The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™
This page explains how applications under the Qelvea Refined Finish Index (RFI) are assessed and how accreditation decisions are made.
The process is designed to be outcome-led, fair, and proportionate, with clear separation between assessment and governance.
Purpose of Assessment
Assessment under the RFI exists to determine whether submitted work demonstrates conformity with the published standard.
It focuses on:
- how outcomes are designed to wear over time
- consistency across representative cases
- balance, restraint, and longevity readiness
Assessment does not evaluate style, trend, or creative preference.
What Is Assessed
Assessment is based solely on:
- the application submitted
- the outcome evidence provided
- the published RFI criteria
Evidence is reviewed to understand how results:
- settle and soften
- remain wearable and comfortable
- maintain balance beyond the day of treatment
Training history, qualifications, testimonials, or popularity are not assessed.
Assessment Criteria
Evidence is considered against defined criteria, which include:
- structural harmony
- symmetry and balance
- softness and flexibility
- wearability
- longevity readiness
The emphasis is on outcomes over time, not immediate visual impact.
How Assessment Is Conducted
Assessment is:
- evidence-based
- conducted independently
- reviewed against published criteria
Reasonable steps are taken to ensure:
- consistency between applications
- objectivity in review
- avoidance of conflicts of interest
Assessment findings are documented to support governance review.
Decision-Making
Following assessment, a governance-led decision is made.
Possible outcomes include:
- Accreditation granted
- Accreditation granted with conditions
- Deferral (pending clarification or additional evidence)
- Non-grant
Decisions are made in accordance with published procedures to ensure fairness and consistency.
Accreditation Levels
Where accreditation is granted, it is awarded at one of the defined levels:
- RFI Conformant
- RFI Advanced
- RFI Signature
Levels reflect measured degrees of conformity with the standard.
They do not imply ranking, endorsement, or superiority.
Communication of Outcomes
Applicants are informed of:
- the outcome of their application
- the scope and validity of accreditation (where granted)
- any conditions or next steps
Where accreditation is not granted, the decision reflects assessment against the published standard only.
Limits of the Decision
Accreditation decisions:
- do not guarantee future outcomes
- do not assess all services offered
- apply only to the defined scope and period
Accreditation under the RFI is time-limited and subject to renewal.
Review, Appeals & Complaints
Defined processes exist to:
- review procedural concerns
- address administrative complaints
- assess proportionality of decisions
Appeals consider whether procedures were followed correctly.
They do not reassess stylistic or creative judgement.
Transparency & Accountability
The assessment and decision process is supported by:
- published criteria
- clear application requirements
- documented governance procedures
This ensures clarity for applicants and protects the integrity of the standard.
The Qelvea Refined Finish Index™
Assessing outcomes with clarity, restraint, and consistency.
UK GDPR Assurance Statement
Qelvea Standards processes personal data submitted in connection with accreditation under the Qelvea Refined Finish Index™ in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Data is limited to what is necessary, processed for defined purposes only, handled confidentially, and retained no longer than required to administer assessment, governance, licensing, renewal, verification, and enforcement of a private professional standard. Anonymised outcome evidence is used solely for assessment and related governance activities and is not published or used for marketing. Further detail on lawful basis, data subject rights, and data handling is provided in the Privacy Policy.