The latest edition of the UPDATE newsletter, sharing important articles and information from UKAS
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Government Announces Minimum Standards for COVID-19 Testing

Since the beginning of the pandemic, UKAS has been working with government departments to provide advice on quality assurance and accreditation of laboratories performing COVID-19 testing. Find out more about this important project and the three stage UKAS accreditation process for private providers of COVID-19 testing here.
You can also find general updates on UKAS' work relating to the COVID-19 pandemic here.


UKAS Renews MoU with UK Government

UKAS is delighted to have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government through the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).  This MoU, updated following the UK's full exit from the EU, establishes the way we will work together to maintain and promote a strong national accreditation service in the UK.  Read more here.
Full and up-to-date information about the role of UKAS and UK accreditation post EU exit can be found on our website.
​​​​Launch of New Website, Brand & Symbols
UKAS has refreshed its brand and launched a new website focusing on improving the customer experience.  We also have new Symbols of Accreditation.  Find out about these changes  here.
Update: Scene of Crime Accreditation
UKAS provides further information on our progress with the development of Scene of Crime accreditation during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic here.
UKAS signs up to ‘Building a Safer Future Charter’
UKAS is pleased to announce that it is joining forces with the ‘Building a Safer Future Charter’ by becoming a Corporate Supporter. The Charter was set up in the wake of the Grenfell Tower tragedy when 72 people lost their lives in Britain’s worst residential fire since the end of WW2.  Read more here.
UKAS welcomes the creation of Construction Products Regulator
UKAS welcomes the government’s announcement of the creation of a new Construction Products Regulator, which will be housed within the Office of Products Safety & Standards (OPSS) within the Business Department (BEIS).  Find out about the new regulator here.

AI: Accrediting Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is potentially one of the most significant and pervasive general-purpose technologies to develop in recent years.  Here UKAS examines how accreditation can be applied in this sector.
Risk-Based Approach to Assessments
UKAS has been developing a Risk-Based assessment approach to be piloted within the asbestos sector. The revised approach was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders.  Find out more here.
Watch again: Joint UKAS and BEIS webinar on the incoming UKCA Mark
UKAS and BEIS have held a webinar to answer questions about the incoming UKCA mark, which has replaced the CE mark as the UK product marking for goods placed on the market in the UK, with the UKNI mark applicable in Northern Ireland. You can view all topics covered and watch a recording here:
Watch again: Lessons from the Grenfell Tower – A Lecture Delivered by Dame Judith Hackitt
On 2nd December, UKAS presented a 25th Anniversary Lecture, which was delivered by Dame Judith Hackitt.
This provided deep insight into how dysfunctional supply chains can lead to catastrophic consequences in construction and also in other sectors.  View a recording here.
     
 
A world of confidence
     
 
     
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