Introduction
This Technical Bulletin is applicable to all Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) Certification Bodies.
Following the publication of ISO 37001:2025, this bulletin has been produced to update Certification Bodies and other relevant stakeholders on the UKAS assessment process and overall timelines for assessment and transition to the revised standard.
Compared with the previous version of the ABMS standard (ISO 37001:2016), the main changes in the revised edition include:
- Incorporation of the latest Harmonized Structure for Management System Standards
- Introduction of subclauses on climate change and an enhanced focus on compliance culture
- Clearer guidance on managing conflicts of interest
- Clarification of the concept and role of the anti-bribery function
- Alignment of terminology and structure with other management system standards
ISO 37001:2025 is included within the IAF MLA scope, and the IAF Management Systems Working Group is in the process developing an MD document to provide normative requirements for a harmonised transition process. While the MD document is being developed, UKAS has created a transition plan to support a consistent approach within defined timescales and will be ready to assess against the requirements of the revised standard as soon as practicable, and no later than 30 November 2025.
UKAS Transition Plan
To progress the transition in a timely manner, UKAS accredited Certification Bodies are required to submit a self-declaration supported by a gap analysis and evidence of implementation of revised requirements, including training records, by 30 November 2025. Assessment activity will be coordinated following submission of the required evidence.
Assessment activity will be conducted via a desktop assessment by an approved Technical Assessor, with the option to conduct remote interviews and a closing meeting where required (i.e., if improvement actions need to be discussed with the CAB).
Transition assessments must be completed by 30 December 2025, allowing UKAS to complete all transition decisions by 28 February 2026 deadline proposed by the draft MDX.
The deadline for Certification Bodies to transition all ABMS-certified clients will be 28 February 2027. Certificates issued to the previous version of the standard will no longer be valid after this date.
Where evidence submitted by a CAB is insufficient to confirm full implementation of the revised requirements, additional assessment or mandatory improvement actions may be required in line with UKAS procedures.
NB. In the unlikely scenario that any part of the UKAS transition plan conflicts with the published MDX, then then plan will be updated, and a further communication will be issued to the affected CABs.
Assessment Effort
Given the limited nature of changes in ISO 37001:2025, the effort required for transition assessment is estimated as follows
Technical Assessor:
- 0.25 days office (preparation and reporting)
- 0.25 days desktop assessment
- 0.25 days remote engagement (e.g. interview/closing meeting)
Assessment Manager:
- Minimum of 0.5 office days for planning, reviewing reports, updating assessment schedules/programmes, and completing required actions for the independent decision-making process.
Total effort proposed:
- 1.25 days
Transition Timeline
| Date | Milestone / Activity |
|---|---|
| 28 February 2025 | Publication of ISO 37001:2025 |
| 30 November 2025 | Certification Bodies to submit self-declaration and supporting evidence |
| 30 December 2025 | All desktop transition assessment activity to be completed |
| 28 February 2026 | All UKAS transition decisions completed |
| 28 February 2027 | Certification Bodies to ensure all ABMS clients transitioned to ISO 37001:2025 |
As with any transition, failure to meet any of the defined milestones and complete the transition by the deadline may put accreditation in the relevant scope at risk.
Should you require any clarification on the above, please contact your Assessment Manager in the first instance. In the absence of your Assessment Manager, one of the following may be able to assist:
- Richard McFarlane: Head of Technical Coordination – [email protected]
- Adam Ward: Accreditation Specialist – [email protected]
Download this Technical Bulletin as a pdf here.