In April 1966 the UK took a decisive step towards trusted measurement, creating a national approach to calibration accreditation that would underpin trade, innovation and safety for decades to come. Sixty years on, UKAS carries that legacy forward—helping ensure that calibration certificates are credible, comparable and accepted worldwide.

In the mid-1960s UK industry made a clear case: exporters and manufacturers needed calibration certificates that overseas customers could trust, supported by stronger measurement standards and better training in measurement science. The Minister of Technology, Frank Cousins, proposed a network of approved laboratories—across both public and private sectors—each authorised to issue calibration certificates within a defined scope. The British Calibration Service was born with a remit to assess these laboratories and provide formal recognition of their competence: the foundations of modern calibration accreditation.

The service quickly put governance and technical expertise at the heart of the new system. Edgar Barnett, from the Ministry of Aviation, was appointed Director and established both a headquarters and the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Calibration and Measurement headed up by Maurice Banks, Deputy Chairman of BP. The committee brought together respected voices from industry, academia and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) – reflecting an early recognition that measurement is both a practical and a scientific discipline – and set the rules for approving laboratories, strengthening teaching in measurement science and supporting international collaboration.

From the outset, the British Calibration Service introduced concepts that are familiar to accreditation service users today: defined scopes of competence and peer-informed assessment. Early technical panels covered core measurement areas including electrical, mechanical and fluid measurements. Approved laboratories issued certificates bearing the British Calibration Service badge—an early mark intended to signal trust and consistency.

The service also helped bring emerging ideas into mainstream practice—most notably the need to evaluate and communicate measurement uncertainty. By 1968 the first ten laboratories had been accredited, including Coventry Tool and Gauge (accreditation number 0001) as the first mechanical laboratory and Ferranti (0004) as the first electrical laboratory. Laboratories were assessed by a lead assessor from British Calibration Service HQ and a technical assessor from the relevant technical panel. Assessments considered people, facilities and environmental conditions, reference standards and traceability, equipment and documented procedures—principles still central to competent calibration accreditation today.

Over the years the service evolved within government, reflecting both the growing importance of measurement to the economy and the need to keep accreditation close to technical expertise. By the early 1980s the number of accredited calibration laboratories had grown from tens to hundreds, supporting an increasingly diverse industrial base.

In 1985, calibration accreditation merged with testing accreditation to form the National Measurement Accreditation Service (NAMAS), part of NPL. Calibration expanded well beyond its original core disciplines, reflecting advances in instrumentation and the widening needs of industry—spanning areas such as optical, thermal, radiological, chemical and acoustics measurement. This chapter in the calibration accreditation journey also saw measurement uncertainty take a more formal place in practice, supported by UK guidance that helped laboratories express uncertainty and confidence in results in a consistent way.

NAMAS requirements were a forerunner of today’s ISO/IEC 17025, helping embed consistent technical and quality expectations across the UK calibration community. As standards evolved, accreditation to this standard moved towards what is now recognised globally as best practice for competent laboratories.

In 1995 the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) was formed through the merger of NAMAS and the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies (NACCB). For calibration laboratories, this consolidated accreditation within a single national body strengthened alignment with international expectations—particularly as ISO/IEC 17025 became the central standard for demonstrating technical competence.

Over the past 30 years, UKAS calibration accreditation has continued to grow in breadth—from traditional electrical, mechanical and thermal measurements to newer and increasingly specialised areas such as accelerometery, density, dimensional, mass, fibre optics, textile, ultrasonics and volume.

The continuity of our service is also striking: one of the earliest British Calibration Service accreditations—0009, now TÜV SÜD Limited trading as the National Engineering Laboratory—remains accredited today; linking the first decade of the scheme to modern practice.

As calibration accreditation enters its 60th year, UKAS maintains 366 calibration accreditations managed by the Calibration, Inspection and Testing (CIT) Section made up of a Director, five Senior Assessment Managers and 14 Assessment Managers.

These accredited calibration activities support sectors as varied as manufacturing, energy, healthcare, transport, construction and environmental monitoring. Behind each accreditation is the same core aim that inspired the British Calibration Service in 1966: confidence that measurements are traceable, uncertainties are understood and results are produced by competent people using controlled methods.

Accredited calibration laboratories remain a vital part of the UK National Measurement System. They help ensure that everything from routine quality checks to high-stakes measurements in safety-critical industries are based on solid foundations.

Our work extends beyond the UK and we maintain accreditation for customers in many countries including Borneo, China, India and Iceland. As UKAS accreditation is recognised internationally, this helps UK businesses trade with confidence and enables global supply chains to rely on measurement results.

UKAS will continue to provide a comprehensive national –  and international – service for the calibration of measuring instruments of all kinds in the decades ahead. This will support innovation in measurement and ensure that confidence in results keeps pace with future technologies, risks and opportunities.

The post Celebrating 60 years of calibration accreditation appeared first on UKAS.

Each year on 7 April, the global community marks World Health Day, organised by the World Health Organization to highlight the importance of improving health and wellbeing worldwide. The theme for 2026, “Together for health. Stand with science.”, recognises the vital role that science plays in protecting public health and addressing global health challenges.

Behind every diagnosis, treatment decision and public health policy lies scientific evidence. That evidence begins in laboratories, testing facilities and research environments where data is generated, analysed and interpreted.

For healthcare professionals and policymakers to rely on that data they must have confidence that the results are accurate, consistent and trustworthy.

This confidence is supported by a network of standards, testing and independent verification that helps ensure healthcare systems can rely on the scientific evidence they use.

When testing accuracy matters

Consider the role of diagnostic testing.

When a patient is suspected to have cancer, they will have scans and biopsies taken.  Clinicians rely on the results to help determine the next steps in treatment. A small variation in measurement can influence decisions about treatment, further investigation or monitoring. When the patient undergoes treatment, small variations in measurement can influence whether the correct dose of chemo/radiotherapy is given or the precise location of the tumour targeted.

At a national level, diagnostic testing also supports public health surveillance. Laboratories generate data that helps health authorities understand patterns of disease, monitor outbreaks and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

The reliability of this information depends on laboratories operating to recognised standards and demonstrating that they are technically competent to carry out the tests they perform.

This is where accreditation plays an important role.

Supporting confidence in health services

Accreditation provides independent assurance that organisations carrying out testing, inspection and certification are competent to perform specific activities.

In healthcare this includes medical laboratories that analyse patient samples, physiological science services that perform hearing tests and heart function tests, organisations that test medical devices and laboratories that monitor environmental factors such as air or water quality that can affect public health.

By assessing organisations against national and internationally recognised standards accreditation helps ensure that test results are reliable and that healthcare professionals can trust the data they receive.

Accreditation also supports confidence beyond clinical settings. It plays a role in verifying the safety and performance of medical technologies, supporting pharmaceutical development and ensuring that healthcare systems operate in line with recognised quality frameworks.

A system that supports trusted science

Healthcare relies on a broader system designed to support scientific reliability and transparency.

Standards provide agreed frameworks for how testing, diagnostic services, and healthcare systems should operate. Measurement science ensures that instruments and methods produce accurate and comparable results. Conformity assessment activities such as testing and certification demonstrate that requirements are being met.

Accreditation provides independent confirmation that organisations carrying out these activities are competent to do so.

Together these elements form part of the wider quality infrastructure that supports trusted science and evidence-based decision making.

The role of accreditation in the UK

UKAS accredits medical laboratories, diagnostic testing services and organisations that support the safety and performance of medical technologies. These services help ensure that the data used by clinicians, regulators and policymakers is reliable and robust.

Accreditation provides a structured framework for quality assurance, ensuring that healthcare organisations operate in line with the robust requirements of international standards for competence and integrity. This is particularly vital in medical fields where accuracy, precision, and risk management are critical.

Key benefits of accreditation in healthcare include:

• Patient safety – Ensuring that services follow rigorous clinical protocols, reducing errors and improving outcomes.
• Consistency and reliability – Validating that diagnostic tests and procedures provide dependable and reproducible results.
• Professional competence – Verifying that healthcare professionals have the required skills and expertise.
• Regulatory confidence – Supporting compliance with national and international healthcare regulations.

As the UK’s National Accreditation Body, UKAS assesses healthcare organisations against nationally and internationally recognised standards, including ISO 15189:2022, BS 70000:2017 and IQIPS: 2023, to ensure they provide services that patients and healthcare professionals can trust.

Standing with science

The message of World Health Day 2026 is a reminder that protecting public health requires collaboration across many different disciplines.

Scientists, healthcare professionals, regulators and laboratories all contribute to the evidence base that supports better health outcomes. Standards, testing and accreditation help ensure that this evidence can be trusted.

By providing independent assurance of competence accreditation supports the systems that allow science to translate into practical action.

From the results of a single blood test to the data that informs national health policy, trusted science plays a central role in protecting communities and improving lives.

On World Health Day we recognise the importance of standing with science and the systems that help ensure scientific evidence remains reliable, credible and ready to support better health for all.

For healthcare providers looking to enhance the quality and credibility of their services, accreditation is not just a requirement—it is a powerful tool in shaping a healthier future. Find out more about how UKAS accreditation underpins patient safety and care here.

The post Standing with science: why trusted testing matters for better health appeared first on UKAS.

Accredited management systems certification helps UK businesses achieve stronger performance and greater resilience during economic disruption, according to new research commissioned by The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

The study analysed nearly two decades of business data covering more than 34,000 firms certified to ISO 9001 and over 14,000 firms certified to ISO 14001. By linking UKAS certification records with firm-level financial data, the research represents the largest study to date examining the economic value of accredited management systems certification in the UK.

The findings show that firms holding accredited certification generally report higher levels of revenue and productivity than comparable non-certified businesses. Certified firms were also more resilient during major economic shocks including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic and energy price volatility.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular benefited from accredited certification, with management systems providing organisational structure and risk management capabilities that helped businesses adapt during periods of instability.

The research also highlights the widespread adoption of ISO 9001 quality management systems and ISO 14001 environmental management systems across the UK economy. Manufacturing and construction account for a significant proportion of certifications, although service sectors including professional services, retail and administrative activities also demonstrate strong uptake.

Matt Gantley, CEO at UKAS, said:

“Accredited management systems certification provides organisations with more than a compliance framework. It strengthens governance, embeds continuous improvement and builds the organisational discipline that enables businesses to perform and adapt over the long term.”

He added:

“This research reinforces the role of accredited certification within the UK’s quality infrastructure. Robust management systems help organisations navigate uncertainty, maintain credibility in global markets and support sustainable economic performance.”

While the study found that immediate productivity gains following certification can be modest for recent adopters, the research concludes that certification should be viewed as a long-term investment in organisational capability and resilience.

The full report, The economic value of accredited management systems certification, was produced by researchers from Aston University, the University of Nottingham and Durham University.

The research is based on a large longitudinal dataset combining the UKAS CertCheck certification database with financial data from Moody’s Analytics Orbis covering the period from 2005 to 2024.

Download the report

Full research report
Research summary

The post New research highlights economic value of UKAS accredited management systems certification appeared first on UKAS.

The replay of UKAS’s recent webinar on the ISO 14001:2026 revisions is now available.

During the webinar, the expert panel – chaired by Director of Corporate, Certification and Verification, Leanie Du Toit – explored how rising expectations around environmental performance, transparency and sustainability are shaping the next version of the standard. From climate change and biodiversity to resource use and supply chain impacts, speakers highlighted how these issues are central – not optional -for organisations.

Leanie highlighted the intent behind the revision:

“It is about ensuring ISO 14001 remains current, practical and effective, and continues to support organisations in improving environmental performance in a way that is credible and globally relevant.”

The panel also provided a practical perspective on what the revision is expected to mean in application. While organisations are not expected to rebuild their management systems, a number of targeted updates will require changes to processes, documentation and system design.

There is a clear move towards more explicit and structured requirements, with stronger alignment across clauses and greater emphasis on demonstrating effective environmental performance. This includes more defined expectations around risk and opportunity management, planning of change, supply chain control and the availability of reliable, accessible evidence.

A key takeaway from the session was the importance of early preparation. Organisations are encouraged to begin identifying gaps, raising awareness across teams and embedding sustainability more deeply into decision-making ahead of transition.

The full webinar recording is now available to watch on demand.

Watch the replay

The post Replay now available: ISO 14001:2026 revisions webinar appeared first on UKAS.

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) have signed a Statement of Mutual Support, reinforcing the important relationship between accredited healthcare science services and a professionally registered workforce.

Across the UK, healthcare science underpins the majority of NHS diagnostic and treatment pathways. Accreditation plays a critical role in providing independent assurance that healthcare science services operate to recognised standards, supporting patient safety, quality and confidence across the healthcare system.

By working alongside professional bodies such as AHCS, UKAS helps ensure that services delivering healthcare science are supported by both robust quality systems and a competent, professionally recognised workforce.

Professor Chris Hopkins – President, Academy for Healthcare Science said:

“Professional regulation is fundamental for patient safety. Healthcare scientists deliver highly specialised diagnostic and therapeutic services that directly influence clinical decision making and patient outcomes. Professional registration ensures that these practitioners meet nationally defined standards of competence, ethics and accountability.

The partnership between the Academy for Healthcare Science and UKAS reinforces an important principle: accredited healthcare science services must be underpinned by a professionally registered workforce. When professional registration is embedded alongside robust service accreditation, it provides a powerful assurance of quality, strengthens public confidence, and ensures patients receive care from practitioners who are appropriately trained, competent and accountable.

By working together, the AHCS and UKAS are ensuring that healthcare science services across the UK continue to meet the highest standards of safety, professionalism and clinical excellence.”

The collaboration highlights the complementary roles of accreditation and professional registration in strengthening quality across healthcare science services. Together, UKAS and AHCS will continue to support organisations and professionals in maintaining high standards, encouraging continual improvement, and delivering confidence in the science that underpins patient care.

UKAS looks forward to supporting AHCS continue championing professional registration and accreditation as essential foundations for delivering world-class healthcare science services.

The post UKAS and AHCS sign Statement of Mutual Support appeared first on UKAS.

Mountain Healthcare has become the first Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in the UK to achieve accreditation from The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to ISO 15189:2022, the international medical laboratories standard.

This accreditation represents the formal recognition of the quality and competence of forensic medical examinations undertaken at Mountain Healthcare’s Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire SARCs.  It encompasses a range of SARC services including patient preparation and examination, the collection, transportation, protection and storage of samples, as well as the subsequent interpretation and reporting of results; all within overarching safety and ethical considerations.

The granting of the first UKAS accreditation to a SARC service provider marks the successful culmination of a multi-year development project, reflecting the considerable commitment of a wide range of dedicated sector stakeholders to meet the specialist needs of both patients and clinicians.  Explaining the significance of the award, Angela Shaw, Director of Forensics at UKAS said: “UKAS accreditation provides assurance to some of the most vulnerable members of our society by underpinning confidence in the competence and integrity of the services they are receiving.  This now applies throughout this very sensitive area of the criminal justice system; from the initial specialist patient care and collection of evidence at SARCs, right the way through to longer-term well-being support from accredited organisations such as The Survivors Trust.”

The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) has stipulated that all SARC service providers must achieve UKAS accreditation for the forensic examination process, with several SARCs currently in the latter stages of the accreditation assessment process.  To give SARCs guidance on the requirements of both ISO 15189 and the FSR’s Code of Practice, UKAS implemented an assisted application process and continues to run series of workshops.

The post UKAS accredits first Sexual Assault Referral Centre to ISO 15189:2022 appeared first on UKAS.

For inspection organisations, confidence and consistency are fundamental. ISO/IEC 17020 underpins how inspection bodies operate, how impartiality and competence are demonstrated, and how trust in inspection outcomes is maintained. When revisions, clarifications or shifts in interpretation occur, the impact is felt not just at a system level, but in day-to-day inspection practice.

Periods of transition inevitably raise important questions. How should requirements now be interpreted? What does good implementation look like in practice? Where does professional judgement sit alongside documented procedures?

These are critical considerations, particularly given the varied and often high-risk environments in which inspection bodies operate.

Why transition creates risk as well as opportunity

Transition points introduce risk when understanding is inconsistent or incomplete. Differences in interpretation, uncertainty around assessor expectations, or partial implementation can lead to misalignment within organisations and across inspection activities.

At the same time, transition periods offer an opportunity to strengthen systems, clarify understanding and improve consistency. Organisations that approach transition proactively are better placed to maintain confidence during assessment and beyond.

Crucially, successful transition is rarely achieved through documentation review alone. While updating procedures is necessary, it does not always address the practical questions that inspection personnel face when applying requirements in real-world situations.

The importance of shared understanding

Inspection work relies heavily on professional judgement and transition training plays a vital role in developing this shared understanding. By exploring how requirements are interpreted and assessed in practice, training helps inspection professionals:

• Clarify the intent behind revised or clarified requirements

• Understand how changes may affect inspection planning and delivery

• Reduce uncertainty and variation in interpretation

• Align internal understanding with assessment expectations

This shared perspective supports consistency across inspection teams and helps ensure that changes are embedded effectively, rather than superficially.

Preparing for assessment with confidence

One of the most common challenges during transition is uncertainty around how changes will be viewed during assessment. Transition training that reflects real assessment experience helps inspection organisations prepare with greater confidence.

By focusing on application rather than theory alone, this type of learning supports inspection bodies in:

• Identifying where changes genuinely affect practice

• Understanding areas of increased scrutiny

• Strengthening internal discussions and decision-making

• Demonstrating confidence and assurance during assessment

Supporting effective transition through learning

UKAS Academy supports inspection organisations through transition-focused learning that reflects how ISO/IEC 17020 is applied and assessed in practice. Transition training is designed to help organisations move beyond awareness of change, towards confident and consistent implementation.

Engaging with structured transition learning allows inspection professionals to test understanding, explore scenarios and ask practical questions in a supported environment. This supports a smoother transition and helps embed changes in a way that strengthens long-term capability.

Moving forward

Transition is not simply a compliance exercise; it is a critical point in maintaining trust, assurance and credibility. For inspection organisations, investing time in targeted ISO/IEC 17020 transition training can make the difference between uncertainty and confidence, between reactive change and assured implementation.

Approaching transition as a learning opportunity — supported by training grounded in real inspection and assessment practice — helps ensure that inspection bodies remain robust, consistent and well-prepared as expectations continue to evolve.

ISO/IEC 17020:2026 training booking from the end of April

To learn more about transition training with the UKAS Academy or the ISO/IEC 17020:2026 Awareness course with dates from the end of April visit our Inspection training courses page.

The post Building confidence through change: ISO/IEC 17020 revisions appeared first on UKAS.

UKAS has published a new AI Technical Bulletin, in partnership with DakkS, to support Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) in the responsible adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) within accredited activities.

The Technical Bulletin – available in English and German language formats – provides high-level, internationally aligned guidance on the responsible development, deployment and use of AI technologies by CABs.

As AI technologies continue to develop at pace, CABs are increasingly exploring their use across both internal support functions and conformity assessment processes. UKAS and DakkS are keen to support this innovation while ensuring that the integrity, impartiality and robustness of accreditation are maintained.

The joint bulletin is designed to be read in parallel with the UKAS Technical Bulletin on AI – published in June 2025 – which provides detailed, clause-by-clause guidance aligned to ISO/IEC Level 3 standards. It is designed to support those responsible for implementing and maintaining compliance within accredited organisations.

Juliette Love, Technical Director at UKAS, said: “AI presents a significant opportunity for conformity assessment bodies, but its adoption must be carefully managed to ensure continued confidence in accredited outcomes.

These bulletins are intended to support organisations in understanding how existing requirements apply, rather than introducing new ones, and to encourage a consistent and responsible approach to the use of AI across all sectors.

We are keen to work collaboratively with CABs as this area develops, particularly in sharing practical experiences that can help shape future guidance.”

UKAS is keen to work collaboratively with CABs and stakeholders who are actively developing or exploring AI solutions.

Organisations interested in contributing to future case studies or sharing their experiences are encouraged to get in touch.

The post UKAS publishes guidance to support safe adoption of AI in accredited conformity assessment appeared first on UKAS.

As workloads increase and resources are stretched, there can be a temptation to view training as a short-term or transactional activity. Experience across the quality sector consistently shows that the most effective organisations take a more strategic view of learning.

Learning that is treated as an investment in capability — rather than a compliance exercise — delivers longer-term benefits. It supports consistent interpretation of requirements, strengthens professional judgement, and helps individuals respond confidently to new or complex situations.

A blended approach to learning can be particularly effective, combining face-to-face interaction, virtual classrooms and structured eLearning. This creates opportunities for reflection, discussion and shared understanding, while also allowing flexibility around operational demands.

Taking this approach requires time and intent. It involves stepping back to consider where deeper understanding would add the most value, how learning can better support day-to-day decision-making, and how capability can be strengthened across roles and teams. For many organisations and individuals, this means moving away from isolated training events towards more deliberate development pathways.

UKAS Academy contributes to this capability-building approach by supporting professionals across the quality community with learning that reflects how standards and accreditation operate in practice. By engaging with development that focuses on real-world application and shared understanding, individuals and organisations can make more informed choices about how they build and sustain capability as the quality landscape continues to evolve.

As you plan ongoing professional development, consider where learning could move beyond compliance and better support real-world decision-making. Engaging with development that reflects how standards and accreditation operate in practice can help strengthen capability over the long term.

New course dates for 2026 are available to book through the UKAS Academy now. Access the full catalogue here.

The post Learning as a strategic investment in capability appeared first on UKAS.

The start of a new year often prompts reflection. As 2026 begins, digitalisation continues to reshape assessment processes, regulatory expectations are becoming more nuanced, and stakeholders are demanding greater confidence, consistency and transparency. In this environment, competence can no longer be viewed as static — it must be actively maintained and continually strengthened.

In this article, Director of Academy and Advisory, Michelle Tindale reflects on the role of learning and development in supporting organisations and individuals.

Traditionally, professional development in technical and regulated sectors has focused on compliance: understanding the requirements of standards, following procedures, and meeting defined criteria. While this foundation remains essential, it is no longer sufficient on its own.

Many of the challenges organisations now face sit in the grey areas — interpreting requirements consistently, applying professional judgement, and navigating complex or novel scenarios. These are not skills that can be acquired through documentation alone. They require discussion, experience, and a shared understanding of good practice.

This shift is prompting many professionals to rethink what “effective learning” really means and how it can best support capability in the years ahead.

Skills gaps in a more complex system

Skills gaps in complex systems are rarely about a complete absence of knowledge. More often, they relate to:

• Variations in interpretation of standards
• Inconsistent application of requirements across teams
• Uncertainty when dealing with complex, high-risk or unfamiliar situations
• Balancing efficiency and digital innovation with robustness and assurance

Addressing these gaps requires learning that goes beyond the basics — learning that supports judgement, context and consistency in practice.

Why real-world practice matters more than ever

One of the most valuable aspects of professional development is exposure to how standards and accreditation operate in practice. Understanding not just what is required, but how and why it is assessed, can significantly improve confidence and assured decision-making.

This perspective helps professionals see the connections between standards, assessment activity and organisational outcomes, encouraging a more holistic understanding of quality and assurance. Rather than treating requirements in isolation, it supports deeper insight into how systems work together — and where common challenges or misconceptions can arise.

As workloads increase and resources are stretched, there can be a temptation to view training as a short-term solution — a course attended, a box ticked. In practice, the most effective organisations are those that treat learning as a strategic investment rather than a transactional activity.

Structured learning — whether delivered face-to-face, virtually or through well-designed eLearning — creates space for reflection, discussion and challenge. It allows professionals to test their understanding, learn from others’ experiences, and translate theory into practice.

UKAS Academy’s role within this landscape is not simply to deliver courses, but to contribute to capability building across the quality community — supporting professionals as expectations evolve and complexity increases.

Skills for a sustainable quality system

The organisations and individuals best placed to succeed will be those who prioritise capability, consistency and confidence. This means taking time to reflect on learning needs, identifying where deeper understanding would add the most value, and choosing development that aligns with real operational challenges.

This is not about starting from scratch. It is about strengthening what already exists, addressing emerging gaps, and ensuring that professional competence keeps pace with a rapidly changing world.

In a system built on trust, assurance and credibility, thoughtful investment in learning remains one of the most powerful tools we have.

As you plan your professional development for the year ahead, taking time to reflect on where deeper understanding would add the most value is an important first step. Learning that is grounded in how standards and accreditation are applied in practice can help strengthen confidence, consistency and professional judgement. Through UKAS Academy, individuals can access development that supports this kind of capability building as expectations continue to evolve.

The post New year, new skills: rethinking professional capability in 2026 appeared first on UKAS.

UKAS has granted BSI the first accreditation for certification of artificial intelligence (AI) management systems to ISO/IEC 42001:2023. This marks an important step in the development of trusted and responsible AI assurance in the UK and internationally.

ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first management system standard for artificial intelligence. It provides a structured framework for organisations to govern the development and use of AI responsibly, ensuring that systems are safe, transparent and aligned with recognised principles of good practice. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17021-1 confirms that a certification body has the competence, impartiality and consistent approach needed to certify organisations against this new standard.

BSI is the first certification body to meet these requirements under the UKAS process, following detailed assessment of its technical capability and management system during and after the pilot. This milestone demonstrates both the maturity of BSI’s approach to AI assurance and the growing need for independent, evidence-based oversight as AI becomes embedded in organisational practice.

Matt Gantley, Chief Executive of UKAS, welcomed the development:

“Accreditation to ISO/IEC 42001 represents a ground-breaking step in building confidence in the use of artificial intelligence. This successful pilot has laid the foundations for a consistent and credible approach to assuring AI management systems, and it is encouraging to see BSI achieve the first accreditation in this emerging field. As organisations look for trusted ways to demonstrate responsible and well-governed AI, accredited certification will play an essential role in strengthening confidence across industry, public services and wider society.”

The development of accreditation for AI management systems forms part of UKAS’s wider work to support innovation while maintaining trusted safeguards. As adoption of AI continues to expand, accredited certification provides confidence that organisations are managing risks effectively and operating in line with established expectations of quality, responsibility and ethics.

Manuela Gazzard, President of Regulatory Services at BSI states:

“BSI is proud to be the first Certification Body accredited by UKAS for ISO/IEC 42001. We endeavour to align innovation seamlessly with global and local compliance, governance, and security standards. As organizations accelerate their adoption of AI, accredited certification plays a vital role in strengthening trust, transparency, and responsible governance. This milestone reflects our shared commitment with UKAS to ensuring that AI systems are developed and used ethically and safely. It also supports businesses worldwide in building confidence and demonstrating leadership in the responsible development and deployment of AI.”

For more information about accreditation for ISO/IEC 42001, please contact the UKAS team.

The post UKAS grants first accreditation for artificial intelligence management systems appeared first on UKAS.

From 1 January 2026, the international accreditation system has moved to a new, unified structure with the launch of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated.

This new organisation brings together the work of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) into a single global body. The change is designed to strengthen international trust in accreditation and simplify how accreditation arrangements are governed worldwide.

The principle of accredited once, accepted everywhere continues through the global multilateral recognition arrangements now managed by the new organisation.

This ensures that accredited conformity assessment results can continue to be accepted across international markets without the need for repeated assessment.

What does this mean for you?
Existing accreditations issued under the ILAC and/or IAF Mutual Recognition Arrangements will continue to be recognised as arrangements transition to the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated MRA.

Current ILAC/IAF marks should continue to be used during the transition period, then phase to the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated mark once available.

Guidance will be provided before a formal launch in April 2026. You can stay up to date through both the IAF and ILAC social media channels.

You can also sign up for the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/ju2yr6

What will change over time?
References to IAF and ILAC will gradually transition to Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, including branding and recognition marks.

Any updates that affect customers will be communicated clearly and in advance. UKAS welcomes this development and remains committed to supporting you throughout the transition.

Essential links

• Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated website
• 1 January press release
• Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated mailing list sign-up
• IAF LinkedIn page
• ILAC LinkedIn page

The post Celebrating the launch of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated appeared first on UKAS.