LRQA Introduces ISO 42001 Certification for AI Governance in the Supply Chain

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ISO 42001 represents the first international management system standard designed specifically for artificial intelligence. Unlike frameworks that address AI ethics or risk in isolation, ISO 42001 offers an auditable, organization-wide approach to managing AI with transparency, accountability, and oversight.

The introduction of ISO 42001 aligns with a global consensus that AI systems must operate within clear ethical and operational boundaries. Governments are introducing regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act and the US Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, but these policies often lack the operational detail that businesses need. ISO 42001 fills that gap, offering a structure for continuous improvement and measurable performance in AI governance.

The core principles of ISO 42001 and what it requires from organizations

ISO 42001 is structured around the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle used in many ISO standards. At its heart, the standard promotes a risk-based approach to managing AI systems. It requires organizations to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks throughout the AI lifecycle. These include not only technical risks such as model drift and bias, but also organizational issues like lack of oversight or insufficient stakeholder engagement.

The standard mandates that organizations establish an Artificial Intelligence Management System covering all AI-related activities. Key components include:

• Governance structures for AI system ownership and accountability
• Risk assessments across training data, model outcomes, and deployment
• Transparency protocols to ensure explainability and traceability
• Ongoing monitoring and auditing of AI system performance
• Stakeholder engagement and user communication practices

By embedding these principles into organizational processes, ISO 42001 builds resilience against unintended outcomes while supporting ethical innovation.

LRQA’s strategic expansion and why it chose to lead with ISO 42001

LRQA has identified artificial intelligence as a critical area for growth. With a goal of generating £200 million from AI, cybersecurity, and digital assurance by 2030, ISO 42001 forms a core element of its strategy. The launch of its certification service is both a market signal and a business opportunity. It positions LRQA as a first mover in a sector poised for regulatory evolution and growing demand for third-party validation.

The certification service is backed by training programs and digital tools. LRQA’s EiQ supply chain intelligence platform, for example, supports complex assurance processes.

Case example: Emirates Health Services leads with early adoption

Among the first adopters of ISO 42001 is Emirates Health Services, a state-run health organization in the United Arab Emirates. In partnership with LRQA, it became one of the first globally to achieve the certification. The move reflects a commitment to operational excellence and establishes EHS as a regional leader in ethical AI deployment.

EHS uses AI in predictive patient care, diagnostics, and administrative automation. By securing ISO 42001 certification, the organization aligns with international best practices and sets a model for other public health entities. The process, guided by LRQA, was efficient and tailored to healthcare-specific challenges.

Training for compliance: how organizations can build internal capacity

To support ISO 42001 implementation, LRQA offers several training modules:

• Introduction to ISO 42001, a course for general awareness
• Internal Auditor Training, for staff responsible for monitoring compliance
• Lead Auditor Certification, for those overseeing AI governance frameworks

These programs serve to develop internal expertise and reinforce a culture of accountability. As AI systems integrate into core functions, audit-ready teams become essential for early risk identification and compliance maintenance.

How ISO 42001 is shaping the future of AI risk and regulation

ISO 42001 is more than a technical manual. It signals a broader shift in how organizations manage emerging technology. As AI moves deeper into the mainstream, the availability of a certifiable global standard becomes indispensable. ISO 42001 allows companies to show commitment to responsible innovation, gain stakeholder trust, and mitigate potential penalties.

Its longer-term value may be in creating a universal framework that aligns with national regulations. By linking high-level policy to practical governance, ISO 42001 offers clarity in a fast-changing landscape.