News Item • 3 mins read
UKAS has granted BSI the first accreditation for certification of artificial intelligence (AI) management systems to ISO/IEC 42001:2023. This marks an important step in the development of trusted and responsible AI assurance in the UK and internationally.
ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first management system standard for artificial intelligence. It provides a structured framework for organisations to govern the development and use of AI responsibly, ensuring that systems are safe, transparent and aligned with recognised principles of good practice. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17021-1 confirms that a certification body has the competence, impartiality and consistent approach needed to certify organisations against this new standard.
BSI is the first certification body to meet these requirements under the UKAS process, following detailed assessment of its technical capability and management system during and after the pilot. This milestone demonstrates both the maturity of BSI’s approach to AI assurance and the growing need for independent, evidence-based oversight as AI becomes embedded in organisational practice.
Matt Gantley, Chief Executive of UKAS, welcomed the development:
“Accreditation to ISO/IEC 42001 represents a ground-breaking step in building confidence in the use of artificial intelligence. This successful pilot has laid the foundations for a consistent and credible approach to assuring AI management systems, and it is encouraging to see BSI achieve the first accreditation in this emerging field. As organisations look for trusted ways to demonstrate responsible and well-governed AI, accredited certification will play an essential role in strengthening confidence across industry, public services and wider society.”
The development of accreditation for AI management systems forms part of UKAS’s wider work to support innovation while maintaining trusted safeguards. As adoption of AI continues to expand, accredited certification provides confidence that organisations are managing risks effectively and operating in line with established expectations of quality, responsibility and ethics.
Manuela Gazzard, President of Regulatory Services at BSI states:
“BSI is proud to be the first Certification Body accredited by UKAS for ISO/IEC 42001. We endeavour to align innovation seamlessly with global and local compliance, governance, and security standards. As organizations accelerate their adoption of AI, accredited certification plays a vital role in strengthening trust, transparency, and responsible governance. This milestone reflects our shared commitment with UKAS to ensuring that AI systems are developed and used ethically and safely. It also supports businesses worldwide in building confidence and demonstrating leadership in the responsible development and deployment of AI.”
For more information about accreditation for ISO/IEC 42001, please contact the UKAS team.