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A guide to the changes in fire alarm system standard BS 5839-1
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A guide to the changes in fire alarm system standard BS 5839-1

Effective fire detection and alarm systems play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property, ensuring early warning in the event of a fire. To keep pace with regulatory changes, technological advancements, and industry best practices, BS 5839-1:2025 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings Part 1: Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non domestic premises – Code of practice is the latest update to this widely recognized. This revision brings important improvements to system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance, ensuring fire safety professionals have clear, practical, and up-to-date guidance. If you are responsible for fire safety, compliance, or system installation, understanding and implementing this standard is essential. Here’s what you need to know about BS 5839-1:2025, why it matters, and how it can benefit you. What is BS 5839-1 and why does it matter? BS 5839-1:2025 is a code of practice that provides comprehensive recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It ensures that systems are effective, reliable, and compliant with national building regulations. With previous editions referenced in Approved Document B, this standard plays a key role in fire safety compliance across commercial, public, and industrial buildings, helping to reduce risks and improve life safety measures. Discover more about how standards can help ensure fire safety by visiting our fire topic page. Why is BS 5839-1 an important standard? Fire safety is a legal, ethical, and operational responsibility for building owners, designers, and fire safety professionals. Non-compliant fire detection and alarm systems can result in increased risk to life, operational disruptions, and legal liabilities. BS 5839-1:2025 reflects the latest developments in fire alarm system technology and safety protocols, ensuring that fire detection measures are clear, effective, and aligned with modern building requirements. By following this standard, organizations can: Enhance fire protection measures with robust design and installation practices. Aids compliance with fire safety regulations and industry best practices. Improve occupant safety with clearer guidance on system modifications and alarm placement. Support system reliability by following structured commissioning and maintenance recommendations. Whether you are designing new fire alarm systems or upgrading existing ones, using BS 5839-1:2025 ensures that your systems meet the highest safety standards. Who should use BS 5839-1? This standard is essential for professionals involved in the specification, installation, and maintenance of fire detection and alarm systems, including: Fire safety consultants and engineers ensuring systems meet best practices. Fire alarm system designers and installers responsible for new system implementation. Facilities managers and building owners ensuring regulatory compliance. Health and safety officers managing workplace fire safety protocols. Regulatory authorities and insurers assessing fire safety measures in buildings. Whether you oversee fire safety in commercial, industrial, healthcare, or public buildings, this update ensures you are following the latest and most effective fire protection guidelines. Understanding the changes to BS 5839-1 The 2025 update introduces important improvements designed to enhance fire safety and streamline compliance. These changes reflect lessons learned from fire incidents and evolving best practices, ensuring that fire detection and alarm systems are more reliable, efficient, and effective. Some of the most significant updates include: 1. New section on fire alarm system modifications Clearer guidance on how to extend and upgrade existing fire alarm systems. 2. Tighter controls on variations Certain deviations from the standard are now explicitly restricted to prevent unsafe practices. 3. Improved manual call point placement guidance Simpler and clearer recommendations to optimize fire alarm system usability and efficiency. 4. Enhanced fire detection guidance for sleeping areas Preference for automatic fire detection over heat detectors, improving occupant safety in environments such as hotels, care homes, and student accommodation. 5. Restructured and clarified content The document has been revised to make it easier to understand, navigate, and apply in real-world scenarios. Another important fire safety standard – BS 9991 - has also been revised. You can learn more by reading the article BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard. How BS 5839-1 helps you stay fire safety compliant Fire safety regulations are constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial to ensuring compliance and reducing risk. BS 5839-1:2025 supports compliance with UK fire safety laws, providing clear, practical guidance on how to implement fire detection systems that meet the latest safety standards. By following BS 5839-1:2025, you can: Meet legal fire safety recommendations with up-to-date compliance guidance, stay abreast with the changing fire safety landscape with up-to-date compliance guidance. Reduce fire risks by implementing best-practice alarm system designs. Improve installation efficiency with clearer siting and modification rules. Enhance occupant safety with updated fire detection and alarm system recommendations. Whether you’re working on new system installations or upgrading existing fire alarms, this standard ensures best practices are followed for maximum fire protection. Stay compliant, informed, and prepared by getting your copy of BS 5839-1:2025 today.Read more
The 2025 Net Zero Barometer Report: Time to quicken the pace
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The 2025 Net Zero Barometer Report: Time to quicken the pace

The Net Zero Barometer is our annual report presenting findings that explore how UK businesses are navigating the transition to net zero. The fifth Barometer has now been published and reveals important data on what UK businesses are thinking, and doing, about net zero. All the reports are available to download for free from here: Net Zero Barometer Report 2021 Net Zero Barometer Report 2022 Net Zero Barometer Report 2023 Net Zero Barometer Report 2024 Net Zero Barometer Report 2025 Net zero signs of the times Our previous Net Zero Barometer Reports have reflected the attitudes and actions at the times when they were published. In 2021, it was the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 saw commitments to net zero boosted by COP26 with 195 countries agreeing to the 'Glasgow Climate Pact' to keep 1.5C alive. And in 2023 and 2024, cost established itself as the main obstacle towards action on net zero. Five years on, businesses are facing a number of difficult challenges, both geo-political and more local. For the Net Zero Barometer Report 2025, we surveyed over 1,000 senior decision-makers in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) all over the UK. Key findings from the 2025 report are: Consumer demand has emerged as the primary driver of net zero action. There’s a large demand for support and guidance on how to make net zero transition. In a difficult business environment, the commitment to decarbonizing has slowed and there is less target-setting. The sector and size of businesses is driving notable differences in the degree of action. Confidence has suffered, with fewer businesses believing they will achieve net zero by 2050. Cost remains a key barrier to action and progress. The new government is providing welcome policy clarity on the clean energy transition. Download the latest Net Zero Barometer Report to read the full findings. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions As the pressure builds for all businesses to achieve net zero, knowing which standards can help you and how to share their guidance within your organization can seem like a huge challenge. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the key standards you need in order to start your journey to net zero with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM06 Environment, Wastes, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.
From risk to resilience: Strengthening cybersecurity with ISO/IEC 27000 series of standards
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From risk to resilience: Strengthening cybersecurity with ISO/IEC 27000 series of standards

In recent months, a wave of cyberattacks targeting several major UK businesses has sent a stark message to organizations across every sector: cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, but a critical management issue involving serious business risks and impacts. These high-profile breaches are prompting many organizations to reassess their strategies, strengthen safeguards, and elevate cyber risk management to the executive agenda. But amid this menacing landscape of risks and threats, there is a tried-and-tested set of international standards can help organizations of all sizes strengthen their cyber defences and reduce their risk - the BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series (the national adoption of the international standards). This family of standards, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), offers a robust framework for information security management. By implementing the controls and principles outlined in these standards, businesses can create a structured approach to identifying risks, protecting systems, and responding to incidents. Understanding the BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series The BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series is a comprehensive set of standards designed to support organizations in managing the security of information assets such as financial data, intellectual property, employee details, and information entrusted by third parties. There are several standards in the series, and these are centered around BS EN ISO/IEC 27001. This standard is the global benchmark for establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Here's a quick overview of key standards within the series:  BS EN ISO/IEC 27000: Provides an overview of the entire series.  BS EN ISO/IEC 27001: Specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS. BS EN ISO/IEC 27002: Offers guidance on information security controls that can be selected during implementation.  BS EN ISO/IEC 27005: Focuses on information security risk management. BS EN ISO/IEC 27017 and BS EN ISO/IEC 27018: Provide guidelines for cloud security. BS ISO/IEC 27031: Provides guidance on ICT readiness for business continuity, helping organizations ensure their information and communication systems can support critical operations during disruption. BS ISO/IEC 27035: A multi-part standard offering comprehensive guidance on managing information security incidents - from planning and detection to response and lessons learned. Each standard complements the others and together they form a unified strategy to mitigate risks, enhance resilience, and support regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR). Learn more about how standards can help your organization reduce cybersecurity risks by visiting our Digital page. Cybercriminal tactics and the modern digital risk landscape Today’s cybercriminals are sophisticated, well organized, and increasingly successful in their attacks on businesses. Recent attacks have highlighted several core methods in their arsenal: Social engineering: Gaining trust or exploiting the human weakness of employees to trick them into divulging credentials or approving unauthorised actions, Phishing methods: Using fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details, Ransomware: a type of malware which prevents you from accessing your device and the data stored on it, usually by encrypting your files, Credential stuffing: Using leaked passwords from previous breaches to access accounts, Supply chain attacks: Targeting smaller suppliers to eventually compromise larger organizations. This arsenal of attacks underscore why businesses must go beyond antivirus software and firewalls. The BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series is specifically designed to address these complex risks, particularly those involving human behaviour, identity compromise, and lack of procedural and management controls. By incorporating human factors, enforcing strong identity and access controls, and embedding clear security policies, these standards empower organizations to take a proactive, structured approach to cybersecurity rather than simply reacting to incidents after they occur. BS EN ISO/IEC 27001 in action: Building a resilient ISMS At the heart of the BS EN ISO/IEC 27001 standard is the Information Security Management System (ISMS). This framework is designed to be risk-based approach to information security, integrating security into daily operations rather than treating it as a standalone concern, and ensuring the security control profile an organisation adopts is continually reviewed to reflect the changing environment it operates in. Key benefits of implementing an ISMS include: Top management and support: Establishes management requirements for leadership and commitment, awareness and training, management reviews and internal audits, Risk management: Systematic identification and treatment of risks tailored to the business environment, Compliance: Simplifies meeting legal and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, the UK Data Protection Act, and PCI DSS, Business continuity: Ensures the organisation  remain available and operational in the event of a breach or disruption, Customer trust: Certification provides assurance to clients and partners about your commitment to information security. The ISMS also drives internal improvements, creating clear policies, accountability structures, and audit trails, fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the organization. Discover more about BS EN ISO/IEC 27001 by reading our article Achieve better information security management with the revised BS EN ISO/IEC 27001. Cybersecurity for small businesses A common misconception about cyber risk is that only large organizations are attractive targets. In truth, micro-business as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly the target of cybercriminals, often because they lack the robust defences of larger counterparts. From family-run retailers to growing SaaS start-ups, smaller businesses are frequently seen as easy targets and, in many cases, as potential gateways into the supply chains of bigger firms. The BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series is particularly well-suited to address these challenges. Its framework is scalable, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Even without pursuing full certification, micro-business  and SMEs can benefit significantly by applying the core principles of BS EN ISO/IEC 27001. For instance, introducing structured security practices such as implementing stronger authentication protocols, classifying sensitive data, and managing access based on user roles can markedly reduce exposure to common threats. Guidance on the design and implementation of information security controls is available in BS EN ISO/IEC 27002, not only providing a comprehensive list of controls that any organisation should consider but providing guidance on the design and development of them. Just as critical is the ability to prepare for and respond to cyber incidents. The four-part BS ISO/IEC 27035 series provide valuable direction on how to detect, contain, and manage security breaches effectively, helping smaller businesses build resilience even with limited internal resources. . Complementing this is BS ISO/IEC 27031, which focuses on ICT readiness for business continuity. It offers guidance to help organizations ensure that their information and communication technology can continue to support critical business operations during and after a disruption, forming a crucial link between cybersecurity and broader business resilience planning. In today’s landscape, it’s no longer viable for small businesses to treat cybersecurity as an afterthought. Embracing the BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series equips them with the tools and strategies needed to defend against modern threats and secure their future. A roadmap to implementation For organizations considering adoption, here’s a basic roadmap to leveraging the BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series: 1. Top management support, commitment and leadership: Ensure Top Management is managing the process with necessary support, commitment and resources and the board understands cybersecurity as a business risk, not just an IT issue. 2. Define the ISMS scope: Clarify what parts of the business the ISMS will cover. 3. Assess and manage risk: Follow BS EN ISO/IEC 27005 to perform a risk assessment and define treatment plans. 4. Implement risk treatment plan: Determine a set of controls from relevant sources (for example ISO, IEC, NIST, COBIT standards etc) to mitigate the assessed risks and then do a comparison with the reference set of controls BS EN ISO/IEC 27002 to check that no controls are missing from this reference set.  The set of controls to be implemented should be included in a risk treatment plan. 5. Training and awareness: Build a culture of security from the ground up. 6. Performance evaluation and continuous improvement: Monitor, audit, and revise the ISMS regularly using process specified in BS EN ISO/IEC 27001. Accredited third-party certification bodies in the UK can provide external validation, adding a layer of trust and marketability to your security posture. Take control of your cybersecurity future today Whether you’re leading a multinational organization or running a growing small business, the BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series offers a proven path to stronger, smarter security. These internationally recognized standards help you identify vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and respond with confidence to the evolving threat landscape. Get your copy of the standards in the BS EN ISO/IEC 27000 series here.
BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard
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BS 9991: A comprehensive update to the UK’s essential fire safety standard

The latest revision of BS 9991 - the UK's key fire safety standard for residential buildings - represents a critical advancement in fire safety regulation.  As fire safety concerns have evolved, the new edition incorporates essential updates designed to enhance safety in the design, management, and use of residential buildings.  Here, we’ll explore the significance of the upcoming BS 9991:2024 Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings - Code of practice, the key changes being introduced, and why adopting this standard is vital for anyone involved in residential building safety. Get your copy of the standard here. What is BS 9991? BS 9991 is a code of practice standard that offers comprehensive guidance and recommendations for ensuring fire safety in residential buildings. First introduced as a British Standard in 2011, it serves as a primary reference for achieving fire protection measures, safeguarding lives, and minimizing property damage in the event of a fire. It covers a wide range of building types, from apartment blocks and flats to residential care homes. The objective of the standard is twofold: To ensure an adequate standard of life safety in the event of a fire, focusing on occupant safety, firefighter safety, and the protection of emergency services. To offer property protection, safeguarding not only the building in question but also adjacent properties, businesses, and the environment. BS 9991 bridges the gaps between different regulatory frameworks in the UK, providing a unified approach to fire safety that can be applied nationally. Explore our library of fire-related standards and the benefits they can bring to your organization by visiting our Fire topic page.  What are the key changes in BS 9991:2024? The upcoming  2024 revision brings significant updates.  These reflect the increasing complexity of modern building designs and the evolving knowledge of fire behaviour, materials, and fire safety systems.  The key changes include: Expanded scope: BS 9991 now covers residential care homes, recognizing the unique evacuation needs and fire safety challenges unique to those properties.  Explicit exclusions on timber have been removed: The scope of the standard has been limited in terms of reaction-to-fire classifications of load-bearing elements of structure to better reflect the available evidence regarding the use of mass timber in medium and high residential buildings. Revised guidance for sprinklers and single-stair buildings: Updates include a new height limit for single-stair buildings and adjustments to sprinkler installation guidelines. European classifications for fire doors: National fire door classifications have been replaced with European classifications to ensure consistency and reliability in fire resistance. Enhanced recommendations for smoke control and evacuation lifts: Improved provisions for smoke control systems and detailed recommendations for evacuation lifts, making tall buildings safer in fire emergencies. Updates on ancillary areas, kitchens, and external wall systems: The recommendations for these areas have been revised to account for the latest safety practices. The 2024 edition offers a robust framework for fire safety in residential buildings, accommodating advancements in building technology while maintaining practicality. For more detailed information on BS 9991:2024, you can download the free executive briefing here. What are the benefits of the revised BS 9991:2024? BS 9991:2024 provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for fire safety in residential buildings, ensuring the highest level of protection for both occupants and the building itself.  The revised standard addresses the complexities of modern building design, including mixed-use and high-rise structures, offering solutions for even the most challenging fire safety scenarios.  The 2024 edition integrates the latest advancements in fire safety knowledge, providing a future-proof approach to the design and management of residential buildings. Who should use BS 9991:2024 and why?  BS 9991:2024 is essential for a wide range of professionals involved in the design of new buildings, as well as material alterations, extensions, and changes of use to existing buildings. Users of the standard include:  Designers and Architects: BS 9991 offers a clear and authoritative guide to integrating fire safety into the design process, ensuring that buildings are constructed with the latest fire safety technologies and methods. Fire Safety Engineers and Risk Assessors: The revised standard provides detailed guidance on fire safety risk assessments and offers updated methodologies to tackle emerging fire safety challenges. Building Owners and Managers: Following BS 9991 helps maintain legal compliance, reduce liability, and ensure the protection of residents and properties in the event of a fire. Fire and Rescue Services: BS 9991 helps fire services by providing standardized design and operational procedures that make firefighting and rescue operations more efficient and effective. Whether you are designing a new building or making material changes to an existing one, this standard provides the tools to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and to mitigate fire risks. Stay informed, stay up to date, and ensure your buildings meet the highest standards of fire safety. Get your copy of BS 9991:2024 today.

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About BSI: The world’s first national standards body
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About BSI: The world’s first national standards body

BSI is appointed by the UK Government as the national standards body (NSB), holds the Royal Charter, and represents UK interests at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the European Standards Organizations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI). BSI is the UK's first national standards body to be created. We represent UK economic and social interests across all European and international standards organizations and in the development of business information solutions for British organizations of all sizes and sectors. Our role is to help improve the quality and safety of products, services and systems by enabling the creation of standards and encouraging their use. Annually, BSI publishes over 3,100 standards, each meticulously crafted through a process of collaboration and refinement. These standards serve as pillars of guidance, underpinning the quality and safety of products, services, and systems while fostering a culture of continuous improvement within organizations. Delivering best practice knowledge BSI serves as more than a publisher of standards; we are custodians of knowledge, stewards of innovation, and champions of best practices. Our commitment to delivering best practice knowledge is unwavering, recognizing that knowledge is the lifeblood of successful businesses. Through British Standards, we offer distilled wisdom, carefully curated from vast pools of experience and expertise. This knowledge, encapsulated within our standards, is a testament to the collective insights of industry practitioners, subject matter experts, and stakeholders. Furthermore, BSI operates within four key areas of purpose as the UK's National Standards Body: Supporting government policy. Fostering growth and competitiveness within UK business and industry. Nurturing educational initiatives within the UK. Safeguarding consumer rights and safety. Visit BSI Group website to learn more about our work. Supporting businesses through standard development Central to our role is the facilitation of standards development, ensuring that UK businesses have access to the frameworks necessary for success. Standards, ranging from specific product guidelines to broader business management practices, serve as invaluable tools for innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence. Through our extensive network of experts and committees, we drive UK influence in the development of European and international standards, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in a global marketplace. BSI remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting businesses through standardization, offering tailored resources and guidance to navigate the intricate landscape of standards. Whether you're a multinational corporation or a burgeoning start-up, our comprehensive catalogue of standards and supporting documents stands ready to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed for sustainable growth and success. Discover our extensive catalogue of standards and supporting documents today. Have your say on standards Standard development Over 9,000 UK experts volunteer their knowledge and time to participate in BSI committees and contribute to the drafting of Standards. These committees comprise manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments, and consumers who all work together to address industry challenges. Want to get involved? It’s easy to have your say on standards. There are several different ways that you can help to develop standards. By using our Standards Development Portal, you can: Comment on proposed and draft standards Suggest an idea for a new standard Contact a committee You can also apply to become a BSI committee member, enabling you to share your expertise and collaborate with others to create new standards and rewrite existing ones. Learn more about applying to be a committee member here. Standard feedback On the Standards Development Portal, you will be able to browse through the standards in your area of interest and see which committees they sit under. You can follow the committee links to find out more about each one's scope, membership list, work program, and how to contact them. Standard users can contact our committees to: Request comment resolutions Raise issues and provide feedback on a standard and your use of it Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions At their core, our standards promote a focus on achieving excellence across every sector - from quality management and supply chain stability to net zero and digital trust. Our tailored BSI Knowledge subscription service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your organization needs to achieve your objectives. Request to learn more.Read more
What are the benefits of using standards?
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What are the benefits of using standards?

In the dynamic landscape of industry and innovation, standards emerge as the unsung heroes, quietly shaping the way we operate, communicate, and progress.  From fostering interoperability and quality assurance to driving innovation and sustainability, the benefits of standards permeate every facet of our interconnected world. For example, imagine a world where every electronic device speaks its own language, unable to communicate with others. Chaos would ensue. Fortunately, standards step in to ensure interoperability and compatibility. Whether it's the USB port that connects your devices or the internet protocols enabling seamless communication, standards lay the groundwork for harmonious interaction. They also play a pivotal role in helping us to build a better global future. Whether it's energy efficiency standards supporting us through the transition to net zero, or fair trade regulations helping us to eradicate modern slavery, standards serve as guiding principles, steering organizations towards responsible stewardship of resources and equitable treatment of stakeholders. Regardless of your approach to standards, they offer tangible benefits for organizations like yours. Whether your aim is certification or not, the mere act of implementing a standard and following the guidance it provides can be incredibly advantageous. By enhancing your processes through standards, you can unlock a myriad of benefits that contribute to your organization's success and competitiveness. Benefit 1: Standards boost productivity and improve performance  They: Increase efficiency by streamlining processes. Reduce cost by minimizing waste and cutting out the time spent on ‘trial and error’. Allow production at scale by replacing bespoke variety with standardized solutions, performance, or outcomes, thus freeing resources for differentiating products and services from those of competitors. Lower the cost of regulatory compliance and the costs of non-compliance. Foster high-quality products and services that give buyers confidence and build company reputations. Shorten the time to market for new products. Benefit 2: Standards kickstart innovation  They: Agree on common terminology and transfer new information into the commercial environment, which accelerates the spread of innovation. Support innovators by providing expert, authoritative new knowledge, which in turn is a platform for further innovation. Build communities and promote the exchange of knowledge, which catalyses collaborative development and speeds up technology lifecycles. Encourage process innovation through continual improvement. Enable organizations to unlock their full potential in terms of their products, processes, and behaviour's. Benefit 3: Standards support domestic and international trade They: Give buyers confidence that products will be safe and fit for purpose, so they are more widely accepted. Improve transparency – buyers know what they’re getting – which reduces the costs of international trade, such as the need for repeated product testing. Make UK firms more efficient and innovative, so they can compete globally. Overcome arbitrary national technical barriers to trade Improve confidence and transparency throughout complex and often multinational supply chains. Key standards to benefit your business Maintain fundamentals – you can use BS EN ISO 9001, to create your own unique quality management system (QMS), BS 13500 to benchmark and optimize your corporate governance, and BS ISO 31000 to manage risks. Ensure organizational resilience - understand and prioritize operational threats with BS EN ISO 22301, which provides a framework with which to control and reduce potential hazards. Protect your information - the coronavirus pandemic was exploited by cybercriminals. Constant vigilance is required to counter deliberate or accidental data breaches and cyberattacks. Keep vital information safe with BS EN ISO/IEC 27001. Nurture and inspire your people - recovery needs talented and engaged employees. Protect your people with BS EN ISO 45001 for health and safety, and BS ISO 45003 for psychological wellbeing. Nurture staff with BS 76000 and PD 76006 to help align their aspirations with company goals. Build a culture that recognizes and respects all differences with BS 76005. Prioritize responsible business – BS EN ISO 26000 provides guidance on social responsibility, while BS EN ISO 14001 outlines a sustainability framework to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Start reaping the benefits of standards today, by browsing our range and adding all the key business standards to your collection. Have your say on standards Standard development Over 9,000 UK experts volunteer their knowledge and time to participate in BSI committees and contribute to the drafting of Standards. These committees comprise manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments, and consumers who all work together to address industry challenges. Want to get involved? It’s easy to have your say on standards. There are several different ways that you can help to develop standards. By using our Standards Development Portal, you can: Comment on proposed and draft standards Suggest an idea for a new standard Contact a committee You can also apply to become a BSI committee member, enabling you to share your expertise and collaborate with others to create new standards and rewrite existing ones. Learn more about applying to be a committee member here. Standard feedback On the Standards Development Portal, you will be able to browse through the standards in your area of interest and see which committees they sit under. You can follow the committee links to find out more about each one's scope, membership list, work program, and how to contact them. Standard users can contact our committees to: Request comment resolutions Raise issues and provide feedback on a standard and your use of it Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions At their core, our standards promote a focus on achieving excellence across every sector - from quality management and supply chain stability to net zero and digital trust. Our tailored BSI Knowledge subscription service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your organization needs to achieve your objectives. Request to learn more.
How to find the right standards for your business
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How to find the right standards for your business

Whether you're a start-up or a seasoned enterprise, determining the right standards for your organization can be a daunting task. However, with careful consideration and strategic planning, you can navigate this process effectively.  Standards play a vital role in facilitating trade, innovation, and collaboration on a global scale.  Developed through consensus by industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, professional associations, and standardization organizations, they provide a common language and framework for organizations, regulators, and consumers. Their implementation fosters trust, efficiency, and interoperability. To learn more about the positive impact of standards, read our article The Benefits of Standards. The only problem is with over 100,000 of them - and more publishing every year - knowing which standard to implement can be a challenge.  To help you know where to start, here’s our comprehensive guide to help you find the right standards for your organization: 1. Define your business objectives There is pretty much a standard for everything - shoe sizes, tattooing, facial recognition technology, there’s even a standard for the perfect cup of tea. In order to determine which will be the right standard for you, you need to clarify your organizational objectives. What are your short-term and long-term goals? Understanding your company's mission, vision, and values will provide a clear framework for selecting appropriate standards. For example, if you work for an organization that wants to improve the quality of its products, you might consider implementing BS EN ISO 9001 Quality management systems. Requirements. Or, if your organization is looking to improve its environmental impact, then BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental management systems. Requirements with guidance for use could be the one you opt for.  2. Conduct a needs assessment You might also want to evaluate your business operations, products, and services to identify areas where standards are essential. This assessment will highlight areas where standards can improve quality, mitigate risks, and enhance efficiency. Consider factors such as regulatory requirements, industry norms, customer expectations, and internal processes. 3. Research industry standards Investigate industry-specific standards relevant to your organization. These may include information security (BS EN ISO/IEC 27001), occupational health and safety (BS EN ISO 45001), or sector-specific standards such as BS EN 9100 for aerospace or BS ISO 7101 for healthcare.  Engage with industry associations, regulatory bodies, and professional networks to stay informed about the latest developments in standards. 4. Analyze legal and regulatory requirements Compliance with legal and regulatory standards is non-negotiable for businesses operating in any industry.  Research applicable laws, regulations, and industry-specific mandates governing your business activities. Ensure that your chosen standards align with these requirements to avoid legal complications and penalties. 5. Consider customer expectations Understanding and meeting customer expectations is paramount to business success.  Solicit feedback from customers to identify their quality, safety, and performance requirements.  You can then tailor your choice of standards to align with these expectations, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. 6. Evaluate organizational capabilities Purchasing a standard is one thing, but you’ll also need to be able to adhere to its requirements and specifications. Not all standards are the same, with some requiring more process changes and documentation than others.  Assessing your organization's resources, capabilities, and readiness to implement and maintain standards can help to narrow down which will be best suited to your organization's unique needs. Consider factors such as budget, expertise, infrastructure, and organizational culture.  It is also worth determining whether you have the necessary skills and capacity in-house to implement a standard, or if you require external assistance such as consultants or training providers. Get started on your standard journey In summary, finding the right standards for your business requires careful planning, research, and strategic decision-making. By aligning standards with your objectives, complying with legal requirements, meeting customer expectations, and leveraging industry best practices, you can establish a robust framework for success.  Embrace standards as a catalyst for growth, innovation, and differentiation in today's competitive business landscape. Have your say on standards Standard development Over 9,000 UK experts volunteer their knowledge and time to participate in BSI committees and contribute to the drafting of Standards. These committees comprise manufacturers, users, research organizations, government departments, and consumers who all work together to address industry challenges. Want to get involved? It’s easy to have your say on standards. There are several different ways that you can help to develop standards. By using our Standards Development Portal, you can: Comment on proposed and draft standards Suggest an idea for a new standard Contact a committee You can also apply to become a BSI committee member, enabling you to share your expertise and collaborate with others to create new standards and rewrite existing ones. Learn more about applying to be a committee member here. Standard feedback On the Standards Development Portal, you will be able to browse through the standards in your area of interest and see which committees they sit under. You can follow the committee links to find out more about each one's scope, membership list, work program, and how to contact them. Standard users can contact our committees to: Request comment resolutions Raise issues and provide feedback on a standard and your use of it Browse our huge range of standards to start improving your business today.
BSI Membership: Be a champion of excellence
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BSI Membership: Be a champion of excellence

We cordially invite you to be a part of our exclusive membership programme. Having a BSI membership allows you to reap the maximum benefit from your standards – helping you save time, become more productive, and drive organizational performance. Whilst thousands of organizations use standards to support their practices, it is only BSI members who get access to tools, industry insights, and expert support. By becoming a BSI member, you can: Prove you’re committed to excellence, through visible association with BSI Draw on our professional researchers for help with standards Reach a new level of expertise, with unique insights into best practices and upcoming innovations in your sector Save up to 50% on standards and subscriptions. What BSI Membership gives your organization As a member of BSI, you’re linked to a global leader in standards. BSI is synonymous with excellence and innovation, and our expertise is trusted worldwide. Enhance your status A BSI Membership will strengthen your organization’s reputation by joining a global leader in standards, and clearly show your commitment to quality and best practices. Raise your profile – access a membership toolkit with digital and physical certificates, and guidance on using your BSI credentials. A connection to the right people - get to know BSI’s experts and be part of the conversations that matter. Make a difference - have a say in steering the direction of BSI via voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and getting involved in making standards. 'I’d definitely recommend BSI Membership. It’s what I use to persuade people that I’m professional and that my business is professional.' - CHRIS MCCARTHY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, APEX SECURITY SYSTEMS Get expert support from our researchers We want to make you the expert, sharing our extensive knowledge and experience so you can speak confidently about standards and understand how they apply to your business. Expert research on demand – get free access to the BSI Member Enquiry service saving you hours of time and ensuring complete accuracy. The Standards Watch Service - identify relevant standards and receive regular reports on them – keeping you effortlessly up to speed. 'We need to know what standards say, and our integrity hangs on that. The Knowledge Centre is a very, very useful source of help.' - HOWARD CLAYTON, TECHNICAL LIBRARIAN, AMERICAN BUREAU OF SHIPPING Giving you value Generous discounts - save up to 50% on standards and subscriptions – so you can improve your performance for less Priceless prestige - enhance your organization’s standing by gaining a new level of expertise and aligning with the BSI brand Fast-track your organization to operational excellence. Become a BSI Member today. Already a member? Access your benefits on our Member Portal How much does BSI Membership cost? BSI Membership delivers exceptional value every day. It provides expert support for you and your business; generous savings; and a badge of excellence that sets you apart. Prices start from as little as £213 a year and vary depending on your sector and size. Get an instant quote for Membership. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions At their core, our standards promote a focus on achieving excellence across every sector - from quality management and supply chain stability to net zero and digital trust. Our tailored BSI Knowledge subscription service provides flexibility, access, visibility, and control over the standards and insights your organization needs to achieve your objectives. Request to learn more.