BSI is currently revising BS 0 A Standard for Standards, in consultation with its stakeholders. The standard specifies governance, organizational arrangements and mechanisms by which formal standards are prepared, in order to meet the requirements of The Royal Charter and bye-laws of BSI and its Memorandum of Understanding with the government.
The revision follows a strategic review of British Standards and changes to its organizational structures and processes. The reasons for changing BS 0 include:
- the need to produce standards products and services in a more timely manner
- to ensure that British Standards maintains a good dialogue with its stakeholders and responds to market needs
- to develop standards in an efficient, cost-effective manner
- to increase the openness and transparency of the NSB's governance arrangements.
The drafting of the new edition of BS 0 is being managed by the Standards Policy and Strategy Committee. They are making sure the needs of both BSI and its stakeholders are taken on board in the production of a simple and accessible document.
Many of the current practices have been retained in the new version but key changes that have been proposed include:
- formatting BS 0 as a two-part specification, rather than three-part guidance, thus making requirements and accountabilities of both BSI and its committee members clear
- removing discussion and process guidance from the standard to the BSI website, thus making it more readily available, easier to access and update and simplifying the document
- referring to European and international protocols, minimizing national variations
including new requirements as required by the British Standards Code of Conduct and Fair Trading Code of Practice
- changes required by new NSB governance procedures, revised structures and processes.
The existing BS 0 Parts 1 to 3, published in 1997, will be retained (i.e. 'declared obsolescent') until a second part relating to structure, drafting and presentation is published and guidance material is made available.
The supplementary guidance information will include how standards are made, the different types of standards, how to work with BSI and the benefits of being on a BSI committee. Once these materials are produced later this year you will be able to access them on the BSI website and through other channels, such as the welcome pack given to new committee members.
The new edition is expected to be published in January 2006 and their will be an online training package for members to update their knowledge. More communications will follow in the New Year.
