Managing multiple ISO standards separately can be cumbersome. Separate manuals, overlapping procedures and multiple audits eat up time and resources. An integrated management system (IMS) simplifies this complexity by combining the requirements of different standards into a single framework. For growing businesses seeking efficiency and a competitive edge, integrating standards is becoming the norm.

Why integration matters

ISO standards share many common elements: the Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act cycle, leadership commitment, risk‑based thinking and documented information requirements. When organisations maintain separate systems for quality, environment, health and safety or information security, they often duplicate processes and policies. For example, one department might conduct a risk assessment for ISO 9001 while another performs a similar exercise for ISO 14001. An IMS aligns these activities, eliminating redundancy and allowing resources to be focused on improvement rather than administration.

Synergies between standards

Combining ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment) and ISO 45001 (health and safety) yields powerful synergies. Quality and environmental objectives often overlap; reducing defects, for instance, cuts waste and energy use. Health and safety initiatives improve workforce morale, which in turn leads to higher quality products. Integrating ISO 27001 (information security) or ISO 22301 (business continuity) further strengthens resilience by ensuring that processes remain secure and operational during disruptions. An integrated system makes it easier to manage these interdependencies because objectives, resources and responsibilities are aligned.

Benefits of an integrated approach

The primary benefit of an IMS is efficiency. With a unified manual, businesses reduce the amount of documentation they need to create and maintain. Audits can be combined, saving time and reducing disruption. Training becomes simpler, as staff learn one system rather than several. Decision‑making improves when information flows through a single system – managers can see how a change in one area affects other parts of the business. A coherent management system also presents a consistent message to customers and regulators, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to quality, sustainability and safety.

Cost savings are another significant advantage. By eliminating duplicate processes and consolidating audits, an IMS reduces administrative overhead. Certification bodies often offer discounted audit rates for integrated systems because auditors can cover multiple standards in a single visit. Internally, teams spend less time preparing for separate audits and more time working on improvements that drive value.

Steps to build an integrated management system

1. Define scope and objectives. Determine which standards you want to integrate and which parts of the organisation they apply to. The scope might include multiple sites or departments.
   
2. Conduct a gap analysis. Compare existing management systems against the requirements of each standard. Identify overlaps, duplicate procedures and areas where processes can be harmonised.
   
3. Create unified documentation. Develop policies, objectives and procedures that satisfy all applicable standards. Use a single management manual rather than separate documents. Where requirements differ, cross‑reference them clearly.
   
4. Develop integrated processes. Align risk assessments, internal audits, management reviews and corrective action processes so that they address all standards at once. Use shared forms and templates to collect information consistently.
   
5. Train your team. Provide integrated training that covers the essentials of each standard and emphasises the connections between them. Encourage cross‑functional collaboration so that teams understand how their activities affect other areas.
   
6. Use technology. A digital platform or portal makes it much easier to manage an IMS. Remote auditors can review documentation without travelling, and version control ensures that everyone works from the latest documents. Automated workflows can remind team members when reviews or risk assessments are due.
   
7. Engage leadership. Senior management must champion the integrated system, allocate resources and demonstrate commitment. Integration should align with the organisation’s strategic goals, such as reducing environmental impact or improving supply‑chain resilience.
   
8. Plan integrated audits. Work with your certification body to combine audits where possible. Integrated audits are more efficient and provide auditors with a holistic view of your management system.
   

Maintaining and improving your IMS

After certification, the focus shifts to continual improvement. Use management reviews to assess performance across all standards, identify trends and set new objectives. Encourage employees to suggest improvements and report issues. Monitor regulatory changes; for example, if new environmental legislation emerges, update your system accordingly. Keep an eye on emerging standards like ISO 50001 (energy management) or ISO/IEC 42001 (AI governance), which may become relevant as your business evolves.

Integration and business growth

An integrated management system supports growth by providing a scalable framework. When entering new markets, adding products or acquiring other companies, an IMS allows you to incorporate new activities without reinventing your management systems. Integrated systems can also improve customer trust and market access; many clients prefer working with suppliers who hold multiple certifications because it reduces risk. Additionally, integrated systems provide better data for decision‑making, enabling leaders to balance quality, sustainability and safety considerations effectively.

Looking to the future

As markets demand greater transparency and responsibility, integrated management systems will become increasingly common. Organisations that combine standards not only streamline compliance but also demonstrate maturity and foresight. Trends such as climate‑related disclosure, heightened cyber threats and emerging AI regulation will favour businesses with flexible, holistic management systems. By embracing integration now, you create a robust foundation for innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.

Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Resilience has become a watchword for modern businesses. Whether facing supply chain disruptions, cyber‑security threats or environmental challenges, organisations need systems that enable them to withstand shocks and adapt quickly. ISO standards provide a blueprint for resilience, helping companies develop robust processes and a culture of continual improvement. This article explores how different ISO standards contribute to business resilience and why an integrated approach can yield even greater benefits.

Quality management and consistency

A resilient business delivers consistent products or services regardless of external pressures. ISO 9001, the world’s most widely adopted quality management standard, establishes a framework for documenting processes, monitoring performance and embedding a culture of improvement. By standardising procedures and tracking metrics, companies can identify inefficiencies, reduce errors and quickly adjust to changes in demand or supply. Clients benefit from consistent quality, and businesses reduce waste and rework.

Maintaining ISO 9001 certification also signals to customers and partners that quality is a priority. This trust can be invaluable when market conditions become uncertain. Businesses that can demonstrate a solid track record of quality management are more likely to win tenders and retain clients during economic downturns.

Environmental responsibility and risk management

Environmental issues, from climate change to resource scarcity, pose significant risks. ISO 14001, the standard for environmental management systems, helps organisations identify and manage their environmental impacts. Companies that implement ISO 14001 reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and mitigate regulatory risks. In doing so, they not only protect the planet but also strengthen their long‑term viability.

Environmental performance is increasingly important to customers and investors. Demonstrating compliance with ISO 14001 can open doors to new markets, especially where sustainable procurement policies are in place. By proactively managing environmental risks, businesses avoid costly penalties, supply disruptions and reputational damage.

Protecting people through health & safety standards

Workplace accidents and occupational illnesses can have severe consequences for employees and the business. ISO 45001, the standard for occupational health and safety management systems, provides a structured approach to identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing controls. A certified health and safety system promotes a safe working environment and reduces absenteeism, compensation claims and productivity losses.

During crises such as pandemics, businesses with strong health and safety management can adapt more effectively, ensuring that employees remain safe and operations continue with minimal interruption. Certification demonstrates to staff, regulators and clients that the organisation takes its duty of care seriously.

Securing information in the digital age

Information security breaches are among the most significant threats facing modern organisations. ISO 27001 sets out requirements for an information security management system (ISMS) that protects confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. Implementing ISO 27001 helps businesses identify risks, put in place appropriate controls and develop a culture of security awareness.

Certified organisations are better prepared to prevent data breaches and respond quickly if they occur. In an era where cyber‑attacks make headlines and data protection regulations (like GDPR) carry substantial penalties, ISO 27001 certification is both a competitive advantage and a critical component of risk management.

Keeping operations running with business continuity standards

Business continuity is the ability to continue operating during and after a disruption. ISO 22301 provides a framework for establishing, implementing and maintaining a business continuity management system. It guides organisations in identifying critical functions, assessing potential threats and planning responses. With robust continuity plans, businesses can minimise downtime and maintain essential services even in adverse circumstances.

Certification to ISO 22301 reassures clients and partners that the organisation is prepared for unexpected events, from natural disasters to cyber incidents. It also helps businesses meet contractual and regulatory requirements that mandate continuity planning.

Energy management and cost control

Energy costs are a significant operating expense, and inefficient energy use can erode competitiveness. ISO 50001 helps organisations establish energy management systems that reduce consumption, lower bills and improve environmental performance. Identifying energy wastage and investing in more efficient equipment can yield quick wins that free up capital for other resilience measures.

With energy prices subject to market volatility, businesses that control their energy use are less vulnerable to price spikes. ISO 50001 certification also demonstrates commitment to sustainability, enhancing corporate reputation and meeting the expectations of environmentally conscious clients.

Integrating standards for maximum benefit

While each ISO standard offers distinct benefits, integrating multiple systems can create synergies. For example, combining ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 45001 (health and safety) and ISO 27001 (information security) into an integrated management system streamlines processes, reduces duplication and ensures that policies do not conflict. Integrated systems make it easier to train staff, conduct audits and manage documentation.

An integrated approach also simplifies decision‑making. Senior management receives a holistic view of performance across quality, environment, health and safety and information security. This supports more strategic planning and ensures that improvements in one area do not inadvertently create risks in another. For example, energy‑efficient equipment purchased under ISO 50001 considerations should also meet health and safety requirements under ISO 45001.

Building a culture of continual improvement

ISO standards share a common theme: continual improvement. Achieving certification is not an end point but the start of an ongoing journey. Businesses that embrace this philosophy foster resilience by regularly reviewing performance, learning from incidents and adapting processes. Staff become more engaged when they see that their feedback leads to tangible improvements, and management benefits from data‑driven insights.

Encouraging a culture of improvement also helps organisations stay ahead of regulatory changes and market expectations. When new legislation is introduced or customer requirements evolve, businesses with established management systems can incorporate changes into existing frameworks rather than scrambling to respond.

Communicating your commitment

Certification is only valuable if customers, suppliers and other stakeholders are aware of it. Businesses should promote their ISO certifications in proposals, on their website and through marketing materials. This not only reinforces credibility but also educates audiences about the importance of standards. By explaining how ISO certification supports quality, safety, security and sustainability, companies can set themselves apart from competitors.

ISO standards provide proven frameworks for managing risk, improving efficiency and enhancing reputation. By implementing and integrating relevant standards, businesses strengthen their resilience against a wide range of internal and external shocks. Organisations that invest in certification today are better equipped to face the uncertainties of tomorrow and to seize opportunities as markets evolve.

Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

In today’s fast‑paced world, businesses need certification processes that match the speed and agility of their operations. Traditional, on‑site ISO certification often involves travel, paper documentation and lengthy scheduling – obstacles that can slow growth and add expense. Online ISO certification represents a paradigm shift in how companies achieve compliance, and it’s quickly becoming the preferred route for small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) and global organisations alike.

From physical audits to remote efficiency

Under the traditional model, auditors would visit a company’s premises, spending days reviewing processes, interviewing staff and inspecting documentation. This approach works, but it’s resource‑intensive and can interrupt normal operations. Digital certification removes many of these barriers. Auditors now access documentation through secure portals and conduct interviews via video calls. Evidence is uploaded digitally, meaning assessments can start as soon as the client is ready. The result is a certification process that fits around your business rather than forcing your business to adapt.

Remote assessments also improve scheduling flexibility. Businesses can submit evidence outside of normal office hours, and auditors can work through documentation in their own time. This reduces the bottlenecks that often occur when coordinating in‑person audits. For businesses in rural areas or emerging markets, the online approach eliminates travel costs and makes it feasible to work with highly qualified auditors who may be based in a different region or country.

Enhanced security and compliance

Some organisations worry that sharing documents online could compromise confidentiality. However, reputable certification bodies use secure cloud platforms with robust encryption and strict access controls. ISO‑Cert Online Ltd, for example, leverages Microsoft OneDrive to provide each client with a dedicated, password‑protected folder. Only authorised personnel can view or edit documents, and clients retain control over their own data at all times.

Digital platforms also make compliance easier to track and manage. Version control features ensure that auditors always review the latest documents, and audit trails record who accessed files and when. If standards change – as they occasionally do – updates can be implemented swiftly across all stored documents. Automated reminders for surveillance audits and renewals help businesses maintain certification without missing key deadlines.

Cost and time savings for SMEs

One of the most compelling arguments for online ISO certification is cost. Remote audits eliminate travel expenses for both clients and auditors. Because digital processes are streamlined, auditors can work more efficiently, reducing the number of billable hours required. For an SME, saving even a few hours of consultant time can make a significant difference to the project budget.

Time savings are equally important. Many companies secure their ISO certificates within a week when using a digital provider. Faster certification means quicker access to new markets and customer segments that require ISO‑accredited suppliers. Additionally, staff do not have to be tied up with hosting auditors on site. Instead, they can prepare documentation at their own pace and continue with their core roles.

Improving sustainability

Going digital isn’t just about convenience – it’s also an environmentally responsible choice. Online certification significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with travel. Less paper is printed, stored or shipped. For organisations seeking ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, choosing an online certification route demonstrates alignment between internal processes and environmental commitments. Clients can highlight this reduced impact when communicating their sustainability credentials to stakeholders and customers.

Greater inclusivity and accessibility

Remote certification opens doors for businesses that might otherwise struggle to achieve accreditation. Companies operating in remote locations or regions with limited access to qualified auditors can now work with specialists anywhere in the world. This levelling of the playing field means that more companies can compete for government tenders and private sector contracts that mandate ISO certification, regardless of geography.

Digital tools also support businesses that have staff with mobility challenges or those who cannot travel easily. Participating in audits via video conference ensures that all relevant stakeholders can contribute without needing to be physically present in the same location. Inclusivity is increasingly recognised as an important component of sustainable business practice; online certification helps companies live up to those values.

Preparing for the digital future

As technology advances, we can expect ISO certification processes to become even more streamlined. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will likely play a role in document review, flagging non‑conformities and suggesting corrective actions. Automation could help generate standard operating procedures based on uploaded evidence, further reducing the manual workload for businesses. Blockchain technology may offer new ways to verify the authenticity and integrity of certification documents.

Companies that adopt online certification now will be better positioned to integrate these innovations in the future. They will already have digital infrastructure and processes in place, making it easier to adopt new tools as they emerge. Early adopters also gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating to customers and stakeholders that they are modern, agile and committed to continuous improvement.

Choosing the right partner

When selecting an online certification body, businesses should consider accreditation, experience and support. Look for providers that are independently‑accredited or recognised by the relevant national body in your jurisdiction. Accreditation ensures that certificates are accepted by clients, regulators and tendering bodies. Experience matters too: consultants with decades in the field understand how to tailor processes to different industries and can anticipate common pitfalls.

Finally, choose a partner that offers comprehensive support beyond the initial certification. ISO certification is not a one‑time exercise; it involves ongoing surveillance audits and continuous improvement. Providers that supply templates, training and consultancy help businesses sustain compliance and extract maximum value from their management systems.

Digital ISO certification is more than a trend – it’s a fundamental shift in how companies achieve and maintain compliance. By embracing online processes, SMEs and global corporations alike can save time and money, reduce environmental impact, increase accessibility and future‑proof their certification efforts.

Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ISO standards, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

The team here at ISO-Cert are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new online management systems portal, ISO-Cert Unite^TM, which has been designed with the aim of helping to make ISO certification as stress-free and efficient as possible.

This is the only online portal in the industry that will guide you through every step of the implementation process from start to finish, with appropriate tasks set each month to ensure that you stay on track and hit the pre-defined targets.

We also automatically monitor your progress 24/7 so you can catch any problems early on, enabling you to take action immediately to prevent potential delays. Flexibility and versatility are also assured, as the portal can be used for any ISO management system standard.

Features of the Unite portal include:

• Document control, where process documents can be stored for ease of collaboration and revision

• Risk management, where hazards can be recorded and actions assigned based on risk score

• Audit management, where internal and external audits can be scheduled and recorded

Benefits of the Unite portal include:

• Access to the portal is free for current ISO-Cert Online Ltd customers

• Guided implementation, via a monthly planner to keep you on track

• Real-time monitoring, where we continually review ISO implementation to ensure the process is efficient and effective

• Securely stored data in full compliance with all relevant legislation

• Portal access can be enjoyed anywhere on any connected device

• Automatic updates

Working with ISO-Cert

If you’re looking for globally recognised ISO certification delivered efficiently and cost effectively, the ISO-Cert team can help you every step of the way.

As well as our industry-first online portal, we also offer management systems consultancy and training, designed to help you take your business to the next level.

Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about the ISO-Cert Unite^TM portal, how your business could benefit from implementing a Management System, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Digital health technology is becoming increasingly commonplace, helping to transform patient care pathways, boosting health and wellbeing, making health systems more efficient, delivering cost savings and empowering people to manage their own conditions more successfully.

Virtual care is capable of reaching significantly more people than in-person appointments, but there are some concerns about healthcare digitisation, particularly from the perspective of businesses operating in this sector, which demands consistent service delivery and proactive risk management.

Digital health solutions of all kinds, including the likes of software as medical devices, artificial intelligence as medical devices, 3D printing, mobile apps, virtual assistants, wearable medical devices, robotics and virtual care provision, must remain compliant with all relevant regulations and standards, including DCB 0129, the Data Security and Protection toolkit and Digital Technology Assessment Criteria.

These standards (among others) serve to ensure that products, processes and systems are secure, robust, accessible and clinically safe – but it’s important to note that they don’t cover complete organisational structures, so it may be beneficial to investigate ISO 9001 certification as well.

ISO 9001

The ISO 9001 standard is currently undergoing major amendments (having been left unchanged for ten years or so), with the expected updates now delayed until September 2026… so it’s perhaps fair to say that they’re likely to be quite significant.

As such, now’s the perfect time to prepare for potential changes and it’s likely that there will be even greater focus placed on digital transformation.

This particular standard isn’t industry-specific, but it is highly relevant to those businesses working in digital health. Certification will ensure that your organisation has a clear framework in place to deliver your products and services consistently, and efficiently, as well as driving improvements as appropriate over time.

You’ll also find that your approach to risk management is properly supported, improving both the patient experience and your organisation’s activities, and making sure that your business is able to maintain this as you grow and thrive.

What about ISO 13485?

If you’re involved in the design, production and servicing of medical devices, you’ll need to consider ISO 13485 certification to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations.

This would be a good option if you’re keen to tick all the ISO 9001 boxes but want to be particularly vigilant and ensure compliance as your products and services develop.

What regulatory changes can we expect?

As digital health technologies continue to emerge, with key innovations including the likes of mobile health apps, connected wearable devices, digitised health systems, patient data and prescription delivery, telemedicine, health data analytics, personalised medicine and both AI and machine learning (ML), regulations are certain to evolve to ensure that safety, quality and performance standards continue to be met.

Key areas of focus include data protection and privacy, ensuring compliance with GDPR by safeguarding patient data. Medical device regulation (prioritising safety, quality and performance of tech), telemedicine and remote care, and clinical safety and effectiveness continue to be of particular importance for businesses.

Finally, cybersecurity is another area of focus that companies would be wise to put at the top of the agenda, making sure that health data is secure and the appropriate levels of protection against cyber attacks are implemented.

Find out more…

If you’d like to find out more about the evolving digital health landscape and what you can do to prepare for regulatory changes, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC’s) eighth annual review was published at the end of last year, detailing the major cyber security threats and trends facing the UK, as well as predicting what challenges will lie ahead in the future… with the 2024 cyber threat landscape described as both diffuse and dangerous.

It was found that cyber incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and their impact increasingly severe, with ransomware identified as being the most pervasive cyber threat to organisations.

Use of artificial intelligence (AI) is also increasingly being seen, driving up the volume and heightening the impact of these attacks. 

For the 2023/2024 year, 430 incidents were handled by the NCSC (up from the 371 seen the year before), with the main sectors reporting ransomware activity emerging as legal, IT, manufacturing, academia, construction, and charities.

Commenting ahead of the review publication, new CEO of the NCSC Richard Horne said: “What has struck me more forcefully than anything else since taking the helm at the NCSC is the clearly widening gap between the exposure and threat we face, and the defences that are in place to protect us.

“And what is equally clear to me is that we all need to increase the pace we are working at to keep ahead of our adversaries.

“The NCSC, as the National Technical Authority, has been publishing advice, guidance, and frameworks since our inception, in a bid to drive up the cyber security of the UK. The reality is that advice, that guidance, those frameworks need to be put into practice much more across the board.

“We need all organisations, public and private, to see cyber security as both an essential foundation for their operations and a driver for growth. To view cyber security not just as a ‘necessary evil’ or compliance function, but as a business investment, a catalyst for innovation and an integral part of achieving their purpose.”

How cyber security delivers cyber resilience

Aside from ransomware, other cyber-attacks to be on your guard against include malware, phishing, spoofing, code injections, social engineering, denial of service, tunnelling and – increasingly – both Internet of Things and AI-powered incidents.

The risks to businesses across all industries and sectors are very real and the consequences can be catastrophic.

This means that organisations must make sure they invest in innovative cyber security strategies to prevent attacks and ensure that they can recover quickly if the worst does happen, building resilience into systems, processes, and procedures to mitigate the effects.

Being more cyber resilient means that you’ll be better able to withstand and recover from a wide range of different attacks, identifying ways in which you can minimise the impact so that your business can continue to operate no matter what.

Your cyber security strategy should include:
– Preventative and detective measures
– Corrective controls
– General disaster recovery and continuity plans
– How you intend to continue operating in the event of an attack
– The strategies you’ll use to recover your data and systems
– Risk management processes where you identify, assess and mitigate incidents.

Also make sure that you focus on supply chain security when putting these strategies together, so you know that your suppliers and third-party vendors are also secure and won’t put your systems at risk. 

And, finally, you also need to carry out awareness campaigns within the office environment itself so that your employees, from top to bottom, know what their responsibilities are, know what to look out for and know what to be on their guard against.

By embracing both the concept of cyber security and cyber resilience, you’ll naturally find that other aspects of your business improve at the same time.

You’ll develop a deeper understanding of your organisation, identifying what’s most critical to your operations and what your inherent strengths and weaknesses are, enabling you to deliver wholesale organisational change – and to evolve over time in line with future developments, both internally and externally.

New government guidance

Just today (April 8th), the government has published new guidance to help directors and company boards shore up cyber defences to further protect organisations from the growing prevalence of online threats.

The new Code of Practice details how daily operations can be protected, including having a cyber strategy in place to ensure that risk management supports resilience and growth effectively, as well as promoting a cyber secure culture within your organisation and implementing incident response plans.

Figures show that 74 percent of large businesses and 70 percent of medium-sized companies have experienced breaches and attacks in the last 12 months, with these threats costing the UK economy nearly £22 billion annually between 2015 and 2019 and having significant impacts on company operations and reputations.

Despite this, one-third of large businesses still don’t have a formal cyber strategy in place, while almost 50 percent of medium-sized companies don’t have an incident response plan backing them up.

ISO certification

One of the best ways to enhance your credibility, improve operational efficiencies and risk management procedures, as well as increasing customer confidence and demonstrating your commitment to business continuity and continual improvement is to consider ISO certification.

There are two ISO standards that lend themselves neatly to addressing cyber-crime: ISO 27001 for information security (the prevention standard), and ISO 22301 for business continuity (the impact minimisation standard).
ISO 27001  supports businesses in ensuring that their security systems are robust and up to date to prevent data breaches, with certification guiding you on how to set up, implement, maintain, and continually improve information security management systems.

ISO 22301:2019 will provide the framework for your business for minimising the impacts against unexpected events, everything from cyber-attacks and natural disasters to pandemics and supply chain disruption.

Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about cyber security standards and making your business more resilient, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

ISO/IEC 42001:2023:

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operations and drive innovation. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the new ISO standard for AI is designed to ensure ethical AI implementation across the board.

This comprehensive AI management framework emphasises transparency in AI processes, accountability in AI systems, and adherence to AI guidelines that foster trust in AI technologies. For companies eager to stay competitive and build credibility, understanding and adopting these standards is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Introduction to ISO Standard for AI

The ISO Standard for AI represents a significant milestone in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. This section explores the fundamentals of ethical AI implementation, the importance of a robust AI management framework, and how these standards contribute to building trust in AI technologies.

Ethical AI Implementation Basics

Ethical AI implementation forms the cornerstone of responsible technology development. It ensures that AI systems are designed and deployed with consideration for human values, fairness, and societal impact.

The ISO standard for AI provides a comprehensive framework for organisations to navigate the complex ethical landscape of AI. This includes guidelines on data privacy, algorithmic bias mitigation, and transparency in decision-making processes.

By adhering to these standards, businesses can create AI systems that not only perform efficiently but also align with ethical principles and societal expectations.

Importance of AI Management Framework

An AI management framework is crucial for organisations to effectively oversee their AI initiatives. It provides structure and guidance for the development, deployment, and monitoring of AI systems.

The framework outlined in the ISO standard addresses key aspects such as risk assessment, quality control, and continuous improvement. This ensures that AI projects are aligned with organisational goals and regulatory requirements.

According to KPMG, implementing a robust AI management framework can lead to improved decision-making, enhanced operational efficiency, and reduced risks associated with AI deployment.

Core Principles of the Standard

The ISO Standard for AI is built upon key principles that ensure the ethical and responsible development and use of AI technologies. This section delves into the core aspects of transparency, accountability, and guidelines that form the foundation of the standard.

Transparency in AI Systems

Transparency in AI systems is fundamental to building trust and understanding. It involves making AI decision-making processes clear and interpretable to both users and stakeholders.

The ISO standard emphasises the importance of explainable AI, where the reasoning behind AI-driven decisions can be understood and audited. This includes providing clear documentation on data sources, algorithms used, and potential limitations of the AI system.

Implementing transparency measures not only enhances user trust but also facilitates easier troubleshooting and improvement of AI systems. It allows for better oversight and helps in identifying and mitigating potential biases or errors in the AI’s decision-making process.

Ensuring Accountability in AI

Accountability in AI systems is crucial for maintaining ethical standards and addressing potential issues. The ISO standard provides a framework for establishing clear lines of responsibility throughout the AI lifecycle.

This includes designating roles for oversight, implementing audit trails, and creating mechanisms for addressing AI-related concerns or failures. Organisations are encouraged to develop robust policies for handling AI-generated errors or unintended consequences.

By ensuring accountability, businesses can respond effectively to challenges, maintain regulatory compliance, and build stronger relationships with their stakeholders. It also provides a foundation for continuous improvement of AI systems.

Key AI Guidelines for Businesses

The ISO standard offers comprehensive guidelines to help businesses navigate the complexities of AI implementation. These guidelines cover various aspects of AI development and deployment.

Key areas addressed include:

• Ethical data collection and usage

• Fairness and non-discrimination in AI algorithms

• Privacy protection and data security

• Regular assessment and monitoring of AI systems

• Stakeholder engagement and communication

By following these guidelines, businesses can ensure their AI initiatives are aligned with best practices and ethical standards. This not only mitigates risks but also positions organisations as responsible leaders in AI innovation.

Benefits

Adopting the ISO Standard for AI offers numerous benefits to organisations and provides a clear path towards certification. This section explores how the standard enhances compliance and safety, outlines the steps for achieving certification, and discusses support available for businesses on their AI implementation journey.

Enhancing Compliance and Safety

Adhering to the ISO Standard for AI significantly improves an organisation’s compliance posture and enhances the safety of its AI systems. It provides a structured approach to managing AI-related risks and ensuring regulatory alignment.

By implementing the standard, businesses can:

• Identify and mitigate potential legal and ethical risks

• Align AI practices with global regulatory requirements

• Enhance data protection and privacy measures

• Improve the overall safety and reliability of AI systems

Supporting Your AI Implementation Journey

Implementing the ISO Standard for AI can be a complex process, but various resources and support systems are available to assist organisations on this journey.

Many consulting firms and technology partners offer specialised services to guide businesses through the implementation and certification process. These services often include training, gap analysis, and ongoing support.

Additionally, industry forums and professional networks provide valuable platforms for knowledge sharing and best practice exchange. Engaging with these communities can offer insights into common challenges and innovative solutions in AI implementation.

Remember, the journey towards ethical AI implementation is ongoing. Continuous learning, adaptation, and improvement are key to maintaining alignment with the evolving landscape of AI technologies and standards.

Find out more…

If you would like to find out more about ethical AI standards, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

The benefits of ISO certification are evident for any organisation that implements ISO standards correctly. Having a clear stamp of approval to demonstrate that they have met the minimum levels of conformity can benefit them greatly. This is particularly the case when it comes to matters of life and death.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the application of both health and safety and fire safety in the workplace also plays a key part and both are vital in helping to reduce the number of accidents that can cause death and significant injury.

This has never been more evident than in the case of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Failures of fire safety, particularly regarding the cladding on the sides of the building, led to 72 deaths.

Seven years after the event, the long-awaited report into the disaster has now been published and the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has stated that the law and regulations must be “toughened up”. This stance will have major implications for the construction sector.

In the first instance, seven companies may now undergo scrutiny for their role in the tragedy and failing to comply with existing laws. Ms Rayner name-checked product suppliers like Arconic, Kingspan and Celotex amongst others.

She told the House of Commons: “The report found that they acted with systemic dishonesty,” adding that they had not co-operated with the inquiry and that “the government will be using new powers under the Procurement Act 2023 to investigate them further.”

A total of 58 recommendations emerged from the report and the government has fully adopted 49 of them. Of the other nine, Ms Rayner said that they are being accepted “in principle,” but that some details need to be considered and consulted on. 

These include the proposed single regulator for the construction industry. Ms Rayner said the government supports this, but not the idea that the regulator should have responsibility for testing or certifying products or certifying legal compliance.

What firms may expect is that ISO standards will be more important than ever and might even be updated in the light of the report, enabling companies to demonstrate a clear commitment to fire safety principles, but also placing on them an obligation to adjust to the new regulations.

The exact nature of the new regulations will be outlined after a public consultation concludes in May 2025.

While the government may not have agreed to have the regulator test products, it has committed to a tougher testing regime, with “tougher oversight of those responsible for testing and certifying, manufacturing and using construction products with serious consequences for those who break the rules.”

The government has launched a green paper on “a series of ambitious and far-reaching reforms aimed at enhancing safety, ensuring accountability, and fostering innovation and growth and therefore confidence across the construction sector.“  

In time, it could be that the UK construction sector will need to adapt to prevent disasters such as Grenfell Tower in the future, but that will only happen because both the regulations and the commitment to upholding them will be in place.

Going forward, companies may find it essential to have ISO certification to demonstrate their credentials and commitments to safety in the construction industry.

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If you would like to find out more about ISO standards, or, indeed, any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

The year 2025 is set to be a significant year for businesses for many different reasons but one of the most notable is the fact that two of the most widely used ISO standards are going to receive major amendments, affecting the certification process in various ways.

The centerpiece of Quality Management Systems, ISO 9001:2015, has not been updated in a decade, having been left unamended in 2021.

However, work is being undertaken to develop a revision to the extremely popular and globally recognised standard, and given that the update has been delayed to September 2026, these updates are set to be highly significant.

Meanwhile, the updates to the Environment Management Systems standard ISO 14001:2015 are set to be completed in October 2025, and given that the updates are primarily about clarifying key environmental requirements, this is expected to be completed on time.

What Might Be In The New ISO 9001 Standard?

There has been, as one might expect, a lot of speculation about not only a revision to ISO 9001:2015, but also one of such a scale that it has been delayed, and whilst the drafts are inaccessible to anyone who is not a committee member, there have been some ‘hints’ about the potential direction that the standard is going in.

These are likely to include:

• A greater focus on digital transformation, factoring in the variety in digital space in business compared to 2015. This could include how digital quality management, automation and data security are applied to Quality Management Systems.
• An expanded focus and improved clarification on the risk-based approach initially defined in 2015, shifting to a more proactive exploration of risks and opportunities.
• A stricter focus on environmental sustainability, which would bring it in closer alignment with the ISO 14000 series of standards.
• A greater focus on supply chain resilience, particularly after four years of a wide range of disruptions that have particularly affected the “just in time” model.
• An emphasis on using customer feedback to drive continuous improvements in line with their needs and expectations.
• A mix of data-driven and employee-focused engagement to encourage continual improvement within the organisation.

What Is Likely To Be In The New ISO 14001 Standard?

There has been much more detail revealed about the new ISO 14001 standard, in no small part because the primary focus is on clarification rather than foundational changes.

According to ISO themselves, the main themes that are to be explored, although this does not necessarily mean they will be changed, are:

• An increased focus on the ‘life cycle’ perspective, further exploring environmental risks such as carbon release, from raw material acquisition to final disposal.
• Alignment of business protocols and strategy, which ties in with some of the potential changes to ISO 9001:2015.
• Highlighting specific technical topics such as water security, waste management and climate change.
• ‘External Reporting’ requirements to ensure compliance via independent auditors.
• A broader focus on identification and analysis of risks and opportunities, similar to the ISO 9001:2015 approach.
• Encouragement of environmental responsibility, with engagement and buy-in at all levels within the organisation.
• Ensuring legal compliance not only within the organisation but also the supply chain and through any outsourced process.

This work started in 2023 with an expected completion date of October 2024, although there is the potential for this timeline to be extended.

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If you would like to find out more about the upcoming changes to the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards, making sure that your business is prepared for them, or any other service we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

With the COP 29 conference taking place this month in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, politicians and business leaders will express all sorts of hopes for new deals and action to help reduce greenhouse emissions and make the world more sustainable. The event’s slogan is “Investing in a liveable planet for all”.

However, cynics will say we have heard it all before. When COP 26 took place in Glasgow in 2021, some of the loudest voices were from campaigners outside the building like Greta Thunberg, who had made clear her views at a youth climate conference in Milan earlier that year when she famously described the rhetoric of world leaders as “blah blah blah”.

In between the scepticism of Greta and the optimism of those who see progress in various carbon-cutting agreements like reduced coal use, there is the practical reality that governments alone cannot do it all. A great many steps can be taken by businesses making authentic efforts to be greener.

However, companies can face cynicism and doubt too, with accusations of ‘greenwashing’ never far away. When this can be proven, such as a firm making claims that can be demonstrated to be false, this can lead to reputational damage.

This is where companies who not only comply with the regulations but also have a commitment to improvements through a robust environmental management system (EMS) can benefit from gaining certification to show they have done this. That is what ISO 14001 certification provides.

A central feature of ISO 14001 is that it doesn’t just acknowledge the efforts a company has made, but provides a framework for getting to the point where it has effective EMS in place, by showing the way to design the EMS and therefore meet its targets of cutting emissions and taking other steps to improve environmental performance.

These steps can include working with stakeholders on common goals, preserving and improving habitats to uphold biodiversity, more efficient use of resources, avoiding pollution and cutting energy waste. Many of these could come with cost benefits for your firm, such as lower energy bills.

Indeed, it can help steer your company in a direction where it can build partnerships and trading agreements with other companies committed to green principles, who will know from your certification that they can trust you and work with you. This can then be the catalyst for your company to enjoy sustainable growth.

Further benefits can come from highlighting the certification to ensure customers have confidence in you and your public reputation can grow as a result.

Over in Baku, politicians and diplomats will negotiate, critics will ask why the event is being held in an oil-producing state and those whose interests are still tied to fossil fuels will lobby as hard as the green campaigners.

What will not happen, of course, is any government getting its own equivalent ISO 14001. Instead, each will make a presentation on their work to meet the Paris 2015 climate targets, and the event will attempt to update this.

The result may provide more fudge than a sweet factory, which is why cynics will have much to question. But while governments may take a lot of flak, companies can protect themselves against that and also take tangible action to raise their environmental game through ISO 14001 certification.

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If you would like to find out more about the ISO 14001 standard, how your business could benefit from implementing an Environmental Management System, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

The idea of business continuity is something that means different things to different people. There was a time when it would mostly relate to the physical premises of a company, where work could be disrupted by a major calamity, such as a fire, flood, major power outage, or terrorist attack. However, in a more interconnected world, it now extends to the online realm.

Many an organisation can face genuine threats from hackers and other cybercriminals, who may use denial-of-service attacks or malware to prevent a firm’s operations from functioning. But sometimes it can come from an internal problem, such as a software glitch.

The latter issue occurred in July this year when software firm Crowdstrike attempted a new software upload on Microsoft systems and a software bug led to massive IT outages across the globe, impacting everything from airports to banks and healthcare systems.

Such issues highlight the need for organisations to have back-up systems in place to achieve business continuity even in the face of calamity.

Whether that is about having alternative premises to work in, the ability to switch to remote working (something most firms developed the capacity to do during the pandemic lockdowns if they hadn’t already), or back-up IT systems, the best-prepared firms will be able to maintain their work, providing a better service and increasing client confidence as a result.

An ISO 22301 is a certification that shows you have met the international standard for business continuity management systems.

The purpose of attaining it is to demonstrate that you have measures in place that offer a reliable contingency when disaster strikes. In addition, it shows that you have taken clear steps to make such problems less likely to occur in the first place.

For example, when it comes to your IT systems, it could involve having strong cyber security systems and practices that make it less likely you will fall victim to cybercrime and suffer a loss of system functions as a result, as well as having measures to get your system back up and running swiftly if problems do occur.

The benefits of this are not just about being resilient in a crisis. It also means you will benefit from having a clear systemic approach to dealing with a challenging situation, so that when problems arise, you and your staff will know exactly what to do, while having better processes for managing risk.

When you have all this in place, it will increase confidence among everyone who matters, from your colleagues who can get on with their work to company shareholders who will be pleased to see earnings are not badly impacted by disruption, not to mention your clients to whom you can continue to provide a service when others might not have done.

This means the benefits of attaining an ISO 22301 are twofold. Firstly, the very act of qualifying for one means you will have established strong means of maintaining business continuity, which will benefit your business when it needs to weather the storm (sometimes literally). Secondly, having it increases the confidence others have in you.

This is why it makes sense to start working towards ISO 22301 certification today.

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If you would like to find out more about ISO 22301, how implementing a Business Continuity Management System could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Most firms will want to show their clients and customers that they are recognised as being competent and indeed excellent at what they do. Look at any company website and you will see them displaying their awards, accreditation kitemarks and memberships of trade bodies like an old soldier displays his medals.

There are some trades where certification is essential, such as Gas Safe Register membership for firms and their employees that are involved in work on gas appliances, which is required by law.

However, ISO certification is more about demonstrating standards and control than mandatory attainment of a standard to be allowed to practise.

Nonetheless, ISO certification is very much worth having, because it does provide an internationally recognised measurement of competence and standards. However, it is useful to understand the difference between certification and accreditation.

The simplest point to understand is that when it comes to ISO standards, accreditation is not something the companies being certificated attain. Rather, it applies to the bodies and organisations that can issue the certificates, which in this case includes ourselves at ISO-Cert Online.

While this accreditation is not itself a mandatory thing for certificate-issuing bodies, many organisations, such as government departments and other companies, will require that the certificate has come from an accredited body. That is the main reason why we are accredited, as that brings more benefits for you in terms of recognition.

Accreditation is also a matter of process, of course. Accreditation for individuals, for instance, comes from undertaking and passing courses to be able to practise, be they doctors, lawyers, or gas engineers. In the case of ISO certification, this is awarded based on a company demonstrating they are compliant with the requirements of their industry.

Consequently, the path to becoming certificated is a different one to accreditation. It is not about training and passing exams, a process by which you would be learning and gaining experience as you work your way up towards a particular standard. Rather, it is about being rigorously assessed to establish if your current practices meet the required standard.

This assessment, therefore, is about where you are at, not a standard you are working towards.

Of course, there is a possible scenario in which the audit shows that you have fallen short of the ISO standard you need to demonstrate to achieve certification. In that event, we would of course let you know why, and you can seek to address these issues before being assessed again.

That may be analogous to retaking an exam, except that in this case you know what the answers are. It is about whether you can achieve and demonstrate the required standard. 

Of course, the assessment will be a thorough one, but that is something you should welcome. Because ISO certificates are not simply given out to anyone who wants one, your clients and customers can be assured that they are dealing with a company that has demonstrated standards that they can trust. Add in our accreditation and that trust will be all the greater.

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If you would like to find out more about ISO standards and how implementing them could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

When many businesses think about ISO, they are typically looking for an accredited body to provide them with ISO 9001 certification. 

They want to be certified either as a condition for a particular client, as part of a reorganisation or simply to add value to the business by celebrating a system that they have either already implemented or are in the process of implementing.

There are a lot of motivations to receive certification, but it can sometimes be easy to miss what that standardisation represents and ultimately why it matters within a business and to other businesses.

An answer to both of these questions comes, somewhat unusually, from another critical part of many businesses: a cup of tea.

How Can You Standardise Tea?

There is perhaps no singular beverage that has so many variations and preferences as tea, as whilst the basic process of steeping tea leaves in water is universal, every other element from the blend to the use of teabags and the addition of milk and sugar is a matter of fierce and intense debate.

However, ISO 3103:2019 (formerly BS 6008:1980) describes a standard method of brewing and serving tea that will produce consistent results every time.

It describes two testing pots (310 ml or 150 ml) with loosely fitting lids as well as two testing bowls (380 ml and 200 ml). Both the pots and bowls are made of white porcelain (or white glazed earthenware), with a partly serrated edge.

For every 100 ml of water that will be added to the pot, 2g of tea is also placed within the pot, before that measured amount of freshly boiled water (described as similar to nearby drinking water) is added.

The tea is then brewed for six minutes before being poured into the bowl, with 5ml (or 2.5ml for a smaller bowl) milk added beforehand (although alternative suggestions are made for adding milk after).

Why Standardise Tea?

The resulting standard won an Ig Nobel Prize and serves as a perfect example of how standards can often be misinterpreted as a prescriptive method towards a platonic ideal for the object, method or system being standardised.

However, this somewhat misses the point, as ISO 3103:2019 is not intended to make the best cup of tea or a “perfect” cup of tea by the standards of a tea drinker, but is instead intended to create a standard cup of tea that is relatively easily reproducible.

The reason for this is the same reason why no specific type or blend of tea is described in the standard. It is designed for tea tasting and for making sensory comparisons.

Many criticisms of the process, such as no prewarming of the pot, a brewing time that is relatively lengthy compared to the typical three-minute brewing times used when brewing a tea bag, and pouring milk in before tea largely misses the point.

These are not cups that are made to be enjoyed, but ones that create a benchmark for meaningful analysis and studies, such as taste testing or quality control.

On that same token, ISO certification means adopting a universal set of standards and protocols so that other businesses and customers understand how an order is managed by your company.

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If you would like to find out more about ISO standards and how implementing them could benefit your business, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

Companies of all shapes, sizes and scales have expressed an interest in receiving ISO certification, even though it is not a strict business need per se to do so.

There are a lot of benefits to organising your business and running under ISO 9001:2015 quality management standards and practices, but whilst being certified by an accredited company brings with it a wide range of benefits, there is no regulatory or legal requirement to do so.

However, there might be some occasions where an ISO 9001 certificate becomes an effective necessity due to business requirements, rather than a system that allows a company to opt-in to more long-term benefits.

A Prerequisite To Close A Deal

One of the main reasons why companies are interested in ISO 9001, particularly if they want to get certified quickly, is because they need it to meet the prerequisite of a company or government tender.

Many larger businesses who work with a network of smaller suppliers have prerequisites before they allow a business to work with them, and whilst this will naturally vary by market sector and particular need, one of the most common requirements is ISO 9001 certification.

Many government agencies have replaced bespoke standards with one based on ISO 9001 because it allows for a more streamlined approach to tenders and enables these companies to focus on the more specific aspects of a tender application.

Getting certified, therefore, becomes a requirement for many businesses that work closely with government agencies.

This may be the catalyst for getting certified, but it is also an opportunity to make sustained, effective and long-term changes to the business that provides far more than an immediate gain.

Open For International Business

When working with international clients, there is a need for a universal language mutually understood by both parties, which in many cases involves the use of mutually understood and referenced standards.

One of the biggest benefits of ISO standards in general, but particularly ISO 9001, is that they are universal; to date, 167 countries have national ISO members, which means that the standard is understood and recognised practically anywhere you might do business.

This makes an ISO 9001 certificate an effective requirement when doing business overseas, as it means that a company knows that your business is focused on quality management in a way that is universally understood and can therefore focus on what your company brings to the table.

Get The Best Employees

Typically, when businesses talk about ISO 9001 as a requirement, they are generally referring to the needs of customers. However, it can also be an important tool for improving recruitment, with the right candidates knowing how the quality management standard can help them personally and professionally.

One of the key requirements of ISO 9001 concerns employee management and job expectations.

Having a clear set of quality objectives, procedures, instructions and process metrics allows for a culture of constant feedback and improvement, with an emphasis on constantly learning and developing.

Many employees who would be perfect for your corporate culture will see the standard as one that prioritises them and how they can contribute to the goals of the organisation.

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If you would like to find out more about Quality Management Systems and how implementing them could benefit your business, the ISO 9001 standard, or any of the other services we offer here at ISO-Cert Online, please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.