Ben Hedley

CSN NSB members have been updating their websites to assist with COVID-19 mitigation: NSB responses as of 01/04/2020 are outlined below, please let us know if you have additional information that might be useful to share via the CSN portal. Country COVID-19 Info Comments Antigua and Barbuda https://abbs.gov.ag/ Signposted to WHO website Canada https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/news/2020/novel-coronavirus-update-covid-19 Bespoke SCC info Ghana https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/covid-19-lockdown-and-beyond/ https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/world-health-organization-7/ https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/world-health-organization-6/ https://www.gsa.gov.gh/2020/03/modes-of-transmission-of-virus-causing-covid-19/ Several pages of info with references taken from WHO (information positioned towards the bottom of home page) Malta https://mccaa.org.mt/section/content?contentId=5313 Bespoke MCCAA info specific to hand sanitisers New Zealand https://www.standards.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2020/mar/an-update-on-standards-new-zealand-work-practices/ https://www.standards.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2020/apr/free-availability-of-covid-19-related-iso-standards/ Bespoke NZSO content with references to relevant ISO standards St. Vincent and the Grenadines http://www.svgbs.gov.vc/ - http://health.gov.vc/health/index.php/c Signposted to government website South Africa https://www.sabs.co.za/ https://www.sabs.co.za/Client_Comms_COVID19/index.asp Bespoke business continuity info Sri Lanka http://www.slsi.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=171:postponed-all-slsi-training-programmes-due-to-the-corona-virus-outbreak-in-the-country&catid=8:latest-news&lang=en&Itemid=359 Bespoke SLSI info about postponement of training programmes owing to outbreak Trinidad and Tobago https://gottbs.com/blog/news/#.XoRcuKhKg2x Info from TTBS under News and Events Uganda https://www.unbs.go.ug/ https://www.unbs.go.ug/covid-19/ https://www.unbs.go.ug//news-highlights.php?io=news Bespoke COVID-19 video from UNBS and other info under News & Highlights and Twitter feed on home page UK https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/ https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/bsi-knowledge---uk-national-standards-body/ Bespoke info under Latest and trending. Open access to relevant standards on 1. The production of ventilators,, 2. personal protective equipment and 3. risk management and business continuity.

Please see BSI COVID-19 update: Following the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), BSI, as the UK’s National Standards Body has assessed how we can best support Government, UK businesses and ultimately the UK population. At this time, it is important that business and Government is equipped with expert, consensus base best practice information to help them navigate the current and rapidly developing situation. After careful consideration of our portfolio, we have selected the most relevant standards to meet the immediate challenges faced by Government and UK business, and will be opening access to these standards during this time of emergency. The Initial focus will cover 3 main areas: the production of ventilators, personal protective equipment and risk management and business continuity. As the National Standards Body, BSI will continue to assess how we are best able to support and contribute towards the UK’s collective efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID -19 on both the health of the nation and UK business. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/bsi-knowledge---uk-national-standards-body/ Other NSBs are following similar procedures, please share additional COVID-19 updates/questions with ben.hedley@bsigroup.com

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly and it's unlikely any of us have experienced anything quite like this, the next few months will undoubtedly raise many new challenges and the CSN Secretariat wishes CSN members the best during these difficult times. We are looking into ways that the Network can support it's members over the forthcoming months. Delivery of online outputs such as eLearning and written resources will be a focus in the short-term and we will keep you updated as plans progress with the developing global situation. Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions for how the CSN could offer support, or where you could offer support to others. Best Regards Ben Hedley (ben.hedley@bsigroup.com)

We are conducting a survey to assess outcomes of the CSN and to capture ideas about how the programme should develop. We would be grateful if you could follow this link https://surveys.bsigroup.com/wix/7/p1880770217.aspx to complete the survey by Friday 6th March.

Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops took place in Kigali, Rwanda 17-19 February 2020; the events focussed on procurement and increasing international trade via the adoption of international standards to support national regulations. The sessions were delivered by Nele Zgav (BSI Lead Standards Development Manager), and Devin McDaniels (CSN consultant) in collaboration with experts from the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB). More than 50 representatives from the NSB, Government, Education, and procurement officers attended. Meeting presentations and reports will be made available on the CSN Portal once finalised.

CSN in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops took place in Windhoek, Namibia from 22-24 January 2020. Focusing on how using international standards can support trade, Russell Reefer (BSI Senior International Policy Manager) delivered the sessions alongside Erik Wijkström (WTO TBT Secretary) and experts from the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI). More than 70 representatives from NSI, Namibian government and the private sector participated each day. The sessions also helped conclude phase one of an IEC Mentoring Agreement between BSI and NSI, the goal of which will be to help build NSI's capacity to make active contributions, technical participation and interaction within the IEC community. CSN_Namibia presentations_January 2020.zip

Today as we celebrate World Standards Day, this year's theme is Video: Video content helps us engage, connect and tell our story visually with audiences across the globe. Here are our video highlights from the recent Commonwealth Standards Network Annual Meeting which took place in Cape Town, on 18th September. The event brought together more than 50 delegates from over 20 different national and regional standards bodies who shared their views to shape the future roadmap of the Commonwealth Standards Network. CSN ANNUAL EVENT HIGHLIGHT VIDEO - Web Version.mp4

Message from David Bell, Director of Standards Policy, BSI: Dear Commonwealth Standards Network member, I am delighted to inform you that today at the Commonwealth Trade Ministers meeting in London, the UK International Trade Minister Liz Truss announced £2.5m of UK Aid funding to support the next stage of the Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) from April 2020 to March 2021. The additional funding will help the CSN continue its valuable work in partnership with National Standards Bodies and other stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth to promote the development and use of international standards, leading to enhanced trade and economic development. The CSN work programme for 2020-21 is now being finalised. It is being informed by the valuable feedback and suggestions that have been provided by CSN members and other stakeholders via training sessions, survey responses, and the annual meetings. The work programme will include the continued growth and development of the membership of CSN, governance structures, the online portal, training materials, in-country NSB training and stakeholder workshops, and additional technical assistance programmes. In just over a year the CSN has already become the biggest network of National Standards Bodies in the ISO family. As a collaborative network it relies on the continued engagement from its membership to achieve its aims. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support for the network and look forward to continuing to work with you in the future. Yours faithfully, David Bell Director of Standards Policy BSI www.commonwealthstandards.net CSN 2020-21 Funding announcement.pdf CSN 2020-21 funding press release.pdf