The three year former DTI* funded programme, called the National Standardization Strategic Framework (NSSF), came to an end in March 2007 but BSI has sustained the commitment to government engagement activities. The NSSF team effectively secured a step change in the understanding and uses of standards, to the benefit of business, government and society, and the External Affairs team, led by Marcus Long, have been carrying out activities to maintain this momentum.
New approach to government inquiries
A new process to ensure all major opportunities to consult with government are being captured, which has significantly raised BSI’s profile amongst those in key decision-making roles within government departments, agencies and Parliament. BSI currently responds to two public consultations and select committee inquiries on average per month.
BSI Senior Government Forums
Three events took place in March each focusing on a key theme for government and BSI; Business Continuity & Risk, Sustainability and Innovation. Hosted by Mike Low, Director of BSI British Standards and supported by other key BSI staff, senior government decision-makers were targeted. The events helped communicate the benefits of standards and to ensure potential users had clear guidance in order to integrate standards as a regular tool of policy.
The events were very well attended by senior representatives from Department of Health, Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Office of Government Commerce, Department of Transport, Department for Culture Media and Sport, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, HM Treasury, and Environment Agency to name but a few. Follow ups with all attendees are being carried out forging stronger relationships between BSI and the public sector.
For more information about these or any other government engagement activities please contact marcus.long@bsigroup.com
DIUS consults on the Innovation Nation White Paper
To raise awareness, stimulate debate and encourage feedback on the Innovation Nation White Paper, the Department fro Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) have developed an interactive version of the document that allows users to comment on each recommendation listed in the Executive Summary.
Those interested in commenting will be required to register (name and email address) before posting a comment. To view the tool click here -
http://interactive.dius.gov.uk/innovationnation/
*The DTI is now split into DIUS and DBERR
