Step5 Successfully Achieves ISO/IEC 42001 Certification
Setting the standard for responsible AI governance
Step5 is proud to announce that we have been awarded ISO/IEC 42001 certification – the world’s first international standard for AI management systems. This achievement places us among the first UK consultancies to meet this new global benchmark for AI governance.
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded in critical business processes, the need for robust, ethical and transparent management has never been greater. Our accreditation reflects Step5’s commitment to helping clients adopt and integrate AI confidently and responsibly.
What is ISO/IEC 42001?
Published in December 2023, ISO/IEC 42001 provides a structured framework for the safe, effective, and ethical management of AI systems. It helps organisations design, develop, implement, and oversee AI in a way that meets the growing expectations of regulators, customers, and society.
The standard covers key areas such as:
Transparency and accountability
Risk identification and mitigation
Ethical and legal considerations
Continual review and improvement
Why this matters now
The pace of AI adoption continues to accelerate. Recent research suggests that more than 80% of organisations across Europe now use generative AI tools in some form, yet fewer than a third have formal policies in place to manage them. This highlights a significant gap between AI usage and AI governance – a gap that ISO 42001 aims to help close.
For organisations introducing AI into transformation programmes, ISO 42001 provides the reassurance of a recognised, structured approach to managing both opportunity and risk.
What this means for Step5’s clients
Our ISO 42001 certification reinforces Step5’s role as a trusted partner in delivering AI-enabled transformation. It means our clients can move forward with transformation programmes knowing AI risks are identified and managed systematically, governance is applied consistently, and AI systems are aligned with their objectives.
It helps clients meet increasing regulatory and ethical expectations, ensuring that AI contributes to compliance rather than complexity. It also provides assurance to stakeholders that AI is being used transparently, responsibly, and in line with best practice.
At Step5, we believe the future of AI is human. This accreditation reflects our commitment to helping organisations realise the benefits of AI while keeping people, ethics and purpose at the heart of innovation.
Justin Narracott, Managing Director at Step5, commented:
“Achieving ISO 42001 is a significant accomplishment that reinforces our commitment to helping clients realise their AI ambitions ethically and transparently.
“It reflects our belief that AI is a critical enabler for leading organisations and that true success comes from delivering outcomes that matter.
I’m especially proud that we achieved this certification with zero non-conformities – a testament to the strength and dedication of our team.”
This certification strengthens our leadership in AI governance and signals our ongoing commitment to responsible, human-centred transformation.
To learn how Step5’s ISO 42001 certification can support your organisation’s AI journey, contact us today.