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: 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 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: 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:

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