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Ben Hedley

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Everything posted by Ben Hedley

  1. The existence of gender bias in AI algorithms and standards development When social media platforms use AI algorithms to moderate user-uploaded images, they may inadvertently censor and suppress photos featuring women's bodies. Why? Because these AI tools, developed by large technology companies like Google and Microsoft, have been found to consistently rate images of women as more sexually suggestive than comparable images of men. Even everyday situations, such as women receiving medical examinations, are flagged as sexually suggestive by these algorithms. For example, an image demonstrating how to perform a clinical breast exam was given the highest score for raciness by Google's AI, while Microsoft's AI was 82% confident that it was "explicitly sexual in nature." This algorithmic bias has real-world consequences, particularly for female-led businesses that rely on social media for promotion. The algorithmic gender bias in image moderation is just one example of how systems that are based on a default male standard can inadvertently cause harm. The same issue can have far-reaching consequences in other domains. For example, in the workplace, gender-biased performance evaluation algorithms have been found to perpetuate disparities in hiring and promotion. The movement towards gender-responsive standards emphasizes the importance of considering how standards might have unequal impacts. It recognizes that the status quo, which often takes men as the default, is not neutral and can actively disadvantage women. Roadmap to gender equality in standards development The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has been leading the charge in addressing gender bias in standards development. In 2016, they established the Gender Responsive Standards Initiative to integrate a gender lens into the process and content of standards. The initiative calls upon standards bodies to sign the Declaration for Gender Responsive Standards and Standards Development, committing to actions such as: Creating and implementing a Gender Action Plan to become more gender-inclusive. Increasing the representation and participation of women in standards development committees. Analyzing the gender impacts of standards being developed and using sex-disaggregated data to inform the process. Over 50 standards organizations have already signed the declaration, demonstrating a growing recognition of the importance of gender responsiveness in standards development. Case studies highlight the positive impacts of this approach. For example, the development of gender-responsive standards for clean cookstoves has helped address the disproportionate health risks faced by women due to indoor air pollution in developing countries. To support standards bodies in their efforts, the UNECE has provided detailed guidance on how to implement gender-responsive practices. This includes conducting gender-based needs assessments, setting targets for women's participation, and establishing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress. The need for gender-responsive standards has never been greater. By proactively addressing biases and ensuring diverse representation in standards development, we can create a future where the benefits of innovation are accessible to all, regardless of gender. The movement towards gender-responsive standards is a critical step towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality. It is only through concerted efforts and collaboration between standards bodies, policymakers, industry and civil society that we can hope to build a more inclusive and equitable world. To learn more, download our recently published Gender Responsive Standards guide.
  2. All voices heard: Enhancing participation in international standards development Publication and Webinar forthcoming - watch this space!
  3. CSN brochure_International standards supporting businesses Social Responsibility (ISO 26000) Publication forthcoming - watch this space!
  4. CSN Publication: Gender Responsive Standards Document for free download forthcoming - watch this space!
  5. Driving sustainable nature investment with robust standards As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss, investors are increasingly turning their attention to nature-based solutions. A recent report by Pollination, a global climate change investment and advisory firm, reveals that more than two-thirds of investors worldwide plan to increase their investments in nature-related ventures, with 75% believing that such investments will eventually evolve into a distinct asset class. This growing interest in nature markets is driven by a combination of factors, including the potential for financial returns, the desire to make a positive environmental impact and the increasing pressure on businesses to address their carbon footprint and contribute to net-zero targets. However, as nature markets continue to grow, so too do concerns about greenwashing and the lack of standardization in the sector. Greenwashing, the practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product or service, poses a significant risk to the integrity and credibility of nature markets. Without clear standards and guidelines, investors may struggle to distinguish between genuine nature-based solutions and those that are merely paying lip service to sustainability. The crucial role of standards in building trust and confidence This is where the development of robust standards and frameworks becomes crucial. By establishing clear criteria for what constitutes a high-quality nature investment, standards can help to build trust and confidence in the market, attracting more investors and driving sustainable growth. One such standard is BSI Flex 701, the first in a suite of nature investment standards developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in collaboration with the UK Government, devolved administrations and a wide range of stakeholders. BSI Flex 701 provides a common framework and principles for the design and operation of high-integrity nature schemes, outlining clear requirements for generating, trading and storing nature units. The standard is intended for use by all nature market participants and will serve as a foundational element in BSI's Nature Investment Standards Programme. As a BSI Flex, the standard is designed to evolve alongside emerging government policies and market developments, with ongoing review, discussion and improvement. While BSI Flex 701 is a UK-specific standard, its principles and framework have the potential to be applied more broadly across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Standards Network will be exploring how this standard can be adapted and implemented in other member countries. The introduction of BSI Flex 701 marks a significant step forward for the UK's nature markets, providing a robust framework that can help to combat greenwashing, build investor confidence, and drive sustainable investment. Download BSI Flex 701 today.
  6. Using Standards to reduce Technical Barriers to Digital Trade Publication forthcoming, whatch this space!
  7. CSN Publication: Digital Trade - Guidance for NSBs This guide refers to the digitised mechanisms of placing products/services on the market and the digitisation of supporting processes of logistics, customs clearances, conformity assessment etc. Key Digital Trade concepts are outlined in relation to standards and Quality Infrastructure. The publication is available for download below, the author Alexander Rankin has also recorded a Webinar to highlight key parts of the publication.
  8. CSN Publication & Webinar: Climate Action Guidance Climate change requires action across society, and standards can play a key role in facilitating this. The CSN has published Climate Action Guidance aimed at standards development organizations, the publication contains the folloging information: The role of standards development organizations in climate action Organizational climate action Climate adaptation in standards development Climate mitigation in standards development Civil society in standards development Conclusions and recommendations The Author, Tom Cantillon has recorded a webinar to highlight the key concepts of the publication and the publication is available for free download:
  9. CSN Overview Brochure 2024 - available for download (link below) CSN_Overview Brochure_2024.pdf
  10. CSN Publication: Climate Action Guidance Climate change requires action across society, and standards can play a key role in facilitating this. The CSN has published Climate Action Guidance aimed at standards development organizations, the publication contains the folloging information: The role of standards development organizations in climate action Organizational climate action Climate adaptation in standards development Climate mitigation in standards development Civil society in standards development Conclusions and recommendations The Author, Tom Cantillon has recorded a webinar to highlight the key concepts of the publication: Link to the free publication download is below: CSN_Climate Action Guidance_2024.pdf
  11. This CSN Webinar provides and overview of the CSN Gender Responsive standards publication: The importance of standards in shaping society adn gender outcomes Gender inequality in society and standards development About the UNECE Gender REsponsive Standards Initiative (GRS) Being gender responsive in standards development process Ensureing the impact of standards is gender responsive A Roadmap to becoming gender responsive.
  12. This CSN webinar explores the development of inclusive standards, and the crucial role of data in inclusion:
  13. Organizational resilience is vital to safeguard businesses everywhere The only certainty in life is change. Businesses that fail to adapt to circumstances quickly find themselves in trouble, while those that invest in resilience find new opportunities in times of change. The forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will be held in Samoa on 21 October 2024. This year’s theme will be resilience. How can organizations develop resilience, and how can standards help? What is resilience? Organizational resilience is defined by ISO 22316 as the ‘ability of an organization to absorb and adapt in a changing environment.’ This encompasses anticipation of change, preparation and response and it applies equally to incremental and sudden changes. Resilience is determined by four key factors: Governance - is there a strong system of senior management and stakeholders, that enables clear decision making, accountability and ease of implementation? Resilience - is the business as robust as it can be in the present moment, before any additional challenges come along? Are problems addressed, or left to linger? Business continuity - is the organization vulnerable to disruption, for example would operations cease if a key staff member fell ill or a piece of equipment malfunctioned? Crisis management - are there workable plans in place to deal with a crisis, which are well understood by employees, actionable and practical? To deliver these factors, an organization needs strong leadership, good risk management, a sense of its values and awareness of how the environment is changing. How does increased resilience benefit an organization? Clearly, resilience can help an organization when disaster strikes. For example, if part of a supply chain suddenly fails, a resilient organization might have already scoped out alternative suppliers, have a communications plan to manage any reputational impact, and a system in place to make sure that the transition to a new supplier is a smooth one. In addition, the process of developing resilience can be beneficial in itself. It might be that an organization looking at alternative suppliers discovers that those alternatives are preferable in some way to the current supplier. Or it might be that the communications plan flags up issues with the organization’s ability to identify and contact key audiences. CSN and resilience Since its inception in 2018, CSN has made resilience an important focus of its work. The principles and frameworks involved in developing resilience can be used by organizations of any size or sector. CSN will be working to ensure standards and quality infrastructure are on the agenda at CHOGM, helping to support organizations develop resilience. This year’s CHOGM promises to be an interesting event. Look out for updates on the discussion and any outcomes or resolutions.
  14. The CSN has been mapping Commonwealth participation in standards development The story about the blind men and the elephant has been told for thousands of years. A group of blind men describe what an elephant is like based on the part each one is touching. The man who feels the tusk says an elephant is hard and smooth, the one stroking its side says the elephant is soft and wrinkly, and so on. Each man is not entirely wrong, but only has part of the picture. This is a familiar parable, but a useful one. By incorporating a diversity of viewpoints, we come to a fuller appreciation of the whole and a greater depth of understanding. It’s a principle that applies as well to standards development as to other areas of life. Diversity within standards development It is now widely accepted in the corporate world that incorporating different viewpoints is not only equitable, it is also a strategic strength. Executive teams that incorporate ethnic and gender diversity outperform those with low diversity. When it comes to standards development, however, diversity remains a challenge. This includes the representation of developing countries alongside developed nations. Around three quarters of ISO members are from developing countries, but there is still a perception that ISO and other international standards bodies reflect the priorities of developed nations. Many ISO standards have their origins in national standards developed in Western countries. ISO has developed an action plan for 2021-2025 to help developing countries use standards to meet key goals, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We need to know more about how different countries engage with standards The CSN is determined to ensure that diversity of opinion is reflected in international standards. To find out more about how standards are viewed throughout the Commonwealth, CSN is preparing a report to give more detail about how Commonwealth nations engage with standards and what the barriers are to participation. The report, built on data collected from a detailed questionnaire, will look at issues such as environmental management systems, governance of organizations, drivers for participation of National Standards Bodies in ISO technical and standards committees and sustainable finance. The report will give insights into how standards are perceived around the Commonwealth, including case studies detailing the experience of different NSBs. The findings should help CSN to ensure diversity and inclusion is at the heart of its activities. The in-depth report will be accompanied by training materials and resources to help NSBs explore the issues. Why diversity matters in standards for Commonwealth countries Use of standards has many benefits for Commonwealth countries, helping to support trade and development, reduce waste and improve efficiency, managing environmental risks, ensuring interoperability and more. However, for these benefits to be available within Commonwealth countries, the standards need to be suited to the needs of those societies. A standard that does not take into account the full range or perspectives across the Commonwealth is less likely to be used, or may be applied inappropriately. The report is due to be published next week March - check back to get your free copy.
  15. Standards New Zealand - helping with accessibility for sight-impaired people Standards like AS/NZS 1428.4.1 play a crucial role in providing tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) to aid orientation and safety for the visually impaired in navigating busy streets. Advocating for Safer Environments Over 180,000 New Zealanders and 400,000 Australians living with blindness or low vision face accessibility challenges. AS/NZS 1428.4.1 was collaboratively developed to address this need, involving various experts and advocates. Encouraging Compliance While not mandated by New Zealand building regulations, adhering to AS/NZS 1428.4.1 aligns with broader legislation promoting equal rights for disabled individuals. It assists councils, landowners, contractors, and surveyors in integrating TGSIs effectively into public spaces. Ensuring Proper Implementation AS/NZS 1428.4.1 provides comprehensive instructions for TGSI installation, ensuring uniform application and promoting consistency and safety across various environments. Standardized Practices for Inclusive Access Following established standards like AS/NZS 1428.4.1 in TGSI installation ensures equitable and safe access for thousands of visually impaired individuals. https://standards.govt.nz/news-and-updates/standard-of-the-month-helping-with-accessibility-for-sight-impaired-people/
  16. Singapore ramps up support for businesses transitioning to a low-carbon, sustainable future Initiatives include grants to boost energy efficiency, extend green financing, and enhance sustainability reporting. Notably, a new Sustainability Reporting Grant will aid large companies in aligning with international standards, gearing up for upcoming regulations mandating climate-related disclosures. https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/-/media/esg/files/media-centre/media-releases/2024/march/mr01224_supporting-businesses-in-the-transition-to-a-low-carbon-and-sustainable-future.pdf
  17. South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS) hosted the African Organisation for Standardisation Technical Committee 59 (ARSO/TC 59) 4-8 March 2024 to discuss vital technical standardisation for the continent's automotive sector. With a focus on fuel efficiency and low emissions, discussions aim to align international standards and foster harmonisation crucial for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The event underscores Africa's potential to leverage natural resources for sustainable automotive solutions. https://www.sabs.co.za/Media/docs/2024 03 04 Automotive industry in Africa.pdf
  18. 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?
  19. 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
  20. 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/
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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/
  24. 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/
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