliance legal department staff are authorized. Refer to the Lazarus Alliance style guide for additional guidance.

Lazarus Alliance respects customer privacy and does not disclose personal information or use customer names, images, or testimonials in publicity without explicit consent. Any promotional content featuring customers will be approved by them in advance. Client logos may be published in promotional materials to represent brand identity, subject to applicable agreements.

For additional guidance on marks or logos of standards bodies with which we work, refer to the respective scheme owners (FedRAMP, StateRAMP, PCI, AICPA, and others).

Processes for Handling Requests for Information, Complaints, and Appeals

Client feedback is essential. After an engagement you will receive a survey. Comments may also be directed to [email protected]. The form on this page provides an additional submission method.

Appeals of certification, authorization, or attestation decisions must be submitted in writing to [email protected]. The process generally includes:

  1. Initial intake and establishment of the record.
  2. Written statement of the appeal (postal, email, or document format only; text, chat, or voice channels are not accepted).
  3. Information gathering (internal review plus request for verifiable supporting information from the appellant).
  4. Identification of the issue.
  5. Exploration of resolution options.
  6. Attempt to reach an amicable agreement. If the resolution is not accepted, contact information for the relevant certification authority will be provided. Pursuit of further remedies (including legal) is the responsibility and expense of the appellant.

Policy on Impartiality

Lazarus Alliance is committed to the highest standards of integrity and impartiality as an accredited certification body under ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17025, and UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17065:2012 (and applicable national schemes).

Funding transparency

Operations are funded primarily through fees from certification and assessment services. We do not rely on external subsidies or contributions that could compromise impartiality.

Commitment to impartiality

Financing arrangements do not influence certification or assessment decisions. Policies and procedures prevent commercial, financial, or other pressures from affecting the outcome of audits, inspections, testing, or certifications. Qualified assessors operate with autonomy in accordance with the applicable standards.

This policy is publicly available on our website.

Business Relationships

This website may provide links or references to non-Lazarus Alliance websites and resources. Lazarus Alliance makes no representations, warranties, or commitments about any non-Lazarus Alliance websites or third-party resources. A link does not constitute endorsement. Lazarus Alliance is not a party to, and is not responsible for, any transactions you may enter into with third parties.

When you access a non-Lazarus Alliance website (even one that may display the Lazarus Alliance logo), understand that it is independent and that Lazarus Alliance does not control its content. Take appropriate precautions to protect yourself from malicious software and to protect your information.

Linking to This Site

All links to this website must be approved in writing by Lazarus Alliance, except for links that do not:

  • Create frames around any page or use techniques that alter the visual presentation of content;
  • Misrepresent your relationship with Lazarus Alliance;
  • Imply approval or endorsement of you, your website, or your offerings; or
  • Present false or misleading impressions about Lazarus Alliance or damage the goodwill associated with the Lazarus Alliance name or trademarks.

Lazarus Alliance may terminate permission to link at any time in its sole discretion. Upon termination you must immediately remove all links and cease using any Lazarus Alliance trademark.

Useful References

Lazarus Alliance is a certification body for multiple standards. The following resources may assist in understanding requirements (links maintained on the website):

Use of Intellectual Property

Under no circumstances may any entity use, without permission, any public or private intellectual property of Lazarus Alliance, including logos, marks, designations, statements, documents, publications, or other materials.

The same restrictions stated in the “Use of Our Name, Certification Mark, or Logo” section apply fully to all intellectual property associated with attestations or certifications issued by Lazarus Alliance.

Translations

Certain text on this website may be made available in languages other than English. Translations may be performed by a person or solely by computer software without human review. These translations are provided as a convenience only. Lazarus Alliance makes no representations or commitments regarding the accuracy or completeness of any translation. See the Disclaimer of Warranty below for additional conditions.

Questions, Concerns, Complaints, and Appeals

Lazarus Alliance maintains internal guidelines for triage of customer-related issues within its Business Operating Quality Manual. The general process includes:

  • Receive and classify
  • Acknowledge
  • Investigate (investigator independent of the subject matter)
  • Resolve and confirm
  • Respond to the customer
  • Follow-up
  • QA and close (via Change Advisory Board / Corrective Action Report process where internal change is required)

This process is managed through the Lazarus Alliance customer support ticket system (1-888-896-7580 x21) and existing client portals for established customers.

Disclaimer of Warranty

USE OF THIS SITE AND OF THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OF LAZARUS ALLIANCE AND/OR CONTINUUM GRC IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. ALL MATERIALS, INFORMATION, PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE, PROGRAMS, AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS,” WITH NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES WHATSOEVER. LAZARUS ALLIANCE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW ALL EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, AND OTHER WARRANTIES, GUARANTEES, OR REPRESENTATIONS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT OF PROPRIETARY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. WITHOUT LIMITATION, LAZARUS ALLIANCE MAKES NO WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE THAT THIS WEBSITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE.

YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT IF YOU DOWNLOAD OR OTHERWISE OBTAIN MATERIALS, INFORMATION, PRODUCTS, SOFTWARE, PROGRAMS, OR SERVICES, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION AND RISK, AND THAT YOU WILL BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT, INCLUDING LOSS OF DATA OR DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER SYSTEM, ORGANIZATION, OR BUSINESS ENTITY.

SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Limitation of Liability

IN NO EVENT WILL LAZARUS ALLIANCE BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY TYPE WHATSOEVER RELATED TO OR ARISING FROM THIS WEBSITE OR ANY USE OF THIS WEBSITE, OR OF ANY SITE OR RESOURCE LINKED TO, REFERENCED, OR ACCESSED THROUGH THIS WEBSITE, OR FOR THE USE OR DOWNLOADING OF, OR ACCESS TO, ANY MATERIALS, INFORMATION, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES OF LAZARUS ALLIANCE AND/OR CONTINUUM GRC, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOST SAVINGS, OR LOSS OF PROGRAMS OR OTHER DATA, EVEN IF LAZARUS ALLIANCE IS EXPRESSLY ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THIS EXCLUSION AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY APPLIES TO ALL CAUSES OF ACTION, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORIES.

Additional or different terms, conditions, and notices may apply to specific materials, information, products, software, and services offered through this website. In the event of any conflict, those additional or different terms, conditions, and notices will prevail over these Terms of Use.

     

    Questions, Concerns, Complaints, and Appeals form

    For further details, please contact us at +1 (888) 896-7580.