Exploring Standards with Assent

Understanding ISO 13485 for Medical Devices with Sarah Smith

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Sarah Smith, a highly experienced consultant specialising in ISO 13485 Medical Devices and ISO 9001 Quality Management. With over ten years of experience in the medical device industry and expertise as a certified data protection officer, Sarah provides invaluable insights into the world of ISO 13485 and its importance for medical device manufacturers.
In this episode Sarah explains why this standard is essential for ensuring quality and compliance in the medical device industry, breaking down the key components of an ISO 13485 Quality Management System (QMS).
The episode also explores the role of risk management in ISO 13485 and how it helps organisations address potential challenges. Sarah clarifies the differences between ISO 13485 and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and highlights how ISO 13485 supports compliance with key regulations in the UK and Europe.
Whether you're in the medical device industry or simply curious about how international standards impact healthcare, this episode is packed with practical insights and expert advice. Tune in to learn how ISO 13485 can help organisations ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
 
Contact Sarah:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-s-09928b105/
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement

Top 5 non-conformances in ISO 27001 with Robert Clements

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Robert Clements, Founder and CEO of Assent Risk Management, to discuss the Top 5 Non-Conformances often encountered during ISO 27001 audits. As one of the most critical standards for information security management, ISO 27001 helps businesses ensure their data is protected, but non-conformances can lead to delays in certification or compliance issues.
Robert takes us through the most common mistakes organisations make when implementing ISO 27001 and shares actionable insights on how to avoid them. From inadequate risk assessments to poor documentation practices, he covers the key areas where businesses typically falter and provides practical advice to ensure your journey to ISO 27001 certification goes smoothly.
Whether you're in the early stages of ISO 27001 implementation or preparing for an audit, this episode is packed with valuable tips to help your organisation meet the standard and achieve full compliance. Tune in now to learn how to avoid the pitfalls and improve your information security management system.
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement

Introduction to ISO 20252 with Juliana Wood

In this episode of Exploring Standards, we dive into ISO 20252, the international standard for market, opinion, and social research, with Juliana Wood, Managing Director and Director of Certifications at CIRQ. With the market research industry evolving rapidly, ISO 20252 is gaining more attention than ever—so what does it mean for businesses, and why is it becoming so popular?
Juliana shares insights into her role at CIRQ, the organisation’s relationship with the Insights Association, and why ANAB accreditation is important for certification bodies. We also explore where ISO 20252 is most widely used and how it aligns with key industry bodies such as ESOMAR, MRS, and the Insights Association.
If you’re considering certification, this episode breaks down the ISO 20252 certification process, what companies can do if they haven’t started yet, and how businesses can maintain certification through internal audits with Assent and external audits with CIRQ.
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement
Contact Juliana:
CIRQ website: https://www.cirq.org/
Juliana Email: juliana.wood@cirq.org

Live from Grow with ISO – Part 2: ISO 42001

In Part 2 of our live Grow with ISO series, we delve into ISO 42001, the newly introduced international standard for artificial intelligence (AI), and explore how it is shaping the future of AI development and governance.
Building on the insights from Part 1, this episode focuses on the strategic importance of ISO 42001 in ensuring AI systems are designed, implemented, and managed responsibly. Learn how this groundbreaking standard helps organisations align AI initiatives with ethical, security, and regulatory frameworks, and discover how it contributes to building trust and transparency in AI technologies. Hosted by Robert Clements from Assent Risk Management, Paul Stevens from AvISO, and Kevin Shinners from A-LIGN, our expert panel provides invaluable insights into this new standard, offering practical guidance on its implementation and how it works alongside other frameworks to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of AI systems.
Tune in for actionable strategies and thought leadership as we dive into ISO 42001 and its role in the responsible and sustainable development of AI technologies.
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement
Contact AvISO
https://www.avisoconsultancy.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aviso-consultancy-ltd/posts/?feedView=all
Contact A-LIGN
https://www.a-lign.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lign/posts/?feedView=all

Live from Grow with ISO – Part 1: NIS 2, DORA & ISO 27001

In this special episode of Exploring Standards, we bring you highlights from the live event, Grow with ISO, held at the stunning Spitalfields Conservatory in London in November 2024. Hosted by Robert Clements from Assent Risk Management, Paul Stevens from AvISO, and Kevin Shinners from A-LIGN, this event brought together industry leaders to explore the transformative power of ISO frameworks.
Part 1 of this live series focuses on NIS 2, DORA, and ISO 27001. Discover how an integrated approach to these frameworks can help organisations streamline processes, drive operational excellence, and ensure compliance with critical security and regulatory standards. The conversation also delves into how aligning these frameworks can build resilience and open doors to new business opportunities.
Tune in for expert insights and practical advice from some of the brightest minds in the industry as they discuss how to harness the power of international standards to enhance organisational success.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn directly from the experts live on stage.
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement
Contact AvISO
https://www.avisoconsultancy.co.uk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/aviso-consultancy-ltd/posts/?feedView=all
Contact A-LIGN
https://www.a-lign.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-lign/posts/?feedView=all

The Fundamentals of ISO 27001 with Adam Hollick

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Adam Hollick, an ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor with 12 years of experience in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Together, they dive into the essentials of ISO 27001, the globally recognised standard for information security management.
Adam provides a clear overview of ISO 27001, explaining the purpose of an Information Security Management System (ISMS), how long it typically takes to achieve ISO 27001 certification, and breaks down the six key areas of security covered by the standard.
The conversation also addresses critical questions, such as how ISO 27001 relates to cyber security, its alignment with GDPR requirements, and the differences between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002.
Packed with expert insights, this episode offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to strengthen their organisation’s information security practices.
 
Contact Adam:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhollick/
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement
 

ISO Certification: Our Experience with Kathy Clements

In this episode, we dive into the journey of implementing ISO standards at Assent Risk Management, as host Jess is joined by Kathy Clements from Assent Risk Management. Kathy, shares the experience of implementing ISO standards across the organisation, including the process of selecting the right standards and choosing a certification body.
Kathy also provides valuable insights into the internal audit process and how she prepared Assent for ISO certification. She discusses the challenges and successes faced during the certification and implementation journey, offering practical advice and key takeaways for organisations considering ISO certification.
This episode offers an inside look at Assent's own commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, providing valuable lessons for other organisations looking to implement ISO standards. Whether you're starting your ISO journey or refining your processes, Kathy’s advice will help guide you toward successful implementation and certification.
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement

Automating ISO and SOC Compliance with Martin Davies from Drata

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Martin Davies from Drata to discuss how businesses can streamline ISO and SOC compliance using automation. Martin shares insights into Drata’s innovative tool, detailing how it alleviates common pain points in compliance processes and caters to various types of businesses.
The episode delves into how consultants can collaborate with Drata to support their clients, highlighting the benefits of working with a consultant alongside the platform. Martin also explains how Drata can be leveraged during assessments or certification audits, offering a seamless experience for organisations.
Finally, the conversation explores trends in compliance and Martin wraps up by discussing Drata’s available packages. 
 
Contact Assent:
Website: www.assent1.com
Email: desk@assent1.com
Connect with Assent:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/associate-enterprises-ltd-t-a-assent/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/assentuk
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWw6ny-YyfkxdGm7ig4yFoQ
Instagram: @assentriskmanagement
Contact Martin:
martindavies@drata.com
Book a Drata demo:https://drata.com/demo