Ben Hedley

The ISO publication on Good Standardization Practices (GSP) is based on applying the concept of a “value chain” to a national standards body (NSB) that identifies its core activities, i.e. the operations the NSB has to perform to develop and publish standards and the support activities which describe the infrastructure and resources that should be available in an NSB to enable it to operate the essential core-activities effectively and efficiently. A diagnostic tool has been developed as part of the publication to enable an NSB to review and evaluate its current situation and performance and can be utilised to identify the solutions that are appropriate for an NSB to comply with GSP. Note: The ISO GSP diagnostic tool can be downloaded through the URL link mentioned on page 170 of the publication. https://www.iso.org/publication/PUB100440.html

Edit: UNIDO have made a recording and transcript of the Webinar available: From: TII <tii@unido.org> Sent: 04 May 2020 12:14 To: TII <tii@unido.org> Subject: Webinar Recording: UNIDO webinar series on 'Standards & Testing in the Fight Against COVID-19' Dear participant, We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest and active participation in our webinar, entitled "Standards and Testing in the Fight Against COVID-19’’, which took place on Friday 17 April 2020. We have made available the full webinar recording under the following link: You can also find the transcript of the webinar here: https://tii.unido.org/sites/default/files/publications/Transcript_QI_ Standards and Testing_Webinar Panel_final.pdf UNIDO endeavors to continue supporting and advocating for continued discussions and dialogue on the role of quality and standards in the fight against COVID-19. For more information online trainings, webinars and forthcoming events, please refer to: https://tii.unido.org ---------- UNIDO WEBINAR SERIES QUALITY & STANDARDS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 Dear colleague, On behalf of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), you are cordially invited to join an e-panel on: Standards & Testing in the Fight Against COVID-19 The e-panel will provide orientation and knowledge sharing on what Quality Infrastructure (QI) institutions are doing or can do to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 both during and after the crisis, and the ways in which QI needs to adapt in both these circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic is confronting each of us with unprecedented challenges. Every country is feeling its impact on their healthcare systems, the economy and society as a whole. Within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and against the backdrop of promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID), quality infrastructure has and will continue to play a significant role in the fight against the global pandemic. This is the second of a webinar series on quality and standards in the fight against COVID-19. Date & Time: Friday 17th April 2020, 14:30 to 16:00 (Vienna Time) Moderator: Dr. Elsie Meintjies, CTA, GQSP-South Africa, UNIDO Speakers: Mr. Bernardo Calzadilla Sarmiento, Director, TII, UNIDO Mr. Xiao Jianhua, Chair, IAF Mr. Vladimir Daigele, Programme Officer, ITU Mr. Andy Henson, Director, International Liaison and Communication Department, BIPM Ms. Merih Malmqvist Nilsson, Chair, INetQI Mr. Sean MacCurtain, Director of Conformity Assessment, ISO Webinar Registration Link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wmy_IshKRxK4RoIe-o3JZg Invitation to UNIDO Webinar - Quality_Standards_Testing_Covid-19.pdf

Update from UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) 'Quality & Standards in the fight against COVID-19' "The COVID-19 pandemic is primarily a global health crisis, but it also has far-reaching economic consequences. Worldwide, it is already disrupting millions of people’s livelihoods, with disproportionate impact on the poor, thereby jeopardizing the successful achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030. Quality and standards play a particularly important role in mitigating the negative effects of the outbreak. Adequate Quality Infrastructure ensures the identification and dissemination of relevant standards, accurate measurement (metrology) and provides attestation (accreditation) of reliable test results. Standards, in particular, support business continuity, risk and emergency management. They further ensure that goods produced in response of COVID-19 (respiratory devices, protective masks, gloves, etc.) are fit-for-purpose while workers in production facilities are kept safe. Against this background, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has conducted an initial assessment of the emerging challenges due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the role of quality and standards in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals." https://tii.unido.org/news/quality-and-standards-fight-against-covid-19 UNIDO_COVID-19_QUALITY flyer_2020-04.pdf

International and Regional Standards organization responses to COVID-19: BEI (British Expertise International) https://www.britishexpertise.org/covid-19/ CEN and CENELEC: https://www.cencenelec.eu/News/Press_Releases/Pages/PR-2020-003.aspx and CEN CENELEC analysis from CEN TCs (mainly 85, 79,162,205) looking at the differences / similarities between the Chinese standards that have been translated into English and the relevant ENs https://www.cencenelec.eu/Documents/ComparativeAnalyses_Q4.1.pdf COPANT: https://copant.org/phocadownload/cpnt_pub_2020/eng/2020-04-01 - COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE FROM NSBs.pdf IEC: https://www.iec.ch/covid-19/ ISO: https://www.iso.org/covid-19.html CSN NSB members have been updating their websites to assist with COVID-19 mitigation: NSB responses are outlined in the table 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)

CSN update_2019-10 CSN_Update_October 2019.pdf

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 NSB training presentations 6-16 (January 2020) CSN NSB training presentations 6-16 (January 2020).zip

Collection of generic CSN stakeholder workshop presentations as of January 2020. CSN Stakeholder Workshop_generic presentations_Jan 2020.zip

UNECE (The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) Portal on Standards for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offers users: a tool to identify standards that help to realise SDGs and Targets; a collection of case studies of countries, cities and regions that have successfully used standards for sustainability, as well as supporting online training materials. https://standards4sdgs.unece.org/ Additional information from UNECE Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6): UNECE celebrates World Standards Day 2019 with the launch of the “Portal on Standards for the SDGs”. Developed by the UNECE's Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6), the web portal showcases information on voluntary standards and maps them according to the Goals and Targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. At present, the mapping database covers four Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 6 Water and Sanitation; SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 Climate Action. In addition to the standards database, the portal contains: · Case studies on how standards have been used as the basis for policy interventions by local and national authorities. · E-learning training courses, covering risk management, conformity assessment and market surveillance. UNECE sets out norms, standards and conventions to facilitate international cooperation within and outside the region. Owing to its role as both a standards developing organization and an international organization, UNECE's standards are listed among the twenty standards making bodies featured on the database. As we look to expand the mapping database, the Working Party invites standards developing organizations to forward standards for inclusion. For those interested in submitting standards, a template can be provided which outlines the necessary information (i.e. organization, location of standard, Goal, Target etc). In addition, standards developers and users are invited to submit Case Studies, which demonstrate the practical application of standards for the achievement of sustainable development. Applicants are encouraged to consider a particular challenge which was mitigated with the implementation of standards. We hope you will find the standards mapping instrument helpful for identifying and implementing standards in your countries or for simply accessing information and sharing best practice on matters related to the use of standards for sustainable development. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate in contacting us. Best, The Regulatory Cooperation Team, Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6) United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) E-Mail: regulatory.cooperation@un.org Palais des Nations, 8-14 avenue de la Paix, CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

CSN Forum how-to guide. CSN Forum how-to guide.pdf

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO): Sustainable Development & the future of Quality Infrastructure © 2019 "The importance of quality infrastructure in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) and the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs) cannot be overstated. This publication demonstrates how quality infrastructure systems contribute to the achievement of three of the 5Ps of the SDGs: People, Prosperity, and Planet, relating this to examples and case studies compiled on the topic. This publication also highlights the challenges developing countries face, and how quality infrastructure enables them to overcome them" UNIDO QI_SDG_PUBLICATION.pdf

Please follow this link to view the Commonwealth Standards Network content included within the October edition of the BSI Standards Outlook publication. https://content.yudu.com/web/43fqt/0A43ghs/IssueThreeSept2019/html/index.html?page=18&origin=reader

CSN_Update_July 2019.pdf

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 2019. 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