As UKAS joins organisations around the world in celebrating World Quality Week 2025, we’re taking time to reflect on what quality really means to us and how we apply this year’s theme, “Quality: Think Differently,” to our own ways of working.

For UKAS, quality is more than a standard to uphold; it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our purpose is to build confidence and trust through accreditation, but that same commitment must also be visible in how we operate as an organisation. To strengthen this internal culture of quality and continuous improvement, UKAS has established a network of Quality Champions across the business.

A shared responsibility for quality

The Quality Champions represent different departments and technical areas within UKAS, from Healthcare and Forensics to Finance and Customer Service. Each Champion acts as a local focal point for discussions about quality, helping to embed the UKAS Quality Management System at a practical, day-to-day level.

Meeting quarterly with the central Quality and Compliance Team, the Champions share insights from their areas, discuss feedback from customers and colleagues, and work collaboratively to identify improvement opportunities and share good practice. They are also responsible for cascading information to their teams, ensuring that quality isn’t confined to a single function but owned collectively across UKAS.

Tracy Pia, Head of Quality and Compliance, says this shared approach is key to maintaining momentum:

“The Quality Champions help ensure that quality isn’t just something we measure, but something we live. By giving colleagues a direct voice in shaping improvements, we’re making our Quality Management System more responsive and reflective of the way UKAS actually works.”

From process to people

While the Quality and Compliance Team oversees governance and policy, the Champions bring lived experience and practical insight from across the organisation. Together, they form a bridge between processes and people, supporting UKAS’s mission to deliver consistency, competency and quality in every interaction.

Lynsey Poyner, Chief Operations Officer, is a strong advocate of this initiative:

“There is a clear link between quality and operations. The Quality Champions play a vital role in helping us think differently about how we deliver our work, whether that’s through improving efficiency, refining communication, or strengthening customer relationships. Their insight is invaluable in helping us understand where we’re succeeding and where we can do better.”

Thinking differently, acting collectively

UKAS’s Quality Champions network reflects our broader approach to organisational excellence: empowering individuals, encouraging innovation and ensuring that learning and improvement are part of the everyday conversation.

By creating a space for open discussion and shared responsibility, UKAS is embedding quality not just in its systems, but in its culture — living out the message of World Quality Week 2025: “Quality: Think Differently.”

As the Champions continue their work, they will help UKAS evolve how it measures success, values feedback and delivers its mission as the UK’s National Accreditation Body. In doing so, they’re ensuring that quality at UKAS remains not just a goal — but a mindset.

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Following the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) last year, the Department for Business and Trade have published guidance on how UK conformity assessment bodes (CABs) can utilise the National Treatment provisions.

New CPTPP powers allow UK CABs to apply for accreditation in other CPTPP countries and to be treated equally to domestic CABs through the application process.

The National Treatment provisions allow UK CABs to assess against the other CPTPP countries regulations in the UK. This means UK CABs can take on more business directly and it reduces costs for businesses who would previously have to export their goods for assessing.

The guidance outlines how UK CABs can engage with overseas accreditation bodies / approval bodies, including the relevant contact details and how to present credentials. It also advises businesses that UK CABs may now also be recognised for the CPTPP markets – eligibility can be checked via the UK Market Conformity Assessment Bodies Database.

You can access the guidance here: National Treatment of Conformity Assessment Bodies (NTCAB) for conformity assessment bodies (CABs) and businesses – GOV.UK

 

 

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Each year World Quality Week invites us to reflect on how quality helps organisations adapt, improve and build trust in a changing world. This year’s theme, Quality: Think differently, challenges us to rethink our approach to quality management and embrace new ways of thinking.

At UKAS we witness how innovation and confidence go hand in hand. Whether it is the integration of artificial intelligence, the digitalisation of supply chains or the growing importance of sustainability, the world of quality and conformity assessment is evolving fast. The task before us now is to engage with the new with assurance rooted in evidence, competence and trust.

Quality as the foundation for innovation

Innovation is often viewed as disruption to established systems. The most effective innovation builds upon a stable foundation and that foundation is quality. Accreditation provides exactly that: independent assurance that innovation takes place within a framework of competence, integrity and reliability.

I’ve spent over twenty-five years working in conformity assessment, and I remain inspired by what accreditation represents. It’s one of those quiet but powerful mechanisms that makes modern life work – from safe food and reliable healthcare to trusted digital systems. Ultimately, accreditation is how the world knows who to trust.

Trust is not static; it is continually earned and renewed through evidence and performance. That is the quiet strength of accreditation, a mechanism that enables progress while maintaining confidence.

From compliance to continual improvement

Accreditation is therefore not just a mark of compliance. It is a catalyst for continual improvement, resilience and innovation. It provides leaders with reliable data to make informed decisions, align quality with strategic goals and deliver sustained performance.

Thinking differently about quality

As technology, markets and expectations evolve, our mission remains constant: to provide assurance that innovation can be trusted. Whether assessing new technologies, verifying sustainability claims or enabling digital trust, UKAS remains committed to applying the principles of quality – competence, impartiality and consistency – to the frontiers of progress.

This year’s World Quality Week theme calls on us all to think differently about quality. It invites each of us as individuals, teams or organisations to reflect on how we build and sustain a quality culture that drives excellence in every action we take.

That spirit was captured beautifully in our recent Careers in Quality webinar, where we explored how the next generation of professionals can shape the future of assurance. The conversations reinforced what we already know: that quality is not just about systems or standards, but about people — their curiosity, their integrity, and their willingness to challenge convention.

Innovation without confidence is risk. Innovation backed by quality assurance is real progress.

This World Quality Week let us continue to build the systems, relationships and standards that enable us to embrace the new with confidence.

A global celebration of quality

World Quality Week is a global celebration of the people who champion quality across organisations, industries and communities. At UKAS, we remain proud to represent the UK in this international network of trust — one that connects businesses, regulators and consumers through a shared belief that quality, when done well, empowers innovation and strengthens society.

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Every year on 8 November, World Radiography Day marks the anniversary of Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays and celebrates the vital contribution of radiographers and imaging professionals to patient care. It also serves as a reminder of the trust placed in diagnostic imaging—trust that depends on quality, consistency and safety at every stage of the imaging process.

Every image tells a clinical story. Accreditation to BS 70000 helps ensure the science behind that story—equipment performance, image quality, radiation dose optimisation, and staff competence—is reliable, consistent and safe across diagnostic imaging services.

Why trust in imaging matters

From plain film X-rays to complex CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine, imaging informs decisions at almost every stage of the patient pathway. The value of a diagnostic image rests on the quality of the processes that produce it: robust equipment performance, validated protocols, competent people and effective governance. Accreditation provides independent assurance that these foundations are in place and working consistently.  Imaging teams are deeply committed to patient care. Accreditation recognises that commitment and demonstrates, independently, that services are delivering quality and safety day in, day out.

What is BS 70000?

BS 70000:2017 — Medical physics, clinical engineering and associated scientific services in healthcare: Requirements for quality, safety and competence is the national standard that sets out what ‘good’ looks like for scientific and technical support to healthcare, including diagnostic imaging physics. It defines the systems, controls and competencies needed to deliver safe, high-quality services.

At UKAS, accreditation to BS 70000 is delivered through the Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering (MPACE) programme, which covers disciplines such as diagnostic radiology and medical physics, equipment management and clinical measurement.

How BS 70000 accreditation supports quality in diagnostic imaging

1) Assured equipment performance across the lifecycle

Accredited services apply controlled processes from procurement and acceptance testing through to commissioning, routine quality assurance (QA), corrective action and decommissioning. This reduces variation, minimises downtime and helps maintain image quality over the equipment lifetime.

2) Dose optimisation and safety

For ionising modalities (X-ray, CT, interventional radiology, nuclear medicine), accredited services embed radiation protection, diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), and evidence-based optimisation, aligning with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R), Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR)and current national guidance.

3) Image quality that clinicians can trust

Routine QA and periodic image-quality audits verify that protocols deliver the required spatial, geometric and contrast resolution, Signal to noise (SNR) performance and consistency across  different equipment and sites—critical for comparative reporting and longitudinal follow-up.

4) Competence, training and role clarity

BS 70000 requires that roles are defined, and staff are trained, authorised and kept current through CPD, supervision and competency assessment—whether they’re medical physicists, clinical engineers, radiographers working on QA tasks, or informatics specialists supporting PACS/RIS.

5) Governance, risk and continual improvement

Accredited services operate a documented quality management system: non-conformities are investigated, actions are tracked, change control is applied to protocols and software, incidents feed learning, and management reviews drive improvement.

6) Traceability and measurement assurance

From dose meters to test tools and phantoms, measurements are calibrated and traceable to national standards, ensuring comparability over time and across sites—vital for networked services and research-active centres.

What this means for patients, clinicians and boards

• For patients: confidence that the scan guiding their care has been produced under controlled, safe and continually improving conditions.
• For clinicians and multidisciplinary teams: consistent image quality and dose optimisation across rooms, sites and modalities; fewer repeat examinations; defensible protocols.
• For executive teams and commissioners: board-level assurance on clinical risk management, compliance, and value from capital assets—supported by independent, internationally recognised accreditation.

The accreditation journey: what to expect

1. Define your scope – e.g., diagnostic radiology, Radionuclide Imaging, Medical Physics, equipment management, multi-site networks.
2. Gap analysis and readiness – review current QMS, QC schedules, calibration, competence records, IR(ME)R interfaces and change control.
3. Assessment – UKAS technical assessors evaluate your system and practice against BS 70000, observing work, sampling records and speaking with staff.
4. Findings and improvement – address any non-conformities with targeted corrective actions.
5. Accreditation and surveillance – once granted, maintain and improve through periodic surveillance and re-assessment.

For services already engaged with imaging quality initiatives, much of the culture and documentation is in place; BS 70000 accreditation adds independent confirmation of competence and control, especially around physics, engineering and measurement assurance.

Accreditation scales well across networks and multi-vendor fleets, providing consistent QC, harmonised protocols and transparent performance metrics. UKAS continues to see strong engagement from both NHS and independent providers in diagnostic imaging accreditation pathways.

On World Radiography Day, a thank you

To every radiographer, technician, assistant practitioner, sonographer, radiologist, medical physicist, clinical scientist, clinical engineer and imaging manager: thank you. Your work brings clarity to complex clinical questions. Accreditation to BS 70000 helps ensure the science and systems behind that work are worthy of the trust patients place in you.

 

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Trust is the invisible thread that holds our systems, markets and societies together.
When a medical device is tested, when food is certified safe, when data security is verified — it is trust in the rigour and credibility of assurance that gives people, businesses and governments the confidence to move forward.

That is the role of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). And for 30 years, our role at UKAS has been to underpin that trust.

As we enter our fourth decade as the UK’s National Accreditation Body, we find ourselves reflecting not only on how far the sector has come, but on how much is still changing.

The challenges CABs face today are more complex than ever: climate action, digitalisation, shifting global trade and evolving customer expectations. Each represents both pressure and opportunity.

The question we must answer together is simple: how do we ensure that the trust built over 30 years remains strong for the next 30?

Lessons from 30 years

Looking back, the journey of accreditation has been one of evolution. Thirty years ago, the scope was narrower, the pace slower, the demands more predictable. Today, CABs operate across diverse global industries continually reshaping to meet society’s needs, and that adaptability is now more vital than ever.

As we look ahead, three themes stand out as defining the future of trust: climate action, digitalisation and global recognition.

On climate, the sector faces both expectation and responsibility. Our services underpin the credibility of net zero claims and organisations’ climate actions, but our own readiness varies widely. Through our joint research (and subsequent report) with the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), we saw that larger CABs are taking decisive steps, while smaller ones face barriers such as limited resources, Scope 3 data complexity and lack of tailored guidance.

ISEP’s report sets out a pathway for the sector with recommendations for its achievement. Calling for collaboration between UKAS, government, sector bodies and individual organisations, it proposes a sector-wide climate action plan and guidance to address shared challenges; also the creation of good practice networks.

On digitalisation, technology is changing the way assurance must be delivered. Customers expect speed and transparency, regulators are exploring data-driven oversight, and artificial intelligence brings both risks and opportunities. Our Digitalisation Readiness Insights programme helps CABs assess where they are, benchmark against peers, and plan for the future. By investing in digital schedules, customer portals and international initiatives like the AIQI Consortium, we are ensuring accreditation evolves in step with technology.

On international trust, the principle of “assessed once, accepted everywhere” remains fundamental. Certificates and test reports from UKAS-accredited CABs are accepted in more than 100 economies. Our successful peer review by the European co-operation for Accreditation last year reaffirmed this status, protecting access to markets and giving CABs the confidence to compete globally.

Each of these areas poses challenges. Taken together, they show us something important: the future of conformity assessment will not be shaped by technical excellence alone. It will be shaped by how — across organisations, across sectors, and across borders.

and it can lead.

UKAS’s commissioning of the ISEP report is part of this leadership, as is the Digitalisation Readiness Insights programme. The ISEP report in particular calls on UKAS to lead, for example to convene the sector to develop climate plans and communication strategies, good practice and guidance.

Looking forward

Marking 30 years is not just about looking back with pride; it is about looking forward with purpose. The next 30 years will be shaped by how well we respond to the pressures of climate action, digitalisation and global complexity.

We all have a role to play: CABs, sector bodies, government and regulators, and UKAS.

We believe the answer lies in three challenges for the whole standards and conformity assessment community:

• To act together, because no challenge can be solved in silos.
• To build capacity, so that all CABs, large and small, can adapt and thrive.
• To safeguard credibility, because trust is our greatest asset.

UKAS will continue to convene and lead and we will call on stakeholders to step up to meet the challenges both outlined here and in the detail of the research we have published.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In 2025, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) marks 30 years since its formation. Since 1995, UKAS has supported the UK’s national quality infrastructure by accrediting organisations that deliver testing, inspection, certification and calibration. This article reflects on major milestones and UKAS’s evolving role in supporting trust across public services and industry.

A single national body

UKAS was created through the merger of two accreditation bodies: the National Measurement Accreditation Service (NAMAS) and the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies (NACCB). This consolidation gave the UK a single national accreditation body appointed by government and operating in the public interest.

By unifying accreditation, UKAS reduced duplication and improved consistency across sectors. From the outset, its purpose has been to assess the competence of conformity assessment bodies to recognised international standards, helping ensure trust in services and products.

Building international recognition

One of UKAS’s early achievements was joining the multilateral arrangements of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). These agreements mean UKAS-accredited certificates are recognised in over 100 economies. This reduces the need for repeat testing or inspection and supports international trade.

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, UKAS retained its membership in the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) helping preserve continuity and stability for UK exporters and regulators.

Growth across sectors

Over three decades, UKAS has expanded its services to meet changing needs across public and private sectors. Today, over 3,000 organisations are accredited by UKAS across areas including healthcare, food and farming, forensics, environmental testing and digital technologies.

In healthcare, the development of accreditation to ISO 15189 for medical laboratories, supports accurate diagnostics and patient safety. This later extended to point-of-care testing, imaging and biobanking. Moorfields Eye Hospital was the first UK provider to receive IQIPS accreditation for ophthalmic and vision science, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and consistency.

A further milestone was achieved in 2024 when NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Biorepository became the first service in the UK to receive UKAS accreditation for biobanking, marking a significant step forward in quality assurance for biological sample storage and research.

Working with the Forensic Science Regulator, UKAS developed schemes to accredit digital and traditional forensic providers. This gave courts greater confidence in the reliability of evidence and in 2010, Scotland Yard became the first accredited forensics service in England and Wales.

In the food and farming sector, UKAS accredits certification bodies that assess compliance with food safety, animal welfare and sustainable agriculture standards. Accreditation supports assurance schemes such as Red Tractor and organic certification, helping farmers and producers demonstrate that their practices meet strict industry and regulatory requirements.

As net zero goals have grown in importance, UKAS expanded its accreditation of bodies that verify environmental claims and greenhouse gas emissions. This helps businesses meet climate reporting requirements and access sustainable finance with confidence.

For example, CIBSE Certification uses UKAS accreditation to demonstrate that their certification processes for low-carbon consultants and energy assessors are technically robust and independently verified. giving clients and regulators greater assurance in energy performance data.

In environmental testing, UKAS-accredited laboratories also analyse air and water quality, food integrity and hazardous materials. These services inform regulation and protect communities.

Embracing innovation and accessibility

Since 2020, an era of digital enablement has seen the launch of UKAS CertCheck and e-Certificates which deliver improved transparency allow for verification of accreditation status in real time.

To support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), UKAS introduced readiness tools, application support and has continued to develop training services through the UKAS Academy. These services help reduce barriers and build internal knowledge for smaller businesses.

UKAS is also preparing for future challenges, developing accreditation frameworks for emerging technologies including certification to ISO/IEC 42001 for artificial intelligence management systems. As digital systems grow, accreditation supports ethical and trustworthy deployment.

Looking to the future

As we look ahead to the next 30 years, our mission is to ensure that UKAS continues to deliver trust and value by anticipating and responding to the evolving needs of society.

Our vision is one in which accreditation continues to support innovation without compromising safety, fosters competition without diluting standards and enables global interoperability without sacrificing national priorities.

This means being more than a service provider. It means being a strategic partner to businesses, a trusted advisor to policymakers and a visible force for quality across public life.

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Today, UKAS is pleased to announce the publication of its annual report for the 2024/25 year. Celebrating 30 years as the UK’s National Accreditation Body, this year the report reflects on three decades of growth, innovation, and trust – while setting out how UKAS continues to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Highlights from the report

This year’s annual report includes contributions from the UKAS Executive, Board and external guest contributions from across the testing, inspection and certification industry.

Digital transformation: The report highlights UKAS’s investment in digital platforms, including the rollout of customer and assessment portals, and the upcoming launch of digital accreditation schedules.

International recognition: UKAS’s continued signatory status to international agreements ensures global recognition of UKAS-accredited certificates, supporting UK trade and market access.

Stakeholder engagement: Articles from industry partners and stakeholders, including the AIQI Consortium and the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, showcase the collaborative approach to building trust in new technologies and global supply chains.

Public interest mission: UKAS’s commitment to supporting government policy, public safety, and economic growth is emphasised throughout, with a focus on enabling innovation without compromising standards.

Looking to the future

As the report outlines, UKAS enters its fourth decade focused on continuing to build trust, enable innovation and support public confidence through accreditation. With emerging priorities such as AI assurance, climate action and digital trade, UKAS is committed to ensuring accreditation remains a cornerstone of a safe, sustainable and prosperous society.

Read the report

You can read the report here.

UKAS would like to extend its sincere thanks to all external contributors who supported the development of this year’s Annual Report. Their insights, expertise, and perspectives have enriched the publication and helped ensure it reflects the diverse voices and priorities of the accreditation community.

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Overview

Accredited certification is fundamental to helping organisations demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised standards. It provides assurance to customers, regulators, and stakeholders that certified organisations are operating to 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 22163, the international standard for railway quality management systems.

About ISO 22163

ISO 22163 builds on ISO 9001 and introduces additional requirements specific to the rail sector. It aims to ensure high quality, safety, and reliability throughout the railway supply chain by providing a global, uniform standard for quality management.

The standard applies to a wide range of organisations in the rail industry, including vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and infrastructure providers. By becoming accredited to certify against ISO 22163, certification bodies can help enhance consistency and safety across rail operations, supporting performance, reliability, and confidence throughout the sector.

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 22163.

If your organisation is interested, please provide the following information by 26 January 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 the rail sector.

By fostering robust and internationally recognised accreditation frameworks, UKAS ensures that organisations can confidently implement best practices, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to a safer and more reliable rail industry.

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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 20121, the international standard for event sustainability management systems.

About ISO 20121

ISO 20121 provides a framework to help organisations manage the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their events. It supports responsible event planning and delivery, ensuring that activities are socially inclusive, environmentally sound, and leave a positive legacy.

By becoming accredited to certify against ISO 20121, certification bodies can help event organisers demonstrate sustainability leadership and strengthen their reputation in an evolving marketplace. This pilot offers an opportunity to advance responsible practice across the events sector, supporting innovation and continuous improvement.

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 20121.

If your organisation is interested, please provide the following information by 26 January 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 for event sustainability 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 responsible event industry.

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Fifteen pathology services within the Health Services Laboratories (HSL) and The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) organisations (both part of the Sonic Healthcare UK group) have recently been presented with their UKAS accreditation certificates to ISO 15189:2022.

The presentation was delivered by Lynsey Poyner, UKAS Chief Operating Officer, during an event held at BMA House and The Halo Building in London. This occasion marked the final stage in a series of certificate presentations for HSL and TDL services, concluding a process that began in January 2025.

A wide range of HSL and TDL employees attended the event, representing every level of the organisation — from the Group Head of Quality Systems, Principal Quality Manager and Director of Governance to laboratory managers and quality administrators.

Reflecting on the achievement, Lynsey Poyner said:

“It was a pleasure to present these certificates and to see first-hand the commitment to quality that runs throughout both TDL and HSL. The culture of quality evident across these organisations is truly impressive — it’s clear that accreditation is not just a badge of success, but a way of working that supports continual improvement and confidence in patient care.”

Jacqueline Sutherland, HSL Principal Quality Manager commented on the achievement:

“This recognition is more than a mark of quality; it is assurance that our systems and processes meet the highest national and international standards, strengthening our reputation as a leader in healthcare. Congratulations and well done! to the laboratories and clinical teams in marking this achievement”.  

UKAS representatives were delighted to meet members of the HSL and TDL teams and commended the strong emphasis placed on maintaining accreditation as part of daily practice.

UKAS congratulates all fifteen services on their successful accreditation and recognises the Sonic Healthcare UK group’s ongoing dedication to quality and competence in pathology.

 

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As the UK’s National Accreditation Body, UKAS has always been at the forefront of change. Our purpose has never been static – it has evolved to meet the needs of industry, government and society as they themselves have evolved. Today, that evolution is digital. 

Digitalisation is reshaping how trust, competence and reliability are demonstrated across every sector. For UKAS, this presents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to modernise how we deliver accreditation, to support Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) on their own digital journeys, and to lead the way in embedding digital thinking across the wider quality infrastructure. 

A holistic approach to digitalisation 

UKAS’s digital transformation is not confined to a single project or department – it is a programme of change that touches every part of the organisation. Our work encompasses three key areas: 

• Providing accreditation for digital systems and services, such as our pioneering pilot for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (aligned with ISO/IEC 42001:2023). 

• Supporting CABs as they adapt to the challenges and opportunities of digitalisation, through collaboration with government and industry. 

• Digitalising our own processes, to make accreditation more transparent, efficient and accessible for all. 

This comprehensive approach has ensured that UKAS is ahead of the curve and well-positioned to help our customers reap the benefits of digitalisation. 

Transforming the customer journey 

We have made major strides in embedding digital tools and agile ways of working across UKAS. The Customer and Assessment Portals are now in active use across all sectors, transforming how information is shared and managed throughout the assessment process. These tools allow customers to submit evidence, respond to findings and engage securely with their assessment teams, while UKAS assessors benefit from improved consistency, oversight and turnaround times. 

A key development in our transformation programme is the digitalisation of all UKAS schedules of accreditation – a landmark project that will enhance the value, accessibility and consistency of UKAS accreditation for both customers and the wider market. 

By standardising how accredited scopes are described, digital schedules will be easier to search, interpret and compare. Users will be able to locate and understand accredited services directly on the UKAS website, reinforcing transparency and trust. 

The digital accreditation platform is scheduled to go live in March 2026, following a final testing phase in November 2025 with selected volunteer customers. This extended timeline allows further refinement and ensures a smooth transition for all stakeholders. 

A major milestone has been the creation of standardised accreditation terminology, published on the UKAS website with a supporting glossary mapping new and existing terms. This brings consistency across standards, schemes and directives, helping users to interpret and compare accredited services more effectively. 

Digital schedules and certificates will be consolidated under a single permanent URL, with historic versions available via version-specific links. Customers will also be able to share their accreditation digitally via secure APIs or download a PDF version with an embedded QR code. Ahead of go-live, customers will review their updated schedules in a dedicated test environment during a three-week content freeze in early 2026. 

This initiative represents a major step towards a fully digital accreditation ecosystem – one that enhances visibility, strengthens confidence, and creates new opportunities for accredited organisations to demonstrate their competence and credibility. 

Using AI to strengthen accreditation 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in transforming the way UKAS operates and supports its customers. Across the business, AI tools are being trialled to improve efficiency, insight and service delivery. To ensure this technology is used securely and responsibly, UKAS has introduced a new policy governing the use of AI, setting out clear principles around data governance, privacy, intellectual property and the ethical use of generative tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot and ChatGPT. All AI applications must be approved, licensed and recorded on UKAS’s register of approved tools, with employee training forming part of wider rollout plans. 

At the same time, UKAS is providing external guidance for Conformity Assessment Bodies through its Technical Bulletin on the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies in accredited conformity assessment. This ensures that both UKAS and its customers adopt AI in ways that strengthen — rather than compromise — competence, impartiality and trust within the accreditation process. 

Supporting our customers and the wider quality infrastructure 

Our leadership in digitalisation extends beyond UKAS itself. In partnership with the Department for Business and Trade, we have supported CABs in their own digitalisation journeys, identifying opportunities to apply emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI and data analytics within conformity assessment. 

We also continue to share our learning with industry through events and webinars, such as our recent session on digital transformation in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) sector. By bringing together experts from across the assurance community, we are helping to build a shared understanding of how digital tools can strengthen trust, efficiency and data integrity across global supply chains. 

Leading the future of accreditation 

As UKAS celebrates its 30th anniversary, our focus is firmly on the future. Digitalisation is not simply a project or an initiative – it is a long-term transformation that underpins our role as a trusted, agile and forward-looking accreditation body. 

By embracing digital innovation, UKAS is ensuring that accreditation continues to deliver confidence in an increasingly digital world – empowering our customers, strengthening trust in accredited services, and positioning the UK at the forefront of global quality and assurance. 

 

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Each year on 14 October, World Standards Day celebrates the collaborative effort of thousands of experts around the world who develop the international standards that help make life safer, more reliable and more efficient. The 2025 theme, “Shared vision for a better world: Partnerships for the Goals,” recognises the importance of working together to support innovation, sustainable development and market access.

Standards are developed through a multi-stakeholder process, enabling government, industry and civil society collaboration. Accreditation of conformity assessment against these international standards increases trust that they are being consistently met. As the UK’s National Accreditation Body, UKAS plays a vital role in ensuring that this trust extends across borders and the economy. This World Standards Day is an opportunity to reflect on the meaningful engagement with a diverse community of stakeholders that enables UKAS to fulfil this function effectively.

Accreditation as an enabler of trust

Accreditation underpins confidence in testing, inspection, certification and verification services by assessing that conformity assessment bodies meet internationally agreed standards of competence and integrity. Whether assessing product safety, verifying carbon emissions or certifying management systems, UKAS accreditation provides the confidence that results are reliable and comparable, no matter where they are produced.

UKAS’s signatory status to the regional and global agreements on accreditation ensures that certificates and reports issued by UKAS-accredited bodies are recognised worldwide (subject to national regulations). This helps to reduce technical barriers to trade and supports the integration of global supply chains. UKAS’s international recognition, gained through regular peer evaluations, underpins the UK’s global influence by placing it at the heart of collaboration in pursuit of trade facilitation, environment protection and economic growth.

The role of stakeholder engagement

The delivery of the national accreditation service relies on strong relationships across government, industry and civil society to ensure UKAS and its activities remain relevant, credible and responsive.

UKAS works closely with government to support public policy priorities wherever appropriate, for example in areas such as product safety, sustainability initiatives and international trade. Through these partnerships, accreditation helps government deliver proportionate, risk-based regulatory interventions whilst supporting business activity and enabling consumer confidence.

UKAS convenes its stakeholders, across the testing, inspection and certification sector, government and regulators, industry and professional bodies, on a regular and structured basis. This engagement informs UKAS’s strategic direction, ensuring its activities are aligned, in the public interest, to the needs of the market, international best practice. This stakeholder engagement allows UKAS to remain responsive to technological developments, for example, adapting its services to support the needs of modern industry.

Accreditation, alongside standards and measurement, is also an integral part of the UK’s National Quality Infrastructure. UKAS collaborates with its NQI partners, primarily the British Standards Institution and the National Physical Laboratory, as part of a coherent system that promotes quality, safety and innovation across the market.

The role of UKAS’s members

UKAS’s guarantor members represent a cross-section of the UK’s economic and regulatory landscape, including government departments, trade and professional bodies and consumer representatives. Their role is to act as governance partners, ensuring that UKAS operates in the public interest and that its services reflect the needs of those who rely on accreditation. UKAS’s members provide valuable insight, helping UKAS anticipate new areas of assurance demand and maintain its impartiality and accountability as the UK’s National Accreditation Body.

Through this structure, representative feedback is not only heard but actively shapes the direction of accreditation services in the UK.

Partnerships beyond the UK

As part of a global network of accreditation bodies, UKAS represents the UK’s interests in international forums. Through these platforms, UKAS advances the UK’s ‘soft power’, promoting international cooperation on accreditation policy and helping ensure that international standards are applied consistently across borders

Regular peer evaluations, in which experts from other accreditation bodies review the effectiveness of UKAS’s systems, policies and services, provide independent assurance that UKAS is itself meeting the expected standards, in line with international best practice. This process reinforces international confidence in UKAS’s competence and impartiality.

Looking ahead, UKAS is also engaged in emerging initiatives such as the AI Quality Infrastructure (AIQI) Consortium, which brings together global partners to develop trusted frameworks for artificial intelligence assurance and other new technologies. Collaborative efforts such as this demonstrate the agility and forward-looking approach needed to ensure accreditation remains relevant in a rapidly evolving world.

Accreditation at the heart of a shared vision

Standards and accreditation together provide a trusted framework that enables collaboration, innovation and confidence. UKAS’s partnerships with government, industry and civil society enable the delivery of an impartial, responsive and effective national accreditation service, supporting trust in the quality and safety of goods and services at home and abroad.

This World Standards Day celebrates the partnerships that underpin market frameworks, supporting consumer safety and enhancing business innovations, trade and scalability. UKAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to working with stakeholders across the market such that accreditation can continue to deliver benefits to society as a whole.

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