Shout gains ISO 42001 in an industry first

23 December 2024

We are delighted to have added another ISO certification to our growing collection! ISO/IEC 42001:2023 (Artificial Intelligence - Management System) is a new standard developed to add structure and control to an organisation’s processes around the ethical use of AI. This important milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsibility in an ever-evolving digital world.

At the time of writing, we have been reliably informed that Shout are one of only ten organisations to be awarded the standard, and the first in our industry.

Shout gains ISO 42001 in an industry first

What is ISO 42001?

ISO 42001 is the globally recognised standard for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Management Systems. It provides a framework for organisations to develop, implement, and continually improve responsible AI practices.

As with many similar standards (for example our ISO 27001 - Information Security) the primary focus is to provide a standardised set of requirements for establishing, maintaining, and continually improving the associated management system—i.e. the policies, processes, and controls that ensure that AI technologies are harnessed in a transparent and sustainable manner.

In turn, the standard gives organisations the confidence to meet challenges such as responsible and ethical use of AI, data provenance, accountability, and reliability.

How did we attain the standard?

The certification process involved creating an inventory of AI technologies used internally and an impact and risk assessment of each, then establishing an ongoing programme of internal audit and review.

As AI is already used extensively through the business – both in the products we produce for clients and our ways of working – this process involved all areas of the business from Commercial, to Development, to Experience Design.

Why This Matters

As a digital agency, we work at the intersection of creativity and leading-edge technology. AI has become an integral part of the solutions we create for our clients, enhancing everything from automation and data analysis, to content personalisation and UX. However, with great innovation comes great responsibility. Achieving ISO 42001 certification demonstrates that we are:

Committed to ethical AI: We prioritise transparency, fairness, and accountability in all AI-driven processes.
Focused on trust and reliability: Our clients can rely on us to deploy AI technologies that are robust, secure, and compliant with best practice standards.
Dedicated to continuous improvement: The ISO 42001 framework ensures that our AI systems evolve responsibly, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

What It Means for Our Clients

For our clients, ISO 42001 is more than a badge—it’s a promise. By aligning with this standard, we provide:

Enhanced confidence: You can trust our AI solutions to be ethical, secure, and reliable.
Future-ready solutions: Our certified approach ensures that your projects meet the highest benchmarks for AI governance.
Innovation with integrity: We’re committed to harnessing the power of AI while respecting user privacy, mitigating bias, and delivering measurable value.

Looking Ahead

Achieving ISO 42001 is just the beginning. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI—responsibly and sustainably. Whether it’s building smarter digital experiences, amplifying human productivity, or driving data-driven transformations, our clients can rest assured that their projects are in expert and ethical hands.