The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) has granted BSI the world’s first accreditation for the certification of artificial intelligence (AI) management systems to ISO/IEC 42001:2023, marking a major milestone in the development of trusted and responsible AI assurance both in the UK and internationally.
ISO/IEC 42001 is the first global management system standard specifically designed for AI. It provides organisations with a structured framework to govern the development and use of AI responsibly, ensuring 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 required to certify organisations against this new standard. BSI is the first certification body to meet these requirements through the UKAS process, following detailed assessment of its technical capability and management systems during and after a pilot programme.
Matt Gantley, Chief Executive of UKAS, said, “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 broader work to support innovation while maintaining trusted safeguards. As adoption of AI accelerates across sectors, accredited certification will provide assurance 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, said, “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 organisations 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, contact the UKAS development team.
