Community Inclusion: Standalone Certification now Available - exclusively to NFCA members!
Dear NFCA members,
Our valued member organisation, Soil Association Certification (SA Cert) is now accepting applications for 'standalone' assessments against our Community Inclusion Standard (CIS).
This certification product is now launched, after an online information event held on 14th May 2026 - see recording here
With summary minutes and copies of the presentation below.
Simon Herko
Co-Chair, Nature Finance Certification Alliance
Meeting Summary -Thursday 14th May - 10-11am UK BST
This meeting, with over 50 attendees, was a special NFCA webinar focused on the launch of the Community Inclusion Standard (CIS) as a standalone certification, presented by Soil Association Certification representatives Andy Grundy, Alex Hart, and Helen Leach.
Simon Herko from NFCA introduced the context, explaining that while the standard was originally designed as a "plug-in" for existing nature codes like Woodland and Peatland Codes, its adoption by these codes has been slow, prompting the need for a standalone certification process.
The presenters outlined the two-tier system (core and enhanced requirements) for community engagement, the assessment process conducted remotely through the Kana Earth platform, and pricing estimates ranging from £2,500-£4,000.
They clarified that projects applying for CIS must be NFCA members and have case studies on the NFCA website, with assessment reports potentially becoming public in the future.
The discussion included questions about costs, transparency, and the potential for integration with other standards, with participants noting that while the standard could be applied to any nature project, its standalone nature may continue as codes slowly adopt similar requirements.
NFCA Community Inclusion Standard Meeting
Simon introduced the NFCA meeting focused on the Community Inclusion Standard, explaining its purpose and context within nature finance markets. He noted that while the standard was developed to be adopted by the Woodland Code and Peatland Code, it has not been formally adopted yet.
The meeting aimed to discuss how projects could use the NFCA Community Inclusion Standard certification mark independently, as some projects cannot wait for the codes to adopt it. Simon then introduced Andy Grundy and his team, who were set to present on the topic.
Community Participation in Carbon Markets
Andrew Grundy, with 30 years of experience in UK land management, presented on community participation in nature-based carbon markets. He discussed the current state of woodland and peatland carbon codes, noting that while growth slowed after 2021-22, there are recent signs of recovery.
Andrew explained that community participation is essential for sustainability and project buy-in, though challenges remain around expectation management and determining appropriate levels of engagement.
He highlighted that current market practices often take a "doing for" rather than "doing with" approach to community engagement and mentioned that Soil Association Certification has conducted three pilot assessments for their Community Inclusion Standard, which is similar to existing specifications.
Community Inclusion Standard Presentation
Alex presented on the Community Inclusion Standard (CIS), explaining that it is a badge run by Nature Finance Certification Alliance in partnership with Soil Association.
The standard sets requirements for how projects engage with communities at two levels: core requirements and an enhanced tier for larger-scale projects.
The assessment process involves submitting a project design document and supporting evidence through either direct submission or the Kana Earth platform, followed by a remote desktop review without site visits.
Projects can be reassessed if they want renewed confirmation or to seek the enhanced tier, and the process will be conducted through internal review before final authorisation by NFCA.
CIS Assessment Process and Requirements
Andrew explained that CIS assessments could be processed in parallel with nature-based credit scheme projects (i.e. ONCRA, Peatlland Code, Saltmarsh Code, Woodland Carbon Code, Wilder Carbon Standard for Nature & Climate & UK Carbon Code of Conduct and Verra), potentially under a single contract, with typical assessment times ranging from 2-4 months depending on the quality of submitted evidence.
He noted that while assessment reports are generally required to be public, particularly by international bodies like the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market, the specific hosting and accessibility would depend on NFC's capacity.
Simon clarified that additional conditions for standalone CIS assessments include requiring project developers to be NFCA members and for projects to be featured as case studies on the NFCA website, both aimed at enhancing transparency and trust in the process.
Andrew clarified that assessments cost between £2,500-£4,000, with the process being digitized through the Kana system, which is currently free to use. The group discussed how the CIS might develop alongside other nature investment standards, with Simon noting that while it may not scale massively, there will likely be demand for independent certification in the interim period before requirements are incorporated into formal codes.