Plain Language Standard ISO 24495 with Frances Gordon: Making Communication Clear in the Age of AI

In this episode, host Jess sits down with Gary Beales from UTAC, an expert in management systems and certification implementation for the automotive sector, to explore IATF 16949, the international quality management standard designed specifically for the automotive industry. What You'll Learn: What IATF 16949 is and why it matters for organisations in the automotive supply chain How the standard builds on ISO 9001 and the key differences between the two The commercial and operational benefits of implementing IATF 16949 How certification can help organisations access global automotive markets and win tenders Where companies typically see return on investment from implementing the standard The process for organisations looking to upgrade from ISO 9001 to IATF 16949 Whether businesses should run ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 in parallel The role of accreditation bodies and how global recognition works for certification Key Takeaway: IATF 16949 is more than just an upgrade from ISO 9001 - it’s a specialised automotive quality framework that helps organisations strengthen processes, improve efficiency, and unlock opportunities within the global automotive supply chain.   About Gary: Gary Beales is an Account Manager at UTAC. With extensive experience in management systems and certification since 2012, Gary supports organisations looking to implement and maintain certification frameworks, particularly within the automotive sector. His expertise helps businesses understand the value of management systems and navigate the certification process effectively.   Connect with UTAC: UTAC Certification | ISO & IATF for Automotive Suppliers UTAC: Posts | LinkedIn   Connect with Gary: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbeales/ Phone: 07974 068 768 Email: [email protected]   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 Subscribe for more episodes exploring standards, compliance, and governance topics!   

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess sits down with Frances Gordon, a content strategist and plain language expert who has been a contributor to ISO 24495 - the international plain language standard. With nearly three decades of experience, Frances shares insights from the recent Brussels Plain Language Experience and breaks down what plain language truly means beyond just "simple words." We explore: The comprehensive definition of plain language (wording, structure, AND design) How plain language is more than a checklist and addresses how AND what you communicate The upcoming requirements standard in development Plain language's critical role in the age of generative AI How ISO 24495 helps financial services meet consumer duty requirements Why terms and conditions deserve special attention Real-world case studies showing business benefits Frances offers practical guidance on using AI tools responsibly for plain language work, emphasising that while AI can help scale processes, it cannot replace human expertise in understanding audiences, context, and regulatory requirements. She also discusses the ethical dimensions of plain language and why it's essential for vulnerable populations.   Guest: Frances Gordon, Content Strategist at Narratology and ISO Plain Language Standards Expert Resources mentioned: ISO 24495 Plain Language Standard Plain Language Association International (plain language organisation) "Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please" by Joseph Kimble Cooley Law School plain language resources Clarity International (plain legal language organisation) Contact Frances: Frances Gordon - Narratology www.narratology.co.uk Plain language assessment tool | Narratology   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

In this episode, host Jess sits down with Sandra Chalhoub, a food safety expert specialising in ISO 22000, to explore the international standard for food safety management systems. What You'll Learn: What ISO 22000 is and why it matters in today's global food supply chain How climate change and globalisation are creating new food safety challenges The difference between ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRC, and SALSA standards How small businesses vs. large manufacturers implement the standard differently Why ISO 22000 is the foundation for FSSC 22000 certification How the standard integrates HACCP principles into a complete management system Common implementation mistakes and how to avoid them Practical first steps for organisations starting their ISO 22000 journey Key Takeaway: ISO 22000 is flexible, scalable, and internationally recognised, making it ideal for organisations of all sizes across the entire food supply chain, from farming to catering. Whether you're in food manufacturing, catering, logistics, or quality management, this episode offers valuable insights into building a robust food safety culture. About Sandra: Sandra is a quality and food safety professional specialising in ISO 22000, HACCP, and Food Safety Management Systems. With extensive experience working as a QA/QC professional across different types of food businesses, Sandra transitioned into consulting to help organisations implement effective food safety standards. She currently works as a self-employed ISO 22000 consultant in the UK, bringing her practical expertise to businesses of all sizes across the food supply chain.  Connect with Sandra: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-chalhoub-40726874 Email - [email protected]   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   Subscribe for more episodes exploring standards, compliance, and governance topics!

Welcome to Exploring Standards! In this episode, host Jess sits down with Dan Sampson, a GRC consultant and certified lead auditor specialising in ISO 27001 and ISO 42001, to explore the intersection of information security and AI governance.   What You'll Learn: The key differences between ISO 27001 (information security) and ISO 42001 (AI governance) How these two standards complement each other and where they overlap Critical gaps that ISO 42001 fills that ISO 27001 doesn't address Which standard should your organisation implement first When ISO 42001 is necessary vs. when ISO 27001 alone is sufficient Common misconceptions about AI security and governance Practical advice for organisations considering certification Key Takeaway: ISO 27001 prevents your data from being stolen, while ISO 42001 prevents your data from being used unfairly or unpredictably by AI systems. Together, they provide comprehensive protection for organisations deploying AI.   About Dan Sampson: Dan is a GRC consultant specialising in information security and responsible AI governance through his company, Sampson ISO Audit and Consult Limited. With extensive experience at the University of Sheffield and now as an independent consultant, Dan helps organisations align their information security practices with responsible AI deployment.   Connect with Dan: LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-s-31775b205   Website - www.sampsoniso.co.uk   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   Subscribe for more episodes exploring standards, compliance, and governance topics! #ISO27001 #ISO42001 #AIGovernance #InformationSecurity #Compliance #CyberSecurity #AIEthics #DataProtection #GRC #Standards

In the final episode of Season 3 of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by two special guests: Kirsty Wakefield, Information Security Sector Manager at ISOQAR, and Rob Clements, CEO & Director of Assent. Together, they explore one of the most talked-about topics in today’s business world, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the emerging international standard ISO 42001. Kirsty Wakefield is the Information Security Manager at ISOQAR, where she leads on strengthening information security practices and ensuring compliance with international standards. With expertise in frameworks such as ISO 27001 and emerging standards like ISO 42001, Kirsty supports organisations in building robust governance, risk, and compliance strategies. She plays a key role in helping businesses achieve certification, embedding a culture of trust, accountability, and resilience in their operations. The discussion begins with an introduction to ISO 42001, why it was created, and how it differs from other well-known standards like ISO 27001 and ISO 9001. Kirsty and Rob explain why AI governance and ethical use are becoming critical for organisations across all sectors, not just tech-heavy industries. They also highlight the main risks of unmanaged AI that the standard helps to address, from transparency and fairness to accountability and compliance. Listeners will also gain insight into the value of ISO 42001 certification, including how it builds trust with customers and regulators, integrates with existing management systems, and ensures that AI remains ethical and effective. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how organisations can prepare internally for an ISO 42001 audit, and what the process involves from a certification body perspective.   Contact Assent: Website: www.assent1.com Email: [email protected] 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 ISOQAR LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/isoqar/ Instagram: ISOQAR_UK Facebook: ISOQAR UK Email: [email protected] Explore ISOQAR’s dedicated ISO 42001 campaign page to access a free AI eBook, expert blogs, gap analysis tool, and more resources to guide your AI governance journey: http://bit.ly/4mRhYmt    

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Jay Riddler, Co-Founder and Director of Dynamic Consultancy Solutions, to dive into ISO 39001, Road Traffic Safety Management and its impact on the haulage and logistics industry. With over 20 years of frontline and management experience in transport, Jay brings a wealth of knowledge on compliance, accreditations, and safety standards. Jay provides a clear overview of ISO 39001, explaining who is adopting it, why it matters, and the real benefits businesses can expect, from improving safety performance to building credibility and compliance in a highly regulated sector. The conversation also covers how ISO 39001 compares with schemes like FORS and DVSA Earned Recognition, the process of implementing the standard, and some of the most common challenges companies face (and how to overcome them). Packed with expert insights and practical advice, Jay also shares his top tips for organisations looking to adopt ISO 39001 and strengthen their road traffic safety management systems.   Contact Assent: Website: www.assent1.com Email: [email protected] 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 Jay: https://www.dynamicconsultancysolutions.com/

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Ben Moulds, Risk, Assurance & Compliance Manager at Whistl, one of the UK’s leading logistics companies. Whistl recently completed its first year of outsourced internal audits across five ISO standards, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001, all certified with UKAS-accredited certification body LRQA. Ben shares Whistl’s ISO journey, starting with their initial certifications and moving towards the challenge of managing multiple standards across the business. He explains how the company navigated change within their management systems, the benefits of holding multiple certifications, and how working with ISO consultants has supported their success. The conversation also goes beyond the certificates themselves, highlighting the real-world benefits ISO management systems bring to organisations, from greater efficiency to building resilience and trust. Ben also shares his top tips for managing multiple ISO certifications, offering practical advice for organisations looking to streamline and strengthen their compliance programmes. Contact Assent: Website: www.assent1.com Email: [email protected] 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 Ben: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-moulds-09118a41/ Contact Whistl: Website: https://www.whistl.co.uk/

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Robert Low, founder and lead developer of ApexGlobal Quality, to explore ISO 22716, the international standard for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in the cosmetics industry. With 16 years of experience in personal care and household sectors and credentials as a lead auditor in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22716, and BRCGS CP, Rob brings deep industry insight and practical knowledge to the conversation. Rob provides a clear overview of ISO 22716, explaining how it supports product safety, quality, and regulatory compliance. He breaks down the key benefits of implementing the standard, the difference between ISO 22716 and traditional GMP, and the types of companies and supply chains that commonly require certification. We also address the question of relevance. ISO 22716 hasn’t been updated since 2007. Rob shares his perspective on how the standard holds up in today’s market and explains why he developed his own, more current standard to better meet the evolving needs of the industry. Whether you’re a cosmetics manufacturer, part of the supply chain, or simply curious about international quality standards, this episode offers expert guidance and practical takeaways.   Contact Assent: Website: www.assent1.com Email: [email protected] 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 Rob: ApexGlobal Quality Website: www.rjlowsolutions.co.uk COS-GMP: www.rjlowsolutions.co.uk/cos-gmp  

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Michael Venner, CEO of Auva Certification, to discuss what organisations really need to know when preparing for a certification audit. With years of experience overseeing audits across various industries, Michael offers a clear and practical look at what auditors are truly looking for and how to avoid the most common pitfalls. Michael explains the difference between simply having documentation and actually implementing the requirements of a standard, and why both are crucial. He shares the most common mistakes and misconceptions he sees from organisations going through their first certification, and offers guidance on how to prepare teams for audit day, from start to finish.   Contact Assent: Website: www.assent1.com Email: [email protected] 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 Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvenner-isocertificationexpert/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/auva-certification-ltd

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined once again by Rob Hall, Founder of Tempo Audits, following his earlier appearance this season discussing remote auditing in ISO 27001. This time, Rob returns to share his journey to achieving UKAS accreditation, a significant milestone for any certification body. Rob walks us through why UKAS accreditation matters, not just for credibility, but for building trust in the audit process. He shares candid insights into the steps involved, what Tempo learned along the way, and how the journey challenged and strengthened their approach to auditing. Whether you're considering accreditation yourself or are simply curious about how trusted certification bodies are built, this episode offers valuable lessons from someone who’s done it.   Contact Assent: Website: www.assent1.com Email: [email protected] 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 Rob: www.tempoaudits.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/tempo-audits/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjshall/