BSI and UK Government agree on updated Memorandum of Understanding

The BSI’s status as the national standards body is not underpinned by statutory backing, but the MoU sets out the Government’s and BSI’s mutual understanding of the national standards body role. This reinforces the role standards can play in response to new questions posed by areas such as Artificial Intelligence, quantum and Net Zero.

The BSI has had an MoU with Government for over 40 years. This is the first revision since 2002, ensuring that the agreement remains fit for purpose.

Importance recognised

The MoU recognises the importance of continuing to represent UK views in the international standards system, including at the ISO and the IEC, and in the European standards organisations, namely CEN and CENELEC. It also highlights the need to include all stakeholders when developing standards.

Specifically, the updated MoU represents the agreement between the BSI and the Government on the national standards body’s role in supporting Government policy and in acting in the UK’s national interest, including around priorities such as national security, economic growth, trade, international development, science, innovation, Net Zero, environmental protection, sustainability, product safety, fair trading, consumer interests, better regulation and public procurement.

The BSI already partners with the Government to develop standards on a range of priority policy areas including autonomous vehicles (the Connected and Automated Vehicles programme) through to e-scooter and e-bike battery safety, hydrogen and AI (including the AI Standards Hub).

In essence, the MoU reinforces the role of standards alongside regulation as technology, innovation and environmental considerations transform society.

Importance of standardisation

Scott Steedman, director-general for standards at the BSI, explained: “The BSI is delighted to have signed this updated agreement with the UK Government. It reaffirms the BSI’s continuing role as the UK’s national standards body and recognises the important role of standardisation in supporting a wide range of Government priorities.”

Steedman continued: “Most importantly, the updated MoU recognises that standards are a tool that brings together stakeholders to support key areas of public policy interest in areas such as economic growth, technological innovation and sustainability. It highlights the BSI’s critical role in international standardisation, boosting trade and creating leadership for the UK on the global stage.”

In conclusion, Steedman noted: “As part of the UK’s national quality infrastructure, the BSI will continue to work closely with Government in order to drive the use of standards to benefit business and society and accelerate progress towards a sustainable world.”

*The new MoU may be viewed in full online at https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/about-bsi/governance/standards-governance/