Exploring Standards with Assent

This episode of Exploring Standards, is a recording from an in-person event, “ISO 9001: Now and Into the Future,” hosted by Assent Risk Management in collaboration with Interface NRM.

Featuring Rob from Assent Risk Management and Ryan from Interface NRM, this session brings together both implementation and certification perspectives on one of the world’s most widely used standards.

The episode begins with a clear breakdown of what ISO 9001 is, why it remains so widely adopted across the UK, and the role it plays in supply chains and public sector tenders. From there, the conversation turns to the upcoming 2026 revision, including timelines, expected updates, and why organisations should see this as an evolution rather than a major overhaul.

Key themes include the growing focus on quality culture and ethics, new climate-related requirements, clearer separation of risks and opportunities, and a more structured approach to change management. The speakers also cover the core requirements of ISO 9001 from a practical, consultancy perspective, along with reassurance and advice for organisations already certified.

Stay tuned for part two, where the discussion continues.

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In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess sits down with Tobias Mielke, Global Product Manager at TÜV Nord, to explore one of the most overlooked dimensions of information security - culture. While many organisations treat ISO 27001 as a compliance checkbox, Tobias makes the case that the standard is actually a powerful framework for embedding security into the DNA of your organisation. From phishing emails to access controls, real security starts with how people think and behave when no one is watching.

What You'll Learn

Key Takeaway

Security culture isn't built through policy documents,  it's built through people. When leadership visibly champions information security as a business priority, and when employees understand the why behind the controls, ISO 27001 transforms from a compliance label into a practical roadmap for lasting organisational change.

About Tobias

Tobias Mielke is Global Product Manager at TÜV Nord Group, based in Germany, where he oversees the technical development and ongoing support of a portfolio of management system standards, including ISO 27001 (Information Security Management Systems), ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), and ISO 42001 (AI Management Systems). In addition to his product management role, Tobias works as an ISO Lead Auditor for information security and related standards, with hands-on experience certifying organisations across multiple sectors, including critical infrastructure.

Connect with Tobias:

Website: https://www.tuv-nord.com/uk/en/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasmielke

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Contact Cornelia Campbell-Swart

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-campbell-swart-a98b1b137/

Website: www.optimalsolve.com

Mobile: 071 803 9532

Telephone: 011 513 4141

Email: [email protected]

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In this episode, host Jess sits down with Gary Beales from UTAC, an expert in management systems and certification implementation for the automotive sector, to explore IATF 16949, the international quality management standard designed specifically for the automotive industry.

What You'll Learn:

What IATF 16949 is and why it matters for organisations in the automotive supply chain

How the standard builds on ISO 9001 and the key differences between the two

The commercial and operational benefits of implementing IATF 16949

How certification can help organisations access global automotive markets and win tenders

Where companies typically see return on investment from implementing the standard

The process for organisations looking to upgrade from ISO 9001 to IATF 16949

Whether businesses should run ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 in parallel

The role of accreditation bodies and how global recognition works for certification

Key Takeaway:

About Gary:

Connect with UTAC:

UTAC Certification | ISO & IATF for Automotive Suppliers

UTAC: Posts | LinkedIn

Connect with Gary:

Phone: 07974 068 768

Email: [email protected]

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In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess sits down with Frances Gordon, a content strategist and plain language expert who has been a contributor to ISO 24495 - the international plain language standard. With nearly three decades of experience, Frances shares insights from the recent Brussels Plain Language Experience and breaks down what plain language truly means beyond just "simple words."

We explore:

Frances offers practical guidance on using AI tools responsibly for plain language work, emphasising that while AI can help scale processes, it cannot replace human expertise in understanding audiences, context, and regulatory requirements. She also discusses the ethical dimensions of plain language and why it's essential for vulnerable populations.

Guest: Frances Gordon, Content Strategist at Narratology and ISO Plain Language Standards Expert

Resources mentioned:

Contact Frances:

Frances Gordon - Narratology

www.narratology.co.uk

Plain language assessment tool | Narratology

Connect with Assent:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ

Instagram: @assentriskmanagement

Welcome to Exploring Standards! In this episode, host Jess sits down with Dan Sampson, a GRC consultant and certified lead auditor specialising in ISO 27001 and ISO 42001, to explore the intersection of information security and AI governance.

What You'll Learn:

Key Takeaway: ISO 27001 prevents your data from being stolen, while ISO 42001 prevents your data from being used unfairly or unpredictably by AI systems. Together, they provide comprehensive protection for organisations deploying AI.

About Dan Sampson: Dan is a GRC consultant specialising in information security and responsible AI governance through his company, Sampson ISO Audit and Consult Limited. With extensive experience at the University of Sheffield and now as an independent consultant, Dan helps organisations align their information security practices with responsible AI deployment.

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In the final episode of Season 3 of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by two special guests: Kirsty Wakefield, Information Security Sector Manager at ISOQAR, and Rob Clements, CEO & Director of Assent. Together, they explore one of the most talked-about topics in today’s business world, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the emerging international standard ISO 42001.

Kirsty Wakefield is the Information Security Manager at ISOQAR, where she leads on strengthening information security practices and ensuring compliance with international standards. With expertise in frameworks such as ISO 27001 and emerging standards like ISO 42001, Kirsty supports organisations in building robust governance, risk, and compliance strategies. She plays a key role in helping businesses achieve certification, embedding a culture of trust, accountability, and resilience in their operations.

The discussion begins with an introduction to ISO 42001, why it was created, and how it differs from other well-known standards like ISO 27001 and ISO 9001. Kirsty and Rob explain why AI governance and ethical use are becoming critical for organisations across all sectors, not just tech-heavy industries. They also highlight the main risks of unmanaged AI that the standard helps to address, from transparency and fairness to accountability and compliance.

Listeners will also gain insight into the value of ISO 42001 certification, including how it builds trust with customers and regulators, integrates with existing management systems, and ensures that AI remains ethical and effective. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how organisations can prepare internally for an ISO 42001 audit, and what the process involves from a certification body perspective.

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Contact ISOQAR

Explore ISOQAR’s dedicated ISO 42001 campaign page to access a free AI eBook, expert blogs, gap analysis tool, and more resources to guide your AI governance journey: http://bit.ly/4mRhYmt  

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Jay Riddler, Co-Founder and Director of Dynamic Consultancy Solutions, to dive into ISO 39001, Road Traffic Safety Management and its impact on the haulage and logistics industry. With over 20 years of frontline and management experience in transport, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge on compliance, accreditations, and safety standards.

Jay provides a clear overview of ISO 39001, explaining who is adopting it, why it matters, and the real benefits businesses can expect, from improving safety performance to building credibility and compliance in a highly regulated sector. The conversation also covers how ISO 39001 compares with schemes like FORS and DVSA Earned Recognition, the process of implementing the standard, and some of the most common challenges companies face (and how to overcome them).

Packed with expert insights and practical advice, Jay also shares his top tips for organisations looking to adopt ISO 39001 and strengthen their road traffic safety management systems.

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Contact Jay: