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UKAS advances accreditation for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS) in line with UK’s AI Assurance Roadmap
On 3 September 2025, the UK government published its Trusted Third‑Party AI Assurance Roadmap, setting out a clear vision for growing a world-leading AI assurance sector that underpins safe, responsible innovation. The Roadmap commits to professionalising the field, strengthening skills frameworks, improving information sharing, and launching an AI Assurance Innovation Fund—all with the goal of fostering independent, high-quality assurance services that boost public and industry confidence in AI systems.
Aligned with this national strategy, UKAS is progressing its global project to develop accreditation for ISO/IEC 42001 AI Management System certification under ISO/IEC 17021-1. This work supports the government’s aim to establish a trusted third-party assurance market by offering a robust accreditation framework that enhances quality, consistency, and credibility in AI certification.
As Matt Gantley, Chief Executive Officer at UKAS, puts it:
“This project is about laying the foundations for trust in AI. By bringing the right people together, and working closely with international and national partners, we are building an accreditation approach that is robust, practical and responsive to rapid technological change. We welcome the launch of the UK government Roadmap and the vision for safe and responsible innovation in the AI-sector.”
Why this matters
ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard designed to help organisations innovate rapidly with AI while protecting society from risks. It offers a structured, trustworthy path to harnessing AI’s benefits responsibly. ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation, delivered through UKAS, provides the assurance that certification bodies operate to high international standards.
This both safeguards public interest and aligns directly with government policy objectives of driving growth in a £1 billion UK AI assurance market toward future multi‑billion-pound potential.
A measured, thorough approach
The rapid evolution of AI systems presents significant challenges in building a credible assurance framework. In response, UKAS has:
- Formed a Technical Advisory Committee to define what good looks like in AI management system certification.
- Secured top-level technical expertise and engaged specialists under contract.
- Partnered with organisations like the Artificial Intelligence Quality Infrastructure (AIQI) to stay abreast of best practice.
- Aligned our efforts with the government’s Roadmap by contributing to professionalisation, skills development, and building trust in assurance—without compromising rigour or pace.
Global progress and momentum
The project continues to attract strong international momentum. UKAS is currently conducting witnessed assessments in the UK, USA, China, and India. Many multinational organisations have also expressed interest — underscoring the global relevance of reliable AI accreditation.
The first tranche of seven certification bodies nearing completion includes:
- Alcumus ISOQAR Limited
- BSI Assurance UK Ltd
- Intertek Certification Ltd
- LRQA Limited
- NQA Certification
- Schellman Compliance LLC
- TUV UK Limited
A second tranche is already under way, with 12 additional organisations—many with global footprints—actively progressing their applications.
The road ahead for ISO/IEC 42001 accreditation
Applications remain open until 30 September 2025. Certification bodies selected in this phase will work closely with the UKAS project team to shape how accreditation under ISO/IEC 17021-1 is applied to AI management systems certification.
UKAS also invites suitably qualified technical experts to contribute to the evolution of accredited AI assurance—helping to drive both national policy goals and global best practice.
- Certification bodies interested in joining should contact developmentenquiries@ukas.com.
- Technical experts interested in contributing should contact technicalresources@ukas.com.
Aligning with national AI assurance ambitions
By embedding ISO/IEC 42001 certification within a robust ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation framework, UKAS plays a vital role in implementing the UK government’s Trusted Third-Party AI Assurance Roadmap. This ensures that innovation is underpinned by professionalism, transparency and ethical practice—helping realise both the promise and the responsibility of AI.
The post UKAS advances accreditation for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS) in line with UK’s AI Assurance Roadmap appeared first on UKAS.
