09 October 2024 – The UK government has signalled its ongoing confidence in the standards system and in the use of stakeholder-led guidance to boost best practice, by signing an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BSI, recognizing its continuing role as the UK's national standards body (NSB).
BSI’s status as the NSB is not underpinned by statutory backing, but the MOU sets out the government and BSI’s mutual understanding of the NSB role. This reinforces the role standards can play in response to new questions posed by areas such as AI, quantum and net zero. BSI has had an MoU with government for over 40 years, and this is the first revision since 2002, ensuring that the agreement remains fit for purpose.
The MOU recognizes the importance of continuing to represent UK views in the international standards system, including at ISO and IEC, and in the European standards organizations, CEN and CENELEC. It also highlights the need to include all stakeholders when developing standards.
Specifically, the updated MoU represents the agreement between BSI and the government on the NSB’s role in supporting government policy and in acting in the UK’s national interest, including around national priorities such as economic growth, trade, international development, science, innovation, net zero, environmental protection, sustainability, product safety, fair trading, consumer interests, better regulation, public procurement, and national security.
BSI already partners with the government to develop standards on a range of priority policy areas, in areas ranging from autonomous vehicles (the Connected and Automated Vehicles programme), to e-scooter and e-bike battery safety, hydrogen and AI (including the AI Standards Hub). The MOU reinforces the role of standards alongside regulation as technology, innovation and environmental considerations transform society.
Scott Steedman, Director-General, Standards, BSI said: “BSI is delighted to have signed this updated agreement with the UK government. It reaffirms BSI’s continuing role as the UK’s National Standards Body and recognises the important role of standardization in supporting a wide range of government priorities.
“Most importantly, the updated MoU recognizes that standards are a tool that brings together stakeholders to support key areas of public policy interest in areas such as economic growth, technological innovation and sustainability. It highlights BSI’s critical role in international standardization, boosting trade and creating leadership for the UK on the global stage. BSI will continue to work closely with government, as part of the UK’s national quality infrastructure, to drive the use of standards to benefit business and society and accelerate progress towards a sustainable world.”
You can view the MoU here https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/governance/standards-governance/
