BSI leads the way with completion of ISO 17021 transition

Press release - 14th December 2011

The British Standards Institution (BSI) is proud to announce that it is one of the first certification bodies in the world to successfully upgrade its global accreditation certificate to the newly revised ISO/ IEC 17021:2011 standard.

ISO/ IEC 17021:2011, Conformity assessment - requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems - is a prerequisite for all certification bodies in order to prove that they are competent to carry out third-party certification and auditing of management systems.

Over the course of 2011 BSI has implemented a number of new systems to meet the new accreditation requirements such as the new competence requirements for non auditing staff such as sales, planning and certification decision teams.

Frank Lee, Group Accreditation Compliance Manager at BSI. “Such an achievement is a great testimony to the application, pragmatism and hard work of all involved. It demonstrates BSI’s commitment to being internationally recognised as a thought leader in the industry. Both clients and staff can benefit from the raised level of confidence which they are working with.”

“All accredited certification bodies are expected to be in full compliance with ISO 17021:2011 by 1st February 2013 so BSI is well ahead of the game having achieved the revision remarkably quickly yet competently,” he said.

About BSI

BSI (British Standards Institution) is a global organization that equips businesses with the necessary solutions to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence. Formed in 1901, BSI was the world’s first National Standards Body and a founding member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Over a century later it continues to facilitate business improvement across the globe by helping its clients drive performance, reduce risk and grow sustainably through the adoption of international management systems standards, many of which BSI originated. Famed for its marks of excellence including the instantly recognizable Kitemark®, BSI’s influence spans multiple sectors including aerospace, construction, energy, engineering, finance, healthcare, IT and retail. With over 70,000 clients in 150 countries, BSI is an organization whose standards inspire excellence across the globe.

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