Exploring Standards with Assent

ISO 20252 Top Non-Conformances with Juliana Woods

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess welcomes back Juliana Wood, Managing Director of Certifications at CIRQ. Following her popular appearance on the podcast where she introduced ISO 20252, Juliana returns to dive deeper into the standard, this time focusing on the top non-conformances seen during certification audits.
ISO 20252 is the international standard for market, opinion, and social research, and maintaining compliance is essential for delivering credible, high-quality results. Juliana shares insights from the past 12 months of auditing, highlighting the most common areas where organisations struggle. She also offers practical advice on how to avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smoother path to certification.
Whether you're newly exploring ISO 20252 or looking to strengthen your current systems, this episode is filled with valuable tips and expert knowledge to keep your organisation audit-ready and compliant.
 
Introduction to ISO 20252 Podcast Episode: https://exploringstandards.podbean.com/e/introduction-to-iso-20252-with-juliana-wood/
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

ISO 14001 Top 5 Non-Conformances with Kathy Clements

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Kathy Clements, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Consultant and Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Assent Risk Management. Together, they take a deep dive into Assent’s anonymised Non-Conformance Log, revealing the Top 5 ISO 14001 non-conformances identified between April 2020 and April 2025.
Drawing on findings from both internal audits and certification body assessments, Kathy shares insights into the most common challenges organisations face when implementing and maintaining an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. From identifying environmental aspects to managing compliance obligations, this data-driven discussion highlights where businesses often fall short — and what they can do to improve.
 
Show Links:
UKConsulting Open Data Log: https://www.ukconsulting.org/open-data/
 
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
 
 

Understanding BAFE SP101 with James Williams from 3Core2

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by James Williams, Operations Director at 3Core2, who brings over 18 years of experience in the certification industry. Together, they dive into the BAFE SP101 Scheme – a key competency standard for organisations and technicians working with portable fire extinguishers.
James explains what BAFE SP101 stands for and provides a clear overview of the scheme, including what a BAFE SP101 Certificate of Compliance represents. He walks us through the certification process, how long certification lasts, and discusses whether the scheme is a legal requirement or a best practice approach.
The conversation also covers the important role BAFE SP101 plays in both supplier and customer insurance considerations, and how it helps raise the standard of fire safety services across the UK.
 
Contact 3Core2:
Website: https://www.3core2.co.uk/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/3core2-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
 

Understanding ISO 14064-1 – Greenhouse Gases with Will McKinney

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Will McKinney from Interface NRM to explore ISO 14064-1, the international standard for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As sustainability continues to climb the business agenda, this episode offers a clear and practical look at how ISO 14064-1 can support organisations on their path to carbon accountability.
Will breaks down the key principles and structure of ISO 14064-1, explains the difference between ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14064-3, and explores how the standard links with the GHG Protocol. He also outlines how this framework helps businesses build credibility, meet reporting requirements, and stay aligned with climate goals.
The discussion highlights the benefits of adopting ISO 14064-1, particularly in helping organisations achieve their climate change targets, improve transparency, and streamline carbon reporting. Will also shares useful tips for companies just starting their ISO 14064 journey.
 
Episode Links
 
Interface Website: https://interface-nrm.co.uk/
Interface ISO 14064: https://interface-nrm.co.uk/services/iso-14064/
Interface LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interface-nrm/
Will McKinney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-mckinney-71602222a/
 
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

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.
Show Links:
UKConsulting Open Data Log: https://www.ukconsulting.org/open-data/
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