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.

Reflecting on 2025: thirty years of UKAS

As we reach the close of 2025, I would like to reflect on a year of significance for UKAS, and to thank our customers, partners and stakeholders for the collaboration, challenge and trust you have shown us throughout the year.

This has been UKAS’s 30th anniversary year. That milestone has prompted not only celebration, but also reflection on why a national accreditation body matters today. Over the past three decades, accreditation has become an essential part of the UK’s national capability – underpinning trust in standards, supporting effective regulation, strengthening supply chains and contributing to public safety, health and wellbeing. In a world shaped by globalised markets, increasingly complex technologies and heightened societal expectations, those foundations of trust and competence have never been more important.

During the year, I have been particularly struck by how consistently this message has been reinforced through engagement with customers and international peers. From discussions with accredited organisations here in the UK, to international meetings in Korea and Japan, a common theme has emerged: confidence in conformity assessment systems is critical to economic resilience and international cooperation. Accreditation is not simply a technical exercise; it is part of the infrastructure that allows innovation, trade and regulation to function effectively.

This anniversary year has also challenged UKAS to evolve. Insights from customers, partners and international colleagues have sharpened our focus on digitalisation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and the growing interdependence of global assurance systems. Developments such as the UK government’s AI roadmap, our engagement with the AI Quality Infrastructure initiative, and the establishment of new relationships – including with the forensics regulator and through memoranda of understanding with bodies such as KENAS and NATA – all point to a future where collaboration, knowledge sharing and international alignment will be even more important.

Looking ahead, the assurance landscape itself is changing. Major standards, including ISO/IEC 17020, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, are progressing through revision. These updates signal a clear direction of travel: greater emphasis on risk, resilience, ethical considerations, sustainability and the effective use of data and technology. For UKAS, remaining ahead of these changes means continuing to combine technical rigour with adaptability, ensuring that accreditation remains relevant, trusted and fit for purpose.

As these standards transition, our role is to support organisations through change with clarity and consistency. Through the UKAS Academy, strengthened international collaboration and close engagement with stakeholders, we are focused on providing guidance that is proportionate, practical and grounded in the principles that have always underpinned accreditation: independence, competence and impartiality. Evolution is necessary, but it must be built on continuity of purpose.

From my engagement with industry, I see real opportunities to bridge gaps between what organisations increasingly need from accreditation and what the global conformity assessment system currently provides. These include clearer assurance in emerging technologies, better alignment across borders, and more visible contribution to public outcomes such as safety, environmental protection and wellbeing. UKAS has a leading role to play here, convening expertise, shaping best practice and reinforcing confidence at national and international levels.

If I look five years ahead, success for UKAS would mean more than operational performance alone. It would mean being recognised as a cornerstone of the UK’s quality infrastructure, a trusted partner internationally, and a positive force in the future of the quality profession. It would mean continuing to protect the public interest while enabling innovation and growth.

As we bring this anniversary year to a close, I would like to thank everyone who has worked with us during 2025. I wish you a restful break over the festive period, and I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead, with confidence, but also with the care and thoughtfulness that the challenges before us demand.

The post End of year message from Matt Gantley appeared first on UKAS.

The healthcare sector depends on reliable, consistent and competent diagnostic services. Accreditation to internationally agreed standards provides assurance that these services operate with the rigour, integrity and technical proficiency needed to support safe, effective patient care. UKAS is therefore pleased to confirm the successful completion of transitions to two key standards in the healthcare portfolio: ISO 15189:2022 for medical laboratories and ISO/IEC 17043:2023 for proficiency testing providers.

These transitions mark an important milestone, reflecting the collective commitment of accredited organisations and UKAS assessment teams to uphold quality in a rapidly advancing field. Patients rely on accurate and timely diagnostics. These recent transitions to updated ISO standards strengthen that trust.

Recognising the achievement

The scale of activity behind these transitions has been considerable. This achievement reflects extensive collaboration across the healthcare system. Here’s some headlines of what it involved:

For ISO 15189:2022, the updated standard for medical laboratory competence and quality:

• 560 customers  accredited
• 850 assessment days and 1700 accreditation decisions

For ISO/IEC 17043:2023, the updated standard for proficiency testing providers:

• 36 customers accredited
• 48 assessment days and 100 accreditation decisions

These figures illustrate the significant level of preparation, collaboration and technical work undertaken across the process for transition for an accreditation body. They also demonstrate the dedication of laboratories, proficiency testing providers, UKAS assessment teams and Decision Makers in ensuring a smooth and timely transition for all parties.

Why transitions matter

International standards evolve to reflect scientific progress, emerging risks and changes in professional practice. Updating them helps ensure that accredited services continue to meet current expectations and maintain the trust placed in them by clinicians, commissioners and the public.

An accreditation standard transition typically involves:

• Reviewing the changes introduced in the updated standard
• Assessing how these changes affect existing processes, controls and documentation
• Implementing necessary updates within the service
• Undergoing assessment to demonstrate conformity to the new requirements
• Completion of an independent accreditation decision to confirm the transition

This process provides assurance that accredited organisations remain aligned with modern practice and continue to operate robust, reliable systems that support high-quality care.

Supporting quality in patient services

Both ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17043 play a central role in the quality framework underpinning diagnostics. ISO 15189 supports confidence in the competence of medical laboratories, while ISO/IEC 17043 ensures that proficiency testing schemes provide trusted external quality assessment. Together, they help build a healthcare environment where results are dependable, variation is minimised and patients receive timely, accurate information to support their clinical pathway.

A shared achievement

The completion of these transitions reflects the hard work and professionalism of accredited organisations and the UKAS teams who support them. It demonstrates the strength of the UK’s accreditation system and its ongoing commitment to maintaining public confidence in healthcare services. These transitions not only maintain current quality standards but also position healthcare services to adapt to future innovations

UKAS extends sincere thanks to all customers, assessors and colleagues involved. Their commitment to excellence ensures that accreditation continues to provide a strong foundation for quality, resilience and trust across the healthcare sector.

The post Celebrating successful transitions to ISO 15189:2022 and ISO/IEC 17043:2023 appeared first on UKAS.

Overview

Accredited certification plays a crucial role in helping organisations demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised standards. It provides confidence to customers, regulators, and stakeholders that certified organisations are meeting rigorous quality and compliance benchmarks. 

UKAS is inviting expressions of interest from certification bodies wishing to participate in a new pilot accreditation programme for ISO 46001, the international standard for water efficiency management systems. 

About ISO 46001 

ISO 46001 sets out a framework for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a water efficiency management system. It applies to organisations of all types and sizes that use water and focuses particularly on end-use consumers. 

The standard covers the full range of water efficiency management activities, including monitoring, measurement, documentation, reporting, design and procurement practices, and personnel training. By providing a structured approach to managing water use, ISO 46001 supports organisations in reducing consumption, improving performance, and embedding sustainable resource management practices. 

Certification to ISO 46001 will be assessed alongside ISO/IEC 17021-1, ensuring that accredited certification is delivered consistently and to internationally recognised principles. 

By becoming accredited to certify against ISO 46001, certification bodies can help their clients improve sustainability performance and demonstrate leadership in efficient resource management. This emerging standard also represents an opportunity to expand service portfolios into a globally relevant and commercially valuable area of environmental management. 

What is a UKAS pilot accreditation project? 

A pilot accreditation project is an essential step in extending UKAS’s accreditation offerings. As these standards have not previously been subject to accredited conformity assessment, UKAS undertakes a structured development process to evaluate their applicability and establish a proportionate and effective assessment methodology. 

The pilot involves collaboration with interested certification bodies to refine the accreditation approach, ensuring it aligns with industry needs and best practices. 

Express your interest 

UKAS invites certification bodies to express their interest in participating in this pilot accreditation programme for ISO 46001. 

If your organisation is interested, please provide the following information by 28 February 2026 to developmentenquiries@ukas.com: 

• The estimated number of clients you currently have or anticipate for this standard 

• The geographical locations where accredited certificates would be issued (e.g. UK only, Europe only, or global) 

• The number of non-accredited certificates already issued and their respective locations 

• Your estimated timeline for clients to be ready for: 

• Stage 1 audit 

• Stage 2 audit 

• Details of how you currently scope certifications for this standard, along with example certificates 

Your participation in this pilot provides a unique opportunity to help shape the future of accredited certification in water efficiency management. 

By fostering robust and internationally recognised accreditation frameworks, UKAS ensures that organisations can confidently implement best practices, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. 

 

The post Expression of interest: pilot accreditation programme for ISO 46001 water efficiency management systems appeared first on UKAS.

The publication of the Kingdon Review has brought renewed focus to the governance, consistency and assurance of children’s hearing services across England. The Review highlights longstanding challenges in clinical oversight, data quality, workforce support and external scrutiny – areas that are central to safe, effective diagnostic pathways for children and families. The Improving Quality in Physiological Services (IQIPS) standard provides a recognised framework to help address many of these issues. Developed with professional bodies and delivered in partnership with UKAS, independent assessment to demonstrate meeting the IQIPS standard supports services to strengthen leadership, embed robust governance, monitor performance, and demonstrate competence through independent assessment.

For audiology teams seeking a structured route to improvement, the IQIPS progression pathway offers a clear, stepwise approach towards full accreditation. It enables services to build the evidence base, quality systems and patient-centred processes that underpin reliable and consistent outcomes.

Further information on the IQIPS standard and the progression pathway is available can be read here. UKAS remains committed to supporting physiological services in evidencing quality and maintaining public confidence in the care they provide.

 

The post Supporting quality in children’s hearing services through the IQIPS standard appeared first on UKAS.