Enabling everything with standards

Demonstrating purpose through value, trust and resilience

Stay up-to-date with standards

Get the latest news and standard updates

Bridging safety and technology: The role of BS EN ISO 19650-6:2025 in the built environment
Article

Bridging safety and technology: The role of BS EN ISO 19650-6:2025 in the built environment

The built environment sector has long faced challenges in ensuring health and safety (H&S) compliance across project and asset life cycles. According to a report by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), in the UK the annual cost of accidents and ill health attributable to work in construction is estimated to be around £1.3 billion, with around 2.6 million working days lost each year. In addition to the financial costs, health and safety issues in the built environment can have a profound impact on employees, often resulting in physical injuries, long-term health conditions, emotional stress, and reduced quality of life for workers and their families. To help address this critical issue, a new standard has published: BS EN ISO 19650-6:2025 Organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM) — Information management using building information modelling — Part 6: Health and safety information, which focuses on the organization and digitization of H&S information in building and civil engineering projects. As the sixth part of the BS EN ISO 19650 series on information management using Building Information Modelling (BIM), this standard supersedes PAS 1192-6:2018 as the key standard for managing H&S information throughout the project and asset life cycles. By specifying how H&S information is managed and shared, BS EN ISO 19650-6:2025 offers an opportunity to enhance worker safety, reduce costs and ensure projects run more smoothly, with fewer incidents. What does BS EN ISO 19650-6 cover? The core objective of BS EN ISO 19650-6:2025 is to provide a robust framework for identifying, recording, using and sharing H&S information digitally and collaboratively throughout the project lifecycle. This includes the classification, sharing, and delivery of H&S information, ensuring it reaches the right stakeholders at the right time, with clear and actionable insights. The standard outlines how H&S information can be used to: Create safer environments for workers, users, and end-users of buildings and infrastructure. Mitigate inherent risks by identifying and managing hazards throughout the entire asset life cycle, from procurement to end-of-life. Enhance H&S performance by reducing incidents and their associated impacts. Optimize project value, improving both construction processes and operational outcomes. By ensuring that H&S risks are identified early and integrated into project planning via BIM tools, BS EN ISO 19650-6 improves the visibility and communication of risks throughout all project stages. Who should use this standard? This standard is essential for all professionals involved in managing H&S information during the lifecycle of a building or infrastructure project. Whether you're a designer, contractor, project manager, or asset owner, the principles and practices outlined in BS EN ISO 19650-6 will help streamline your H&S risk information management processes. Applicable to: Design and construction professionals working to embed H&S information from the planning stages. Facility managers and operators, who need to ensure that maintenance work is carried out safely and efficiently throughout the operational phase of the asset. Procurement teams responsible for ensuring compliance with H&S standards across their supply chain. Notably, the standard applies to all phases of the project lifecycle, whether you're working in the design, construction, or operational stage of an asset. It is also relevant to projects that aren't currently using BIM, as it emphasizes the collaborative sharing of structured H&S information across all project stakeholders. What are the key benefits of implementing BS EN ISO 19650-6? Increased safety: By embedding H&S information early in the design process and throughout the project lifecycle, this standard helps create a safer environment for all stakeholders. Risk mitigation: The clear framework for identifying, classifying, and sharing H&S risks leads to better risk management and fewer incidents on-site. Enhanced project outcomes: Clear and timely communication of H&S information minimizes rework, waste, and delays, boosting the overall value of construction projects. Global applicability: With its basis in BS 1192-6:2018, now elevated to international status, this standard facilitates global collaboration and harmonizes H&S practices across borders. Support for BIM integration: As the construction industry increasingly adopts digital tools and practices, the standard leverages BIM to make H&S risk management more visual, comprehensive, and actionable. The wider context: BIM and the BS EN ISO 19650 series of standards Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital process that involves creating and managing detailed 3D models of buildings and infrastructure throughout their lifecycle. It integrates data about a structure’s design, construction, and operation into a centralized model, enabling better collaboration between all project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers. By providing accurate, up-to-date information, BIM enhances decision-making, reduces errors, and improves project efficiency, ultimately leading to safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective buildings. BS EN ISO 19650-6 is part of the broader BS EN ISO 19650 series, which sets the international framework for information management in the construction industry using BIM. The series includes the following parts: BS EN ISO 19650-1: Concepts and principles of information management BS EN ISO 19650-2: Delivery phase of assets BS EN ISO 19650-3: Operational phase of assets BS EN ISO 19650-4: Information exchange BS EN ISO 19650-5: Security-minded information management Part 6 adds to this by focusing specifically on health and safety information, providing vital links between traditional risk management tools and the new digital processes enabled by BIM. By integrating H&S information into BIM, projects can harness the full potential of digital modelling, improving risk visibility and control. To implement best practices in health and safety information management and align your projects with the latest international standards, purchase BS EN ISO 19650-6:2025 today.Read more
PAS 402: A key tool for transparent and sustainable waste management
Article

PAS 402: A key tool for transparent and sustainable waste management

In response to the growing demand for standardized, transparent, and sustainable waste management practices, PAS 402 offers a comprehensive framework for reporting and improving recycling quality and resource recovery in the industry. PAS 402:2025 Waste resource management – Performance reporting – Specification is a revised sponsored standard that offers a framework for accurate, reliable, and transparent waste performance reporting. Its use supports an evolving industry focused on quality, traceability, and resource recovery. Why is PAS 402 important for the waste resource management industry? The waste resource management industry is witnessing rapid change, with increasing focus on sustainable practices and efficient recycling processes. However, despite many standards addressing specific waste types (such as plastics or soils) or equipment, there has been a notable absence of a universal standard covering the broader spectrum of waste management practices and reporting requirements. Domain research revealed this gap, highlighting a need for a standardized approach to report on the operational and recovery performance of waste management organizations, regardless of the type of waste handled. In response to these findings, PAS 402 was developed. Initially published in 2009 and updated in 2013, the 2025 version of PAS 402 reflects the latest advancements in recycling technologies and industry best practices. It introduces requirements for data, traceability, and quality control in recycling, allowing waste management practices to adhere to high standards in the United Kingdom’s accredited certification schemes. What does PAS 402 cover? PAS 402:2025 provides a robust structure for waste resource management organizations to standardize their performance reporting across industrial, commercial, and household waste processing. The PAS specifies the necessary components for performance reports, including: Operational reporting: Organizations shall detail how they conduct waste resource management activities, spanning processes from initial intake to final disposal or recovery. Clauses 4 through 11 lay out precise reporting requirements for these activities, offering consistency across the industry. Material recovery rates: To support circular economy goals, organizations are required to report on their material recovery rates as outlined in Clause 12. This facilitates the effectiveness of recycling and accurate tracking and verification of recovery processes. Operational management and quality control: PAS 402 includes updated terminology, process management methods, preventive actions, and performance review practices. It also offers calculation methods and sample tables to determine landfill diversion rates, reflecting a commitment to minimize landfill contributions. Compliance with PAS 402: Although PAS 402 does not apply to organizations solely operating as intermediaries that operate between waste producers and waste management facilities, it does support organizations involved in waste treatment, disposal, and transfer. For organizations navigating compliance, the Green Compass Scheme offers guidance to meet PAS 402’s reporting requirements effectively. We have a range of documents that can support organizations of all sizes achieve their circular economy goals. Browse our standard library here. Which organization should use PAS 402? PAS 402:2025 is invaluable for waste resource management organizations involved in processing waste at transfer stations, treatment facilities, or disposal sites. It is especially beneficial for entities focused on improving recovery rates and landfill diversion while adhering to high environmental standards. By adopting PAS 402, organizations align with accredited waste management reporting practices, contributing to a circular economy where materials are consistently reused, recycled, and repurposed. Other key benefits include: Enhanced transparency and accountability: PAS 402 promotes clear, accurate reporting on waste management activities, helping organizations to build trust with stakeholders. Alignment with industry best practices: The standard offers a unified reporting framework, allowing organizations to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Support for sustainability goals: PAS 402’s focus on traceability and recovery rates helps organizations improve recycling practices, supporting the larger goals of resource conservation and environmental sustainability. Increased operational efficiency: By standardizing processes and performance reviews, organizations can streamline their operations and enhance waste recovery quality. PAS 402 makes reference to environmental agencies across the United Kingdom, including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. If you’re part of a waste management organization looking to enhance your performance reporting and align with industry-leading standards, download your free copy of PAS 402:2025 here. Develop a standard with BSI Both private and public sectors can sponsor a fast-track standard with our expert guidance. A fast-track standard establishes best practices for products, services, and processes. BSI offers two main pathways: a PAS standard, or an iterative BSI Flex standard, both of which are tailored to your industry's needs. Learn more here.
BS EN 14683:2025: The updated medical face mask standard explained
Article

BS EN 14683:2025: The updated medical face mask standard explained

Medical face masks are a critical component of infection prevention in healthcare settings. They help to limit the transmission of infectious agents from healthcare staff to patients, playing a key role in surgical and clinical environments. To ensure they meet the highest performance, safety, and regulatory standards, BS EN 14683:2025 Medical face masks - Requirements and test methods has been revised to reflect the latest international knowledge, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements. This revision not only strengthens testing and performance requirements but also incorporates new considerations for transparent masks, sustainability, and manufacturing processes. These updates align with Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745, ensuring compliance across European markets. For manufacturers, healthcare institutions, procurement professionals, and testing laboratories, understanding these updates and adapting accordingly is essential to ensure compliance and maintain market competitiveness. What is BS EN 14683 and why is it important? BS EN 14683 is a European standard that specifies the design, construction, performance, and testing requirements for medical face masks used in surgical and clinical settings. These masks act as a barrier against infectious agents, protecting both patients and healthcare workers. For users of the standard, it provides clear guidelines and performance benchmarks to ensure medical face masks are safe, effective, and compliant with regulatory requirements.  It helps manufacturers design and test products, procurement teams assess quality for contracts and tenders, and healthcare providers select masks that meet infection control standards. By standardizing key requirements like bacterial filtration, breathability, and microbial cleanliness, BS EN 14683 ensures consistency and reliability across the industry. Discover how standards support safety, quality and effective equipment and service provision throughout the healthcare sector by visiting our Healthcare topic page. What are the changes to BS EN 14683? BS EN 14683:2025 is the latest edition of the standard. It has been revised to ensure clarity, performance enhancement, and broader market acceptance. One of the most notable future changes outlined in Annex E is the proposed removal of Type I medical face masks in the next revision. Healthcare organizations and manufacturers should begin evaluating their current mask offerings to prepare for this transition. Additionally, as reusable masks gain more attention, this standard provides a framework for future sustainable innovations in medical face protection. Other significant updates include: 1. Improved testing and performance criteria for medical face masks Microbial cleanliness test completely revised to provide more detailed and reliable results. Refined bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) test methodology for greater accuracy. Updated breathability test now includes a formula for airflow calculation. 2. Enhanced inclusion and accessibility for medical face masks New requirements for transparent medical face masks to improve communication for deaf and elderly patients. Clearer design guidelines to ensure masks meet both functional and accessibility needs. 3. Stronger manufacturing and documentation processes for medical face masks New clause on manufacturing and processing requirements to improve quality control. Updated documentation requirements to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance. 4. Greater focus on the sustainability of medical face masks New annex on environmental impact, supporting eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Formal recognition of reusable medical face masks, promoting circular economy initiatives. 5. Regulatory alignment and market access Now aligned with Medical Device Regulation (EU) 2017/745, ensuring market compliance. Updated Annex ZA for harmonization, making it easier for manufacturers to demonstrate conformity. The changes introduced in BS EN 14683:2025 mark a significant step toward greater safety, accessibility, and sustainability in medical face masks. Those affected by these updates should act now to align with the new requirements, ensuring continued compliance, market access, and commitment to high-quality healthcare solutions. Stay compliant and ensure the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability in medical face masks. Get your copy of BS EN 14683:2025 today and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard
Article

BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard

The latest revision of BS 9991 - the UK's key fire safety standard for residential buildings - represents a critical advancement in fire safety regulation.  As fire safety concerns have evolved, the new edition incorporates essential updates designed to enhance safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings.  Here, we’ll explore the significance of the upcoming BS 9991:2024 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings - Code of practice, the key changes being introduced, and why adopting this standard is vital for anyone involved in residential building safety. Get your copy of the standard here. What is BS 9991? BS 9991 is a code of practice standard that offers comprehensive guidance and recommendations for ensuring fire safety in residential buildings. First introduced as a British Standard in 2011, it serves as a primary reference for achieving fire protection measures, safeguarding lives, and minimizing property damage in the event of a fire. It covers a wide range of building types, from apartment blocks and flats to residential care homes. The objective of the standard is twofold: To ensure an adequate standard of life safety in the event of a fire, focusing on occupant safety, firefighter safety, and the protection of emergency services. To offer property protection, safeguarding not only the building in question but also adjacent properties, businesses, and the environment. BS 9991 bridges the gaps between different regulatory frameworks in the UK, providing a unified approach to fire safety that can be applied nationally. Explore our library of fire-related standards and the benefits they can bring to your organization by visiting our Fire topic page.  What are the key changes in BS 9991:2024? The upcoming  2024 revision brings significant updates.  These reflect the increasing complexity of modern building designs and the evolving knowledge of fire behaviour, materials, and fire safety systems.  The key changes include: Expanded scope: BS 9991 now covers residential care homes, recognizing the unique evacuation needs and fire safety challenges unique to those properties.  Explicit exclusions on timber have been removed: The scope of the standard has been limited in terms of reaction-to-fire classifications of load-bearing elements of structure to better reflect the available evidence regarding the use of mass timber in medium and high residential buildings. Revised guidance for sprinklers and single-stair buildings: Updates include a new height limit for single-stair buildings and adjustments to sprinkler installation guidelines. European classifications for fire doors: National fire door classifications have been replaced with European classifications to ensure consistency and reliability in fire resistance. Enhanced recommendations for smoke control and evacuation lifts: Improved provisions for smoke control systems and detailed recommendations for evacuation lifts, making tall buildings safer in fire emergencies. Updates on ancillary areas, kitchens, and external wall systems: The recommendations for these areas have been revised to account for the latest safety practices. The 2024 edition offers a robust framework for fire safety in residential buildings, accommodating advancements in building technology while maintaining practicality. For more detailed information on BS 9991:2024, you can download the free executive briefing here. What are the benefits of the revised BS 9991:2024? BS 9991:2024 provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for fire safety in residential buildings, ensuring the highest level of protection for both occupants and the building itself.  The revised standard addresses the complexities of modern building design, including mixed-use and high-rise structures, offering solutions for even the most challenging fire safety scenarios.  The 2024 edition integrates the latest advancements in fire safety knowledge, providing a future-proof approach to the design and management of residential buildings. Who should use BS 9991:2024 and why?  BS 9991:2024 is essential for a wide range of professionals involved in the design of new buildings, as well as material alterations, extensions, and changes of use to existing buildings. Users of the standard include:  Designers and Architects: BS 9991 offers a clear and authoritative guide to integrating fire safety into the design process, ensuring that buildings are constructed with the latest fire safety technologies and methods. Fire Safety Engineers and Risk Assessors: The revised standard provides detailed guidance on fire safety risk assessments and offers updated methodologies to tackle emerging fire safety challenges. Building Owners and Managers: Following BS 9991 helps maintain legal compliance, reduce liability, and ensure the protection of residents and properties in the event of a fire. Fire and Rescue Services: BS 9991 helps fire services by providing standardized design and operational procedures that make firefighting and rescue operations more efficient and effective. Whether you are designing a new building or making material changes to an existing one, this standard provides the tools to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and to mitigate fire risks. Stay informed, stay up to date, and ensure your buildings meet the highest standards of fire safety. Get your copy of BS 9991:2024 today.

Discover the ultimate business improvement tool

Shop our bestselling standards

Sharing knowledge, innovation and best practices

Browse our new standards

Key BSI solution packs

The standards you need, all in one place

Standards enable better outcomes

Learn how to improve productivity, efficiency, and resilience

About BSI: The world’s first national standards body
Article

About BSI: The world’s first national standards body

BSI is appointed by the UK Government as the national standards body (NSB), holds the Royal Charter, and represents UK interests at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Standards Organizations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI). BSI is the UK's first national standards body to be created. We represent UK economic and social interests across all European and international standards organizations and in the development of business information solutions for British organizations of all sizes and sectors. Our role is to help improve the quality and safety of products, services and systems by enabling the creation of standards and encouraging their use. Annually, BSI publishes over 3,100 standards, each meticulously crafted through a process of collaboration and refinement. These standards serve as pillars of guidance, underpinning the quality and safety of products, services, and systems while fostering a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. Delivering best practice knowledge BSI serves as more than a publisher of standards; we are custodians of knowledge, stewards of innovation, and champions of best practices. Our commitment to delivering best practice knowledge is unwavering, recognizing that knowledge is the lifeblood of successful businesses. Through British Standards, we offer distilled wisdom, carefully curated from vast pools of experience and expertise. This knowledge, encapsulated within our standards, is a testament to the collective insights of industry practitioners, subject matter experts, and stakeholders. Furthermore, BSI operates within four key areas of purpose as the UK's National Standards Body: Supporting government policy. Fostering growth and competitiveness within UK business and industry. Nurturing educational initiatives within the UK. Safeguarding consumer rights and safety. Visit BSI Group website to learn more about our work. Supporting businesses through standard development Central to our role is the facilitation of standards development, ensuring that UK businesses have access to the frameworks necessary for success. Standards, ranging from specific product guidelines to broader business management practices, serve as invaluable tools for innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence. Through our extensive network of experts and committees, we drive UK influence in the development of European and international standards, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in a global marketplace. BSI remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting businesses through standardization, offering tailored resources and guidance to navigate the intricate landscape of standards. Whether you're a multinational corporation or a burgeoning start-up, our comprehensive catalogue of standards and supporting documents stands ready to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed for sustainable growth and success. Discover our extensive catalogue of standards and supporting documents today. Have your say on standards Standard development Over 9,000 UK experts volunteer their knowledge and time to participate in BSI committees and contribute to the drafting of Standards. These committees comprise manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments, and consumers who all work together to address industry challenges. Want to get involved? It’s easy to have your say on standards. There are several different ways that you can help to develop standards. By using our Standards Development Portal, you can: Comment on proposed and draft standards Suggest an idea for a new standard Contact a committee You can also apply to become a BSI committee member, enabling you to share your expertise and collaborate with others to create new standards and rewrite existing ones. Learn more about applying to be a committee member here. Standard feedback On the Standards Development Portal, you will be able to browse through the standards in your area of interest and see which committees they sit under. You can follow the committee links to find out more about each one's scope, membership list, work program, and how to contact them. Standard users can contact our committees to: Request comment resolutions Raise issues and provide feedback on a standard and your use of it Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions At their core, our standards promote a focus on achieving excellence across every sector - from quality management and supply chain stability to net zero and digital trust. Our tailored BSI Knowledge subscription service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your organization needs to achieve your objectives. Request to learn more.Read more
What are the benefits of using standards?
Article

What are the benefits of using standards?

In the dynamic landscape of industry and innovation, standards emerge as the unsung heroes, quietly shaping the way we operate, communicate, and progress.  From fostering interoperability and quality assurance to driving innovation and sustainability, the benefits of standards permeate every facet of our interconnected world. For example, imagine a world where every electronic device speaks its own language, unable to communicate with others. Chaos would ensue. Fortunately, standards step in to ensure interoperability and compatibility. Whether it's the USB port that connects your devices or the internet protocols enabling seamless communication, standards lay the groundwork for harmonious interaction. They also play a pivotal role in helping us to build a better global future. Whether it's energy efficiency standards supporting us through the transition to net zero, or fair trade regulations helping us to eradicate modern slavery, standards serve as guiding principles, steering organizations towards responsible stewardship of resources and equitable treatment of stakeholders. Regardless of your approach to standards, they offer tangible benefits for organizations like yours. Whether your aim is certification or not, the mere act of implementing a standard and following the guidance it provides can be incredibly advantageous. By enhancing your processes through standards, you can unlock a myriad of benefits that contribute to your organization's success and competitiveness. Benefit 1: Standards boost productivity and improve performance  They: Increase efficiency by streamlining processes. Reduce cost by minimizing waste and cutting out the time spent on ‘trial and error’. Allow production at scale by replacing bespoke variety with standardized solutions, performance, or outcomes, thus freeing resources for differentiating products and services from those of competitors. Lower the cost of regulatory compliance and the costs of non-compliance. Foster high-quality products and services that give buyers confidence and build company reputations. Shorten the time to market for new products. Benefit 2: Standards kickstart innovation  They: Agree on common terminology and transfer new information into the commercial environment, which accelerates the spread of innovation. Support innovators by providing expert, authoritative new knowledge, which in turn is a platform for further innovation. Build communities and promote the exchange of knowledge, which catalyses collaborative development and speeds up technology lifecycles. Encourage process innovation through continual improvement. Enable organizations to unlock their full potential in terms of their products, processes, and behaviour's. Benefit 3: Standards support domestic and international trade They: Give buyers confidence that products will be safe and fit for purpose, so they are more widely accepted. Improve transparency – buyers know what they’re getting – which reduces the costs of international trade, such as the need for repeated product testing. Make UK firms more efficient and innovative, so they can compete globally. Overcome arbitrary national technical barriers to trade Improve confidence and transparency throughout complex and often multinational supply chains. Key standards to benefit your business Maintain fundamentals – you can use BS EN ISO 9001, to create your own unique quality management system (QMS), BS 13500 to benchmark and optimize your corporate governance, and BS ISO 31000 to manage risks. Ensure organizational resilience - understand and prioritize operational threats with BS EN ISO 22301, which provides a framework with which to control and reduce potential hazards. Protect your information - the coronavirus pandemic was exploited by cybercriminals. Constant vigilance is required to counter deliberate or accidental data breaches and cyberattacks. Keep vital information safe with BS EN ISO/IEC 27001. Nurture and inspire your people - recovery needs talented and engaged employees. Protect your people with BS EN ISO 45001 for health and safety, and BS ISO 45003 for psychological wellbeing. Nurture staff with BS 76000 and PD 76006 to help align their aspirations with company goals. Build a culture that recognizes and respects all differences with BS 76005. Prioritize responsible business – BS EN ISO 26000 provides guidance on social responsibility, while BS EN ISO 14001 outlines a sustainability framework to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Start reaping the benefits of standards today, by browsing our range and adding all the key business standards to your collection. Have your say on standards Standard development Over 9,000 UK experts volunteer their knowledge and time to participate in BSI committees and contribute to the drafting of Standards. These committees comprise manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments, and consumers who all work together to address industry challenges. Want to get involved? It’s easy to have your say on standards. There are several different ways that you can help to develop standards. By using our Standards Development Portal, you can: Comment on proposed and draft standards Suggest an idea for a new standard Contact a committee You can also apply to become a BSI committee member, enabling you to share your expertise and collaborate with others to create new standards and rewrite existing ones. Learn more about applying to be a committee member here. Standard feedback On the Standards Development Portal, you will be able to browse through the standards in your area of interest and see which committees they sit under. You can follow the committee links to find out more about each one's scope, membership list, work program, and how to contact them. Standard users can contact our committees to: Request comment resolutions Raise issues and provide feedback on a standard and your use of it Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions At their core, our standards promote a focus on achieving excellence across every sector - from quality management and supply chain stability to net zero and digital trust. Our tailored BSI Knowledge subscription service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your organization needs to achieve your objectives. Request to learn more.
How to find the right standards for your business
Article

How to find the right standards for your business

Whether you're a start-up or a seasoned enterprise, determining the right standards for your organization can be a daunting task. However, with careful consideration and strategic planning, you can navigate this process effectively.  Standards play a vital role in facilitating trade, innovation, and collaboration on a global scale.  Developed through consensus by industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, professional associations, and standardization organizations, they provide a common language and framework for organizations, regulators, and consumers. Their implementation fosters trust, efficiency, and interoperability. To learn more about the positive impact of standards, read our article The Benefits of Standards. The only problem is with over 100,000 of them - and more publishing every year - knowing which standard to implement can be a challenge.  To help you know where to start, here’s our comprehensive guide to help you find the right standards for your organization: 1. Define your business objectives There is pretty much a standard for everything - shoe sizes, tattooing, facial recognition technology, there’s even a standard for the perfect cup of tea. In order to determine which will be the right standard for you, you need to clarify your organizational objectives. What are your short-term and long-term goals? Understanding your company's mission, vision, and values will provide a clear framework for selecting appropriate standards. For example, if you work for an organization that wants to improve the quality of its products, you might consider implementing BS EN ISO 9001 Quality management systems. Requirements. Or, if your organization is looking to improve its environmental impact, then BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use could be the one you opt for.  2. Conduct a needs assessment You might also want to evaluate your business operations, products, and services to identify areas where standards are essential. This assessment will highlight areas where standards can improve quality, mitigate risks, and enhance efficiency. Consider factors such as regulatory requirements, industry norms, customer expectations, and internal processes. 3. Research industry standards Investigate industry-specific standards relevant to your organization. These may include information security (BS EN ISO/IEC 27001), occupational health and safety (BS EN ISO 45001), or sector-specific standards such as BS EN 9100 for aerospace or BS ISO 7101 for healthcare.  Engage with industry associations, regulatory bodies, and professional networks to stay informed about the latest developments in standards. 4. Analyze legal and regulatory requirements Compliance with legal and regulatory standards is non-negotiable for businesses operating in any industry.  Research applicable laws, regulations, and industry-specific mandates governing your business activities. Ensure that your chosen standards align with these requirements to avoid legal complications and penalties. 5. Consider customer expectations Understanding and meeting customer expectations is paramount to business success.  Solicit feedback from customers to identify their quality, safety, and performance requirements.  You can then tailor your choice of standards to align with these expectations, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. 6. Evaluate organizational capabilities Purchasing a standard is one thing, but you’ll also need to be able to adhere to its requirements and specifications. Not all standards are the same, with some requiring more process changes and documentation than others.  Assessing your organization's resources, capabilities, and readiness to implement and maintain standards can help to narrow down which will be best suited to your organization's unique needs. Consider factors such as budget, expertise, infrastructure, and organizational culture.  It is also worth determining whether you have the necessary skills and capacity in-house to implement a standard, or if you require external assistance such as consultants or training providers. Get started on your standard journey In summary, finding the right standards for your business requires careful planning, research, and strategic decision-making. By aligning standards with your objectives, complying with legal requirements, meeting customer expectations, and leveraging industry best practices, you can establish a robust framework for success.  Embrace standards as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and differentiation in today's competitive business landscape. Have your say on standards Standard development Over 9,000 UK experts volunteer their knowledge and time to participate in BSI committees and contribute to the drafting of Standards. These committees comprise manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments, and consumers who all work together to address industry challenges. Want to get involved? It’s easy to have your say on standards. There are several different ways that you can help to develop standards. By using our Standards Development Portal, you can: Comment on proposed and draft standards Suggest an idea for a new standard Contact a committee You can also apply to become a BSI committee member, enabling you to share your expertise and collaborate with others to create new standards and rewrite existing ones. Learn more about applying to be a committee member here. Standard feedback On the Standards Development Portal, you will be able to browse through the standards in your area of interest and see which committees they sit under. You can follow the committee links to find out more about each one's scope, membership list, work program, and how to contact them. Standard users can contact our committees to: Request comment resolutions Raise issues and provide feedback on a standard and your use of it Browse our huge range of standards to start improving your business today.
BSI Membership: Be a champion of excellence
Article

BSI Membership: Be a champion of excellence

We cordially invite you to be a part of our exclusive membership programme. Having a BSI membership allows you to reap the maximum benefit from your standards – helping you save time, become more productive, and drive organizational performance. Whilst thousands of organizations use standards to support their practices, it is only BSI members who get access to tools, industry insights, and expert support. By becoming a BSI member, you can: Prove you’re committed to excellence, through visible association with BSI Draw on our professional researchers for help with standards Reach a new level of expertise, with unique insights into best practices and upcoming innovations in your sector Save up to 50% on standards and subscriptions. What BSI Membership gives your organization As a member of BSI, you’re linked to a global leader in standards. BSI is synonymous with excellence and innovation, and our expertise is trusted worldwide. Enhance your status A BSI Membership will strengthen your organization’s reputation by joining a global leader in standards, and clearly show your commitment to quality and best practices. Raise your profile – access a membership toolkit with digital and physical certificates, and guidance on using your BSI credentials. A connection to the right people - get to know BSI’s experts and be part of the conversations that matter. Make a difference - have a say in steering the direction of BSI via voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and getting involved in making standards. 'I’d definitely recommend BSI Membership. It’s what I use to persuade people that I’m professional and that my business is professional.' - CHRIS MCCARTHY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, APEX SECURITY SYSTEMS Get expert support from our researchers We want to make you the expert, sharing our extensive knowledge and experience so you can speak confidently about standards and understand how they apply to your business. Expert research on demand – get free access to the BSI Member Enquiry service saving you hours of time and ensuring complete accuracy. The Standards Watch Service - identify relevant standards and receive regular reports on them – keeping you effortlessly up to speed. 'We need to know what standards say, and our integrity hangs on that. The Knowledge Centre is a very, very useful source of help.' - HOWARD CLAYTON, TECHNICAL LIBRARIAN, AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING Giving you value Generous discounts - save up to 50% on standards and subscriptions – so you can improve your performance for less Priceless prestige - enhance your organization’s standing by gaining a new level of expertise and aligning with the BSI brand Fast-track your organization to operational excellence. Become a BSI Member today. Already a member? Access your benefits on our Member Portal How much does BSI Membership cost? BSI Membership delivers exceptional value every day. It provides expert support for you and your business; generous savings; and a badge of excellence that sets you apart. Prices start from as little as £213 a year and vary depending on your sector and size. Get an instant quote for Membership. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions At their core, our standards promote a focus on achieving excellence across every sector - from quality management and supply chain stability to net zero and digital trust. Our tailored BSI Knowledge subscription service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your organization needs to achieve your objectives. Request to learn more.