The UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) has officially granted the first accreditation for ISO/IEC 42001, the international standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). This marks an important step in how UK businesses can demonstrate responsible, compliant use of AI.
As artificial intelligence becomes more common in everyday business tools, expectations around AI governance, risk management and compliance are rising fast.
What Is ISO/IEC 42001?
ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first management system standard focused specifically on AI. It provides a practical framework for organisations to:
- Identify and manage AI-related risks
- Ensure ethical and transparent use of AI
- Embed accountability and governance into AI systems
UKAS accreditation now means organisations can pursue independently accredited certification, giving customers, partners and regulators confidence that AI is being used responsibly.
Why This Matters for SMEs
You don’t need to be building AI products to be affected. Many SMEs already use AI through:
- Microsoft Copilot and other productivity tools
- CRM and marketing automation platforms
- Cyber security and monitoring solutions
ISO/IEC 42001 helps SMEs stay ahead by:
- Reducing AI-related compliance and reputational risk
- Supporting future regulatory requirements
- Demonstrating trust and maturity to customers and suppliers
Much like ISO 27001 did for cyber security, ISO/IEC 42001 is set to become a key standard for modern businesses using AI.
How We Support AI and Compliance Readiness
As an IT partner offering Compliance as a Service, we help SMEs make sense of new standards without overcomplicating them. Our in-house compliance team works alongside our technical specialists to ensure your technology, policies and processes align every step of the way, whether you’re exploring AI, already using it, or preparing for future compliance needs.
Ready to Get Ahead of AI Compliance?
If your business is already using AI or considering it, now is the time to understand the compliance implications.
