Exploring Standards with Assent – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess sits down with Tobias Mielke, Global Product Manager at TÜV Nord, to explore one of the most overlooked dimensions of information security - culture. While many organisations treat ISO 27001 as a compliance checkbox, Tobias makes the case that the standard is actually a powerful framework for embedding security into the DNA of your organisation. From phishing emails to access controls, real security starts with how people think and behave when no one is watching.

 

What You'll Learn

• What ISO 27001 is and why every organisation, regardless of size or sector,  needs to take information security seriously
• The difference between having security policies and actually having a security culture
• Why leadership buy-in isn't just helpful,  it's essential for any ISMS to succeed
• How the risk assessment process helps employees understand their personal role in protecting information
• Which Annex A controls typically require the biggest cultural shift (and why access management and incident reporting top the list)
• How to embed security controls into daily habits rather than treating them as annual compliance exercises
• The real-world external benefits of a strong security culture, from customer trust to commercial advantage
• How to measure whether your security culture is genuinely improving, not just audit-ready
• The single most important first step any organisation can take tomorrow to start building a real security culture

 

Key Takeaway

Security culture isn't built through policy documents,  it's built through people. When leadership visibly champions information security as a business priority, and when employees understand the why behind the controls, ISO 27001 transforms from a compliance label into a practical roadmap for lasting organisational change.

 

About Tobias

Tobias Mielke is Global Product Manager at TÜV Nord Group, based in Germany, where he oversees the technical development and ongoing support of a portfolio of management system standards, including ISO 27001 (Information Security Management Systems), ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management), and ISO 42001 (AI Management Systems). In addition to his product management role, Tobias works as an ISO Lead Auditor for information security and related standards, with hands-on experience certifying organisations across multiple sectors, including critical infrastructure.

 

Connect with Tobias:

Website: https://www.tuv-nord.com/uk/en/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasmielke

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

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In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess sits down with Cornelia Campbell-Swart, a healthcare compliance and safety professional with over 15 years of experience, to break down ISO 7101, the first ISO standard written specifically for healthcare organisations.   What You'll Learn

• What ISO 7101 is and why it's a landmark standard for global healthcare
• Which healthcare organisations benefit most, from large hospitals to small doctors' rooms
• The biggest mistakes to avoid when starting implementation (spoiler: don't start with policies!)
• The key processes and structures needed to meet ISO 7101 requirements
• How ISO 7101 compares to, and can replace, ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001
• What to monitor, including patient satisfaction and incident tracking
• How to build a system that works for your organisation, not against it

  Key Takeaway Start where you are. ISO 7101 isn't about adding extra work or ticking boxes; most organisations are already doing much of what's required, just without structure. Build on what you have, involve your people, and let the system work for you.

 

About Cornelia Campbell-Swart Cornelia is a healthcare compliance and safety professional based in South Africa with over 15 years of experience. She works with standards including ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 7101, and is passionate about improving health, safety, and quality across healthcare facilities of all sizes. A nurse by heart, Cornelia brings a practical, people-first approach to quality management.

 

Contact Cornelia Campbell-Swart

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelia-campbell-swart-a98b1b137/

Website: www.optimalsolve.com

Mobile: 071 803 9532

Telephone: 011 513 4141

Email: health@optimalsolve.com

 

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

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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: desk@assent1.com

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: desk@assent1.com

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/

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Danny Lee, an experienced quality professional with a strong background in aviation and aerospace. Together, they dive into the world of AS9100, the internationally recognised quality management system standard specifically designed for the aerospace, aviation, and defence industries.

Danny begins by explaining the purpose and scope of AS9100, who it’s intended for, and how it builds on the foundation of ISO 9001 by introducing additional industry-specific requirements. He highlights why sectors like aerospace need more than a general QMS and explores the key business benefits of adopting AS9100, including enhanced customer confidence, better risk management, and improved process control.

Listeners will also gain practical advice on how to transition from ISO 9001 to AS9100, especially for precision engineering companies aiming to break into the aviation sector. Danny shares insights on common implementation mistakes, what small businesses need to know, and the first steps to take when starting their AS9100 journey.

Whether you're considering certification or just want to understand how AS9100 supports excellence in aviation quality management, this episode offers expert guidance and actionable takeaways.

Contact Assent:

• Website: www.assent1.com
• Email: desk@assent1.com

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 Danny:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/hiredannylee

 

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess welcomes back Juliana Wood, Managing Director of Certifications at CIRQ. Following her popular appearance on the podcast where she introduced ISO 20252, Juliana returns to dive deeper into the standard, this time focusing on the top non-conformances seen during certification audits.

ISO 20252 is the international standard for market, opinion, and social research, and maintaining compliance is essential for delivering credible, high-quality results. Juliana shares insights from the past 12 months of auditing, highlighting the most common areas where organisations struggle. She also offers practical advice on how to avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smoother path to certification.

Whether you're newly exploring ISO 20252 or looking to strengthen your current systems, this episode is filled with valuable tips and expert knowledge to keep your organisation audit-ready and compliant.

 

Introduction to ISO 20252 Podcast Episode: https://exploringstandards.podbean.com/e/introduction-to-iso-20252-with-juliana-wood/

Contact Assent:

• Website: www.assent1.com
• Email: desk@assent1.com

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 Juliana:

CIRQ website: https://www.cirq.org/

Juliana Email: juliana.wood@cirq.org

In this episode of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Kathy Clements, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Consultant and Head of Business Development & Partnerships at Assent Risk Management. Together, they take a deep dive into Assent’s anonymised Non-Conformance Log, revealing the Top 5 ISO 14001 non-conformances identified between April 2020 and April 2025.

Drawing on findings from both internal audits and certification body assessments, Kathy shares insights into the most common challenges organisations face when implementing and maintaining an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. From identifying environmental aspects to managing compliance obligations, this data-driven discussion highlights where businesses often fall short — and what they can do to improve.

 

Show Links:

UKConsulting Open Data Log: https://www.ukconsulting.org/open-data/

 

Contact Assent:

• Website: www.assent1.com
• Email: desk@assent1.com

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 of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by James Williams, Operations Director at 3Core2, who brings over 18 years of experience in the certification industry. Together, they dive into the BAFE SP101 Scheme – a key competency standard for organisations and technicians working with portable fire extinguishers.

James explains what BAFE SP101 stands for and provides a clear overview of the scheme, including what a BAFE SP101 Certificate of Compliance represents. He walks us through the certification process, how long certification lasts, and discusses whether the scheme is a legal requirement or a best practice approach.

The conversation also covers the important role BAFE SP101 plays in both supplier and customer insurance considerations, and how it helps raise the standard of fire safety services across the UK.

 

Contact 3Core2:

• Website: https://www.3core2.co.uk/
• LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/3core2-certification

 

Contact Assent:

• Website: www.assent1.com
• Email: desk@assent1.com

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 of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Will McKinney from Interface NRM to explore ISO 14064-1, the international standard for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As sustainability continues to climb the business agenda, this episode offers a clear and practical look at how ISO 14064-1 can support organisations on their path to carbon accountability.

Will breaks down the key principles and structure of ISO 14064-1, explains the difference between ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14064-3, and explores how the standard links with the GHG Protocol. He also outlines how this framework helps businesses build credibility, meet reporting requirements, and stay aligned with climate goals.

The discussion highlights the benefits of adopting ISO 14064-1, particularly in helping organisations achieve their climate change targets, improve transparency, and streamline carbon reporting. Will also shares useful tips for companies just starting their ISO 14064 journey.

 

Episode Links

 

Interface Website: https://interface-nrm.co.uk/

Interface ISO 14064: https://interface-nrm.co.uk/services/iso-14064/

Interface LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/interface-nrm/

Will McKinney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-mckinney-71602222a/

 

Contact Assent:

• Website: www.assent1.com
• Email: desk@assent1.com

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 of Exploring Standards, host Jess is joined by Sarah Smith, a highly experienced consultant specialising in ISO 13485 Medical Devices and ISO 9001 Quality Management. With over ten years of experience in the medical device industry and expertise as a certified data protection officer, Sarah provides invaluable insights into the world of ISO 13485 and its importance for medical device manufacturers.

In this episode Sarah explains why this standard is essential for ensuring quality and compliance in the medical device industry, breaking down the key components of an ISO 13485 Quality Management System (QMS).

The episode also explores the role of risk management in ISO 13485 and how it helps organisations address potential challenges. Sarah clarifies the differences between ISO 13485 and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and highlights how ISO 13485 supports compliance with key regulations in the UK and Europe.

Whether you're in the medical device industry or simply curious about how international standards impact healthcare, this episode is packed with practical insights and expert advice. Tune in to learn how ISO 13485 can help organisations ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

 

Contact Sarah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-s-09928b105/

 

Contact Assent:

• Website: www.assent1.com
• Email: desk@assent1.com

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