FRIDAS was developed in response to recurring issues identified within BNG data submissions, including inconsistencies in habitat mapping, missing metadata, boundary discrepancies, incomplete attributes and unclear data provenance.

The framework was created to provide a structured and repeatable approach to assessing whether data is fit for purpose.

FRIDAS assesses six core dimensions of environmental data:

• Format – GIS data structure and technical compliance

• Red Line Boundary – Boundary integrity and consistency

• Identification – Habitat classification and mapping confidence

• Data – Data provenance, metadata and supporting evidence

• Attributes – Completeness and quality of supporting attributes

• Slope – Terrain-related considerations affecting area calculations

FRIDAS produces one of two outcomes:

• Pass – Confidence is considered sufficient for the intended purpose.

• Fail – Confidence cannot currently be demonstrated and further work is required.

The assessment also provides findings and recommendations to support continuous improvement.

FRIDAS assessments may be commissioned by:

• Developers

• Local Planning Authorities

• Ecological Consultancies

• GIS Consultancies

• Habitat Bank Operators

• Landowners

• Environmental Investment Organisations

• Technology Providers

The FRIDAS Partner Programme recognises organisations that demonstrate alignment with FRIDAS principles and confidence-led environmental data management practices.

The programme helps organisations demonstrate their commitment to quality, transparency and continual improvement.

Current partner categories include:

• Pre-Survey Data Partner

• Data Collection Partner

• GIS Mapping Partner

• Data Remediation Partner

• Training Partner

• Monitoring Partner

• Habitat Bank Partner

• Technology Partner

• Full Lifecycle Partner

Additional partner categories may be introduced as the framework evolves.

FRIDAS is designed to work alongside existing Biodiversity Net Gain workflows, platforms and service providers.

Most BNG platforms focus on habitat mapping, biodiversity metric calculations, planning documentation, project management or monitoring. These tools are essential for delivering Biodiversity Net Gain outcomes.

FRIDAS addresses a different question:

How much confidence can be placed in the data underpinning those outputs?

For example, a platform may successfully calculate biodiversity units using the information provided. FRIDAS does not reassess the calculation itself. Instead, it evaluates the quality, completeness, provenance and reliability of the underlying GIS data used to generate those results.

This means FRIDAS can be applied regardless of:

• Which BNG platform you use

• Which GIS software you use

• Which ecological consultancy you work with

• Which data collection tools you use

• Whether the work is completed internally or externally

FRIDAS is intended to complement existing services, not replace them.

FRIDAS assessments are priced according to the size, complexity and intended use of the dataset being reviewed. Factors considered may include site size, number of habitats, quantity of supporting datasets, biodiversity metric complexity and the level of assurance required.

Typical assessments start from £495 for small sites, with larger or more complex projects priced accordingly.

All assessments include:

• Independent review against the FRIDAS framework

• Assessment findings

• Pass/Fail outcome

• Recommendations for improvement

• Audit report suitable for project records

Please contact EcoSpatial for a tailored quotation.

Joining the FRIDAS Partner Network is a straightforward process designed to recognise organisations that demonstrate a commitment to environmental data quality, transparency and confidence-led decision-making.

The process follows five stages:

1. Application

Complete a FRIDAS Partner application and select the partner category that best reflects your organisation's services and expertise.

Examples include:

• Pre-Survey Data Partner

• Data Collection Partner

• GIS Mapping Partner

• Data Remediation Partner

• Training Partner

• Monitoring Partner

• Habitat Bank Partner

• Technology Partner

• Full Lifecycle Partner

2. Organisational Assessment

EcoSpatial reviews your organisation's workflows, processes, deliverables and quality assurance procedures to understand how environmental data is managed throughout your projects.

3. Independent Audit

Your organisation is assessed against relevant FRIDAS principles and best-practice requirements. The audit focuses on transparency, traceability, data governance and confidence in environmental data.

4. Feedback and Recommendations

All applicants receive feedback detailing strengths, observations and any recommendations for improvement. Where improvements are required, organisations may be invited to address these before final approval.

5. Partner Approval and Licensing

Organisations demonstrating sufficient alignment with FRIDAS principles are approved as FRIDAS Partners and receive permission to use the relevant FRIDAS Partner branding and recognition materials.

No.

The FRIDAS Partner Programme is intended to provide meaningful recognition of organisations that demonstrate alignment with FRIDAS principles. Approval is therefore based on assessment outcomes and evidence provided during the application process.

Where improvements are identified, applicants will be provided with feedback and may reapply following implementation of recommended actions.

FRIDAS Partners receive:

• Recognition for commitment to environmental data quality

• Use of FRIDAS Partner branding

• Listing within the FRIDAS Partner Directory

• Access to FRIDAS guidance and updates

• Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing

• Demonstration of independent commitment to best practice

• Increased confidence for clients, regulators and stakeholders

Absolutely.

The FRIDAS Partner Network is open to organisations of all sizes, from sole traders and specialist consultancies through to national organisations and technology providers.

Assessment criteria are applied proportionately, recognising that different organisations operate at different scales while maintaining the same commitment to quality, transparency and confidence-led environmental data management.

To discuss membership of the FRIDAS Partner Network, contact EcoSpatial and our team will guide you through the application and assessment process. Whether you are a GIS consultancy, ecology consultancy, habitat bank operator, technology provider or training organisation, we would be delighted to discuss how your organisation can become part of the growing FRIDAS community.