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Ben Hedley

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  1. International Standards supporting SDGs The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023 makes clear that, halfway to the 2030 deadline for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), progress has not met expectations. Urgent action is required to address poverty and inequality, improve social protections, education and gender equality, and widen access to digital technology. UN Secretary-General Guterres says that ‘these shifts must be supported by strengthened national institutions, greater accountability, effective regulatory frameworks and stronger digital infrastructure and data capacity.’ Standards have a crucial role to play in providing the underlying frameworks and assurance that can pave the way to progress on SDGs. What progress has been made towards the SDGs? In 2015, the UN agreed a 15-year plan to address some of the most pressing issues in the world by 2030. These issues were divided into 17 SDGS, covering everything from poverty and hunger to the environment, economic growth and strong institutions. Achieving the SDGs was never going to be easy, but world events since 2015 have created additional challenges. However, some analysts say that governmental inaction is also a major factor: the bold leadership required to change people’s habits has been lacking. According to the UN, of the 140 SDG targets that can be evaluated, half show moderate or severe deviations from the desirable trajectory. Almost one third (30%) of targets have shown no progress or have even reversed below the 2015 baseline. For governments, especially in developing countries, making progress on MDGs has to be balanced against other priorities. The long-term, open-ended nature of MDGs and the additional vision required to translate the goals into tangible, country-specific action might mean MDGs lose out to other needs. ISO standards to help meet SDGs The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published over 22,000 standards and related documents setting out guidelines and frameworks formed through international consensus. Many of these ISO standards can be used to put ideas into practice. ISO has even identified how many standards in its portfolio relate to each SDG – by far the most standards relate to SDG 9: industry innovation and infrastructure; 14,847 standards relate to this goal. For example, ISO 44001 covers business relationship management systems, which can help to facilitate business practices and relationships, while ISO 56002 sets out guidance on innovation management systems and ISO 56003 offers tools and methods for collaborative innovation partnership. Use of these standards can help to create an environment where businesses work together to become more than the sum of their parts, allowing them to innovate, grow and compete internationally. ISO standards can also help businesses to operate safely and with minimum impacts on the environment, for example by providing test methods to determine pollution levels, or specifications that help to ensure buildings are safe for users. Another key area where ISO standards can help is with SDG: Good health and Well-being. In developing countries, ensuring access to high quality healthcare is a challenge that can impact on national productivity and quality of life. ISO standards for everything from the ISO 11137 series on sterilizing healthcare products to ISO 37101 on the sustainable development of communities, or ISO 45001 on occupational health and safety, offer support for sectors and organizations looking to make improvements. Why not take a look at the ISO standards for yourself?
  2. African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) and the International Trade Centre (ITC) renew their memorandum of understanding ARSO and ITC recently signed a renewed memorandum of understanding to contribute to continent-wide efforts to establish a ‘Made in Africa’ label and boost trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). "The agreement renews a working commitment between the two organizations for five years until 2028, with an updated cooperation framework reflecting developments in Africa’s regional integration efforts, underpinned by the AfCFTA, and a growing global shift towards the use of sustainability standards to demonstrate commitment to good environmental, social, ethical and food safety practices. The organizations will also promote regional standards in AfCFTA priority sectors and the Eco Mark Africa ecolabel. They will work together to align National Quality Policies with the Africa Quality Policy, and provide other AfCFTA support measures, including tailored training sessions for small businesses, including those led by women and young entrepreneurs. At the signing ceremony, ARSO Secretary General Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana said: ‘This MOU will generate greater commitment between our organizations and boost intra-Africa trade, particularly through diversified production of value-added industrial products, across all priority sectors of Africa’s economy. Together, we will accelerate standardization activities to increase the competitiveness of African enterprises, strengthen regional value chains and pave the way for Made in Africa goods and services.’ In her remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted the role of stronger collaboration between the two organizations to strengthen regional integration and industrialization, building on improved quality infrastructure systems. Quality infrastructure services from ARSO enable AfCFTA State Parties to meet AfCFTA requirements." https://www.arso-oran.org/?page_id=64
  3. A groundbreaking workplace standard The creation of the BS 30416 Menstruation, menstrual health and menopause in the workplace standard gives business leaders, employers and managers the tools to establish inclusive organizations. The stigma surrounding menopause and menstruation has stalled effective support in the workplace for individuals, leading to avoidable stress for employees and unfairness within businesses. Addressing workplace challenges related to menstruation and menopause is crucial for fostering inclusivity and fairness. With only a small fraction of workplaces having specific policies in place, there's a pressing need for change to mitigate stress and promote job satisfaction. The BS 30416 standard provides a framework for businesses to create inclusive environments through measures like non-stigmatizing language, access to facilities, and flexible working arrangements. By fostering open communication and implementing practical solutions, businesses can support employees experiencing menstruation and menopause, ultimately enhancing productivity and retention. To deliver more positive outcomes for women's rights at work, BS 30416 contains guidance around non-stigmatizing language, access to facilities, and menstruation and menopause advocates, as well as provisions for flexible working for more severe symptoms (e.g. those experiencing endometriosis). Other practical measures cover comfortable seating, fans at desks and alternative uniforms. Open communication between employees and managers are also encouraged to remove the workplace stigma around menstruation, menstrual health and menopause. https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights-and-media/insights/case-studies/shaping-best-practice-around-menstruation-and-menopause-in-the-workplace/
  4. Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Tanzania Police Force have joined forces to revolutionize vehicle inspections through the use of modern digital facilities. The partnership, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing, aims to enhance road safety and protect lives from potential accidents. TBS Director General Dr Athuman Ngenya emphasized the shift from manual vehicle inspections to employing advanced digital equipment, ensuring efficiency and safety for all road users. The initiative, will deploy TBS experts and modern tools across the country, significantly contributing to reducing unnecessary road fatalities. The collaboration signals a new era of enhanced vehicle inspection, promoting adherence to safety standards on Tanzania's roads. https://www.tbs.go.tz/news/tbs-police-force-partner-on-vehicle-inspection
  5. Business Growth Toolkit – a series from The Standards Show - developed in collaboration with Innovate UK EDGE. The series looks at the relationship between standards and some key business issues, with particular relevance for SMEs. In this episode of the series Matthew speaks to Adrian Miller from The Institute of Collaborative Working about ISO 44001 – the international standard for collaborative business relationships. https://the-standards-show.onpodium.co/episodes/business-growth-toolkit-series-collaborative-business-relationships
  6. Small yards, big tents: How to build cooperation on critical international standards. Published by Brookings 11/03/2024. Key points: "Government can and should take steps to enable greater participation from a wider range of stakeholders but, if the system of standards development for AI and other critical emerging technologies is to be led by key standards development organizations (SDOs), these organizatons will have to do the most to broaden participation." "Governments can heighten awareness of standards and participation among their own personnel and the public. Elevating the level of the leadership involved standards-related activities will help increase their visibility." "The U.S., EU, China, and other governments and international bodies have recognized a need for international engagement on standards." https://www.brookings.edu/articles/small-yards-big-tents-how-to-build-cooperation-on-critical-international-standards/
  7. The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has been granted accreditation by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) for four globally recognized Management System Standards. "A statement issued by the organisation listed the four Management System Standards as follows: Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001:2015, Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) ISO 45001:2018, Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001:2015 and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) ISO 22000:2018. The remarkable accomplishment follows a rigorous assessment process conducted by IAS, verifying that the SON MSC department’s operations and audits conducted by SON auditors, comprehensively meet the stringent requirements of these international standards." https://son.gov.ng/2024/02/28/son-msc-department-secures-ias-accreditation-for-four-4-management-system-standards/
  8. The Ministry of Public Service, Consumer Affairs, and Sports and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 25th, 2024. T his agreement aims to enhance cooperation and facilitate the exchange of vital information between the two entities. As a significant step in implementing the Consumer Protection Act No. 12 of 2020, this MOU solidifies collaboration in various areas, including the publication of standards, identification of goods and services meeting standards, and investigation of complaints. Signed by Mr. Raymond Ryan, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and Mr. Ezra Ledger, Executive Director of the Bureau, this MOU marks a milestone in ensuring consumer rights and product quality. #MOU #ConsumerProtection #Collaboration https://annsvg.com/index.php/2024/02/17/memorandum-of-understanding-signed-between-ministry-of-public-service-and-the-svg-bureau-of-standards/?fbclid=IwAR2GQ6h9qCC4LQPNvx0fi9tqlvxhT-wUZOTpFwkp9fZ_VK3hjyJYbUb2rLc
  9. The launch of the Management System Certification Body (MSCB) marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone, being the first of its kind in the country. Companies seeking certification for their management systems will now have the opportunity to do so through this innovative initiative. Certification fees range from $8,000 to $10,000, offering companies a valuable avenue to demonstrate their commitment to quality and efficiency. https://slsb.gov.sl/sierra-leone-standards-bureau-launches-first-of-it-kind-management-system-certification-body-mscb/
  10. St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) achieves a groundbreaking milestone! As of January 25th, 2024, it is the first lab in the Caribbean and Western Hemisphere to gain ISO 17025 accreditation in Air Quality. ISO 17025 accreditation ensures technical competence, quality, and reliability of results. Stay tuned as SKNBS aims for accreditation in three more labs by 2025, along with ISO9001 certification in 2024. #SKNBS #ISO17025 #AirQualityAccreditation https://sknbs.org/sknbs-receives-iso-17025-international-laboratory-accreditation-in-air-quality/
  11. SCC launches Indo-Pacific standardization activities with Mongolia agreement "As part of the federal government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is pleased to announce that it is playing a key role in implementing Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and receiving 2.5 million to undertake activities that will enhance trade, investment, and supply chain resilience in the region. ...As Canada’s national standards body and leading accreditation body, SCC is proud to be part of this new strategy as standards and conformity assessment help reduce trade barriers and contribute to the trustworthiness and confidence of the international trading system. " https://www.scc.ca/en/news-events/news/2023/scc-launches-indo-pacific-standardization-activities-with-mongolia-agreement
  12. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2024, and the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’. Standards and wider Quality Infrastructure play a key role in creating and maintaining resiliance. The CSN is collaborating with our Commonwealth Partners to ensure the use of standards improve resiliance throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. https://thecommonwealth.org/commonwealth-day
  13. WTO Digital Progress and Trends Report 2023 available for download https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/digital-progress-and-trends-report?cid=pub_tt_wbpublications_en_ext "This report tracks global progress of digitalization and countries’ production and use of digital technologies, from digital jobs, digital services exports, and app development to internet use, affordability, quality, and more. The report also highlights policy shifts and debates, with a focus on developing countries. Two clear trends have emerged that are shaping our digital future: the importance of digital public infrastructure and the transformative emergence of artificial intelligence. Closely measuring digital progress, especially in developing countries, will help policy makers and the private sector best direct their efforts to close the digital divide. "
  14. 41st Session of the ARSO Monthly Webinar series, co-organised with Senegal/ASN, under the Theme: Standardisation and Public Policy, and the topic: The role of standardisation in promoting the public policy Agenda and governance". The Webinar will be held on 28th February 2024 at 2.30pm Nairobi time. The webinar gives the platform to discuss how standardisation supports policymakers and regulators in preparing, adopting and applying policy, and in particular, technical regulations (TRs). Public Policies are Acts, legislations, statutes, ordinances, regulations used by Governments to focus on addressing problems, achieving transformation or a mixture of the two. Most public policies are aimed at guiding the delivery of public goods and services. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcO6hrjgvHdBBpU1OZtY-bQY3pnmSo1hS#/registration
  15. The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs,has announced a $63 million funding to TradeMark Africa. "This strategic investment will fuel TradeMark Africa’s Strategy, covering the period till 2030, aimed at driving green, sustainable economic growth, fostering innovative trade practices, and promoting inclusive trade across Africa.............The Netherlands’ contribution will be invested in strengthening trade systems so that they benefit local exporters, foster economic growth, and create sustainable livelihoods across diverse sectors. This investment will be instrumental in improving market access for local products at the global level, in addition to bolstering initiatives that drive innovation, research, and development within the African market, enhancing competitiveness and green trading practices." https://www.trademarkafrica.com/press-release/trademark-africa-receives-63-million-from-netherlands-to-advance-sustainable-trade-and-economic-inclusivity/
  16. Know Your Rights When Engaging a Service Provider: As a consumer, understanding your rights and responsibilities when utilizing services is essential. When presented with a standard contract, it's crucial to review it carefully and seek clarification on any unclear terms. Additionally, you have the right to expect a certain level of quality from the products or services provided, and if they fail to meet this standard, you are entitled to seek redress. "On Wednesday 14th February, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority in collaboration with the European Commission organised a Consumer Dialogue to discuss with stakeholders the implementation of The New Consumer Agenda. The Dialogue was held at the EC Representation Office in Valletta. The Malta Consumer Dialogue forms part of a series of Consumer Dialogues which the Commission is hosting in all EU Member States with a view to strengthening close collaboration and partnerships at both EU and national level, with the overall aim of bringing swifter and more enduring outcomes. In his address, European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders commended Malta’s high consumer confidence rate as measured through the latest Consumer Conditions Survey. He highlighted that this was also testament of the Authority’s commitment to enforce consumer protection laws. Commissioner Reynders also remarked that protecting consumers in the digital age has brought a new set of challenges and that the Commission is currently assessing existing EU consumer laws for their adequacy in addressing new digital issues such as dark patterns and influencer marketing." https://www.mccaa.org.mt/Section/Content?contentId=9634
  17. The Mozambique National Institute of Standardization and Quality (INNOQ) has delivered workshops 19-21st February, to discuss its Strategic Plan for the period from 2024 to 2028. The meeting is promoted debates exploring different perspectives that are contributing to the construction of strategic goals and actions: https://www.innoq.gov.mz/Conteudo-Principal/Ultimas-Noticias/INNOQ-IP-REUNIDO-EM-WORKSHOP-PARA-DISCUTIR-PLANO-ESTRATEGICO
  18. The Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) is one of the key performance indicators (KPI) of the country’s national quality infrastructure. "The NSI is pleased to announce the ongoing implementation of the National Standardization Strategy Project. This groundbreaking initiative, funded by UNDP and EPA, aims to bolster Namibia's quality infrastructure and drive socio-economic growth through the development and implementation of robust national standards." National standardisation strategy worksjhops are taking place on 12-14 March to engage stakeholders and inform the development of the National Standards Plan: https://www.facebook.com/NSINamibia/posts/pfbid06EoepYtx2ziuVsnSzB7VVdrt1uNL3euyQJPHsS24eBjde4QBwBtsGpRy5bHeXQHYl
  19. Could standards help unleash the potential of AI in the low income countries? Artificial intelligence (AI) provides an interesting insight into the relationship between standards and policies. AI is purported to be an historic game changer in the way that the arrival of the railway or the internet was: a force that changes the way we do everything from government to business to running an individual household. When this kind of change takes place, policies and standards both play an important role in ensuring that adoption of the technology is done in a way that manages risk while supporting innovation. Standards can be ussed as a powerful tool to support Policy objectives. The potential of AI for emerging economies AI could have a radical impact on developing countries around the world, as a recent Economist article points out. Some of the most intractable challenges could be addressed by AI, for example: ● AI chatbots could help to teach children in hard-to-reach places, reducing the workload of overstretched teachers and making learning more engaging; ● Making up skilled labour shortages in specialist areas like engineering and medicine through automation of tasks such as scan assessment; ● Provision of health advice in places where healthcare services are hard to access; ● Giving low-cost training to workers in critical industries; ● Gathering data on agricultural land to help make farming more efficient and productive; ● Generating data about issues like population density to help inform government and charity activities; ● Automation of form-filling bureaucracy that can be time-consuming and limits opportunities for people with low literacy. These are just a few of the potential ways that AI could help to make populations in developing countries healthier, better educated and better informed, improving quality of life and addressing global inequalities. The challenge of new technology The adoption of AI will be shaped by many factors. The technology comes with risks and challenges as well as opportunities. Governments around the world are grappling with the legislation, regulation and policies that will enable benefits to be harnessed, while minimizing risks. Policies might include establishing organizations to promote the use of AI, investment in infrastructure, funding programmes and more. Policy decisions require a country’s politicians to make decisions about the direction they want to take. This includes how far technology should be implemented in exchange for anticipated benefits, and where to place restrictions due to aspects such as data privacy or business continuity. In contrast, standards distil consensus opinion about the best way to do something. As a recent Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) paper states, standards are typically independent of government but may form part of an overall landscape shaped by government policy. So for example, if government policy states that use of AI must place curbs on how private data should be stored and processed, standards can step in with guidance on how that goal can be achieved. Standards and Regulations can support each other As the CSN paper explains, good standards practices work in combination with good regulatory practices to provide a framework for progress. In the case of AI, standards might assist with: ● Providing a framework for managing risk; ● Setting out best practice in data controls; ● Establishment of shared definitions of key concepts; ● Enabling participation in regional and global markets. To find out more, take a look at our Executive Summary on the role of standards in supporting policy.
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    "WTO-ITC High- Level Event on Women and Trade World Trade Organization (WTO) Members, the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) have placed inclusive trade at the forefront of global, regional and national agendas. In 2017, the Buenos Aires WTO Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment was a key milestone in the global women and trade agenda with more than two-thirds of the WTO membership joining the Declaration. In 2021, 134 WTO members and observers established the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. At MC12, WTO members recognized the importance of women’s economic empowerment in international trade. Turning to Aid for Trade, ITC SheTrades Initiative, launched in 2015, has been a key driver in transforming opportunities for women producers and entrepreneurs. ITC SheTrades works with corporations, export promotion agencies, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and trade ministries to create sustainable and scalable impact for women entrepreneurs and producers. At the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), the journey towards an inclusive trading system accelerates. WTO and ITC, in collaboration with the Government of the UAE, will hold a two-day high-level event to celebrate the progress made by women entrepreneurs in international trade and inspire governments and private sector to take bolder actions in their support for the trade and women’s economic empowerment agenda. WTO and ITC will convene governments, corporations, financial institutions, and thought leaders for a joint high-level event. The high-level event will witness the launch of the WTO-ITC Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund—a pioneering initiative that aims to leverage digitalization to boost the competitiveness of and unlock new markets for women-led businesses. The event also includes a series of thought-provoking panel sessions, networking opportunities, and the ITC SheTrades Innovation Festival. The Launch of the WEIDE Fund is preceded by the WTO-ITC SheTrades Summit, featuring a programme specially tailored to women entrepreneurs. Participants get to access a programme featuring masterclasses, panel sessions and a field visit." Start date & time (UTC+01:00) 24 Feb, 2024 08:00 End date & time (UTC+01:00) 25 Feb, 2024 22:00 Registration details https://events.intracen.org/event-register/PE-JK5244
  21. Foodborne disease is as much of a problem as malaria – how standards are helping to tackle it Foodborne diseases place as much of a burden on developing countries as malaria. The global economic burden is estimated to be over US$100 million each year, with 90% of this impacting low and middle-income countries. However, whereas the eradication of malaria is a high-profile goal, improving food safety gets less attention. The good news is that standards have an important part to play in improving food safety, and they can be adapted for anything from complex supply chains to informal local markets. The toll of unsafe food practices Around 600 million people fall ill and die due to unsafe food each year. In emerging economies, the problem is often complicated by pre-existing malnutrition and reduced access to healthcare. Foodborne disease outbreaks in developing countries are likely to be underreported and underestimated. Accurate data on the issue is hard to gather, making it more challenging for governments and authorities to address the issue. In addition to the human suffering involved, food safety issues have a socioeconomic impact: reduced productivity, additional strain on health systems and a detriment to trade and tourism. Tackling the issue of food safety This is not an easy problem to address, because it has many causes. Unsafe raw food, inappropriate storage temperature, poor storage infrastructure, inadequate cooking, poor personal hygiene, improper handling methods and cross-contamination of cooked and raw food all contribute. Foodborne disease includes bacterial infection such as salmonella, campylobacter, E-coli, listeria, and cholera. Viruses including Hepatitis A can be transmitted through food, causing lasting liver disease. Food can also carry parasites, prions (infectious agents composed of protein - bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE is associated with ingestion of prions). Food can also be compromised by chemicals, which may occur through mould, pollution of air, water or soil or through other vectors. Contamination of food can take place within the home, or at any point in the supply chain – farming, distribution, packing, wholesale, retail and restaurants. The challenge is partly one of awareness and improving the understanding of food safety, but it is also about infrastructure and access to refrigerated transport, clean water, reliable energy and refrigeration. Using an international standard to save lives There is sometimes a perception that standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are intended for large corporations rather than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but this is not the case. ISO 22000 Food safety management helps organizations to identify food safety hazards and reduce exposure to risk. It outlines the processes that can be used to create a food safety management system (FSMS), for example by identifying hazards and putting controls in place. A National Quality Infrastructure can be used to bring about systemic change, helping to enforce regulations, raise awareness and monitor performance effectively. Find out more here.
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    Thursday, March 14th 14h00 to 16h00 UTC Description: Focus on actions and standards related to sustainability, climate change, environmental management, and circular economy. Proposed Topics for Exchange and Discussion: - Actions and standards for sustainability. - Climate change and its impact on standards - ISO/TC 207 - Environmental Management Participation and its support to mitigate climate change - Circular economy and its relation to standards Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkcuioqDIqH9DO55rm7EN8AJMTAx_N8ANM#/registration
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    Ecolabeling more than a trend Thursday, March 7, 2024 20h00 to 22h00 UTC Objective: To raise awareness of what eco-labeling is, its importance and benefits, as well as the ISO 14020 series standards that help organizations address this issue. Target audience: NSBs, government entities, organizations in general, consultants, among others. Simultaneous translation (Spanish-English) will be provided. AGENDA: 20h00 - 22h00 UTC Activity Responsible 20h00 – 20h10 Welcome COPANT IRAM ICONTEC Kory Eguino Maria Arora Argullo Luisa Pallares 20h10 -20h50 Ecolabeling: What you should know Graem Drake 20h50- 21h10 Ecolabeling, an experience from Brazil Andre vilhena 21h10 – 21h30 Seal of the Americas Daniel Trillos 21h30 – 21h45 Q&A 21h45- 22h00 Closing Maria Arora Argullo Luisa Pallares Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpfuusqz0uGNcTGIJoVn6t63sVltGHS9LG#/registration
  24. https://iec.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__MJFZ9TwSHyPz_JPQXCP2A#/registration
  25. The UK Government have published an 'introductory guide for practitioners interested in finding out how assurance techniques can support the development of responsible AI.' ISO and IEC Standards are heavily referenced in the publication as a tool to help ensure safety, security, transparency, accountability, and good governance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-to-ai-assurance
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