Over a hundred influential public sector contacts attended a reception organised by UKAS and BSI British Standards at the House of Lords on Monday 30 June.

The receptive audience heard guest of honour, Ian Pearson MP, Minister for Innovation and Science, underline the importance of UKAS and BSI as key stakeholders in the nation’s innovation infrastructure. The Minister also stressed the importance of innovation to the country’s future prospects and encouraged those present to look for innovative solutions to the big policy challenges faced by government.

The reception, hosted by UKAS Chairman Lord Lindsay, was organised with the support of the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills, as part of the UKAS campaign to raise the awareness of UKAS accreditation across government. The event was designed to refresh contacts made throughout the year as well as to establish new relationships for the future.

In welcoming the guests to the House of Lords, Lord Lindsay reminded those present of the different ways accreditation can be used to provide the confidence to regulate in innovative ways. He encouraged those present to work with UKAS to develop flexible solutions to the major policy challenges they face such as carbon measurement and quality of healthcare.

Mike Low, Director BSI British Standards, emphasised the role of standards in disseminating innovation in both the private and public sectors and in bringing practical solutions to the government’s aim of lighter touch regulation.