What is ISO/IEC 38500:2015 Certification?
ISO/IEC 38500 is a standard that provides guidance on the corporate governance of information technology within organizations. Unlike ISO/IEC 27001, which focuses specifically on information security management systems, ISO/IEC 38500 addresses the broader governance aspects of IT.
ISO/IEC 38500 certification, however, does not exist in the same way as ISO/IEC 27001 certification. ISO/IEC 38500 is not a certifiable standard like ISO/IEC 27001, meaning organizations cannot obtain formal certification against ISO/IEC 38500. Instead, ISO/IEC 38500 provides guidelines and principles for corporate governance of IT, helping organizations ensure that their IT investments support business objectives, manage IT-related risks, and optimize IT resources effectively.
Key principles outlined in ISO/IEC 38500 include:
Responsibility : Clearly defining roles and responsibilities for IT governance within the organization, including the governing body, management, and stakeholders.
Strategy : Aligning IT strategy with the organization’s overall business strategy to ensure that IT investments contribute to achieving business objectives.
Acquisition : Ensuring that IT investments are made wisely, considering factors such as value for money, risk management, and alignment with business needs.
Performance : Monitoring and evaluating the performance of IT investments and IT service delivery to ensure they meet agreed-upon objectives and performance targets.
Conformance : Ensuring that IT activities and investments comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards, as well as internal policies and procedures.
Human Behavior : Recognizing the importance of human behavior and organizational culture in governing IT effectively, including factors such as ethics, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 38500:2015 Certification
Enhanced Cybersecurity Posture
By following the guidelines for managing AI-related security risks, organizations can protect AI systems from cyber threats, Vulnerabilities, and attacks. This helps in safeguarding sensitive data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure from unauthorized access and breaches.
Risk Mitigation
The certification helps in systematically identifying, assessing, and addressing potential risks associated with AI, such as bias, data privacy, and algorithmic fairness. This proactive risk management minimizes negative impacts on stakeholders, operations, and reputation.
Improved Data Governance
ISO/IEC 42001 emphasizes robust data governance, ensuring high standards for data quality, integrity, security, and regulatory compliance. This involves clear protocols for data collection, processing, storage, and sharing.
Trust, Transparency, and Ethical AI Adoption
The certification promotes ethical AI practices by aligning AI development with principles of fairness, accountability, and human rights. This fosters trust among customers, employees, regulators, and the public.
Cost Savings and Efficiency
Implementing ISO/IEC 42001 can lead to cost savings by streamlining AI management processes, reducing errors, and optimizing resource allocation. This enhances overall productivity and allows resources to be focused on innovation and strategic initiatives.
Continuous Improvement
The standard encourages organizations to continuously monitor, measure, and evaluate AI management practices, enabling ongoing enhancements and alignment with evolving industry trends and organizational goals.
Who can get ISO/IEC 38500:2015 Certification?
Since ISO/IEC 38500 is a guideline standard rather than a certifiable standard like ISO/IEC 27001, there isn’t a certification process for ISO/IEC 38500. However, organizations can use ISO/IEC 38500 to improve their IT governance practices. Here’s a list of broad product categories or entities that could benefit from adopting ISO/IEC 38500 principles:
Enterprise Software Solutions Providers
Companies that develop and provide enterprise software solutions, including governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) software, can incorporate ISO/IEC 38500 principles into their products to help organizations better manage IT governance.
Consulting Firms
Consulting firms specializing in IT governance, risk management, and compliance can offer services to help organizations align their IT governance practices with ISO/IEC 38500 guidelines. They can provide assessments, guidance, and implementation support to facilitate compliance.
Training and Education Providers
Organizations that offer training and education programs related to IT governance, such as professional certifications or workshops, can develop curriculum and materials based on ISO/IEC 38500 principles to help professionals understand and apply effective IT governance practices.
IT Service Providers
Managed service providers, IT outsourcing firms, and other IT service providers can use ISO/IEC 38500 principles to enhance their service offerings and ensure that they align with client organizations' IT governance requirements.
Auditing and Assurance Firms
Auditing firms and assurance providers can incorporate ISO/IEC 38500 principles into their audit methodologies and assessment frameworks to evaluate the effectiveness of IT governance practices within client organizations.
Regulatory and Compliance Software Providers
Companies that develop software solutions for regulatory compliance management can integrate ISO/IEC 38500 principles into their products to help organizations address IT governance requirements more effectively.
Risk Management Software Providers
Providers of risk management software solutions can incorporate ISO/IEC 38500 principles into their products to help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate IT-related risks in alignment with best practices.
Corporate Governance Consulting Firms
Firms specializing in corporate governance consulting can offer services to help organizations integrate IT governance into their overall governance framework, leveraging ISO/IEC 38500 principles as a guiding framework.
Industry Associations
Industry associations and professional organizations in fields such as IT, governance, risk management, and compliance can promote awareness of ISO/IEC 38500 principles and provide guidance and resources to help member organizations adopt effective IT governance practices.
Government Agencies
Government agencies responsible for regulating and overseeing IT governance practices in specific industries or sectors can use ISO/IEC 38500 principles as a reference framework to inform regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Validity of ISO/IEC 38500:2015 Certification
The ISO/IEC 38500:2015 certification is typically valid for 3 years from the date of issue. During this period, the organization must demonstrate ongoing compliance with the standard’s principles and guidelines.
Documents Required for ISO/IEC 38500:2015 Certification
- System Manual
- System Procedure
- Policy
- Objectives
- Mission & Vision
- Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Checklist
- Forms
- Formats
- Records
The extent of Documented Information differs as per:
- Organization’s size
- Activities performed by the organization
- Processes undertaken by the Organization
- Products and services offered by the organization
- The complexity of processes undertaken
- Competence of persons involved
Role of Shamkris and Process of ISO/IEC 38500:2015 Certification
Shamkris adopts a results-oriented approach to effective system implementation in the organization. A simple and practical method of system implementation helps organizations increase business efficiency and sustainability. Shamkris supports 100% documentation to obtain an accreditation body of success in addition to enhanced performance.
The implementation process is described below:
Day 1
GAP Analysis, Certification Body, Selection, Cost Estimates
• Finding the GAP between existing system related to ISO requirements
• Selecting the appropriate certification body
• Based on the scope of your business & certification body you choose
Week 1
Developing Documents
• Management System Manual, Management System Procedures, Policy, Objectives, Forms etc.
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Week 4
Implementing Management System
• ISO Awareness training for the top management and staff
• Implementing a well-documented management system throughout the organization
Week 8
Internal Audit
MRM
CAPA
• Internal audits identifying nonconformities related to ISO requirements
• Management Review Meetings
• Corrective and Preventive Action plan for nonconformities
Week 10
Self Certification/NoBo
Audit
N-C Closing
• Shamkris acts on your behalf and assists you in the third-party audit
• Closing of any nonconformities identified by the certification body
Week 12
Self Certification/NoBo
• ISO certificates issued for 3 years
• Surveillance Audits yearly
Year on Year
Yearly Compliance
• Support of Yearly documentation for audit
FAQ
No, ISO/IEC 38500 does not have a formal certification process. It provides guidance on IT governance principles but does not offer certification.
Organizations can demonstrate compliance with ISO/IEC 38500 by aligning their IT governance practices with its principles. This may involve conducting self-assessments, engaging in external audits or assessments, and integrating ISO/IEC 38500 principles into governance frameworks.
Yes, some training providers offer courses on IT governance or corporate governance that may cover ISO/IEC 38500 principles. These courses can help professionals understand and apply effective IT governance practices within their organizations.
Adopting ISO/IEC 38500 principles can help organizations improve decision-making, manage IT-related risks more effectively, and align IT investments with business objectives. It promotes transparency, accountability, and value creation through IT governance.
ISO/IEC 38500 is not mandatory, but organizations may choose to adopt its principles voluntarily to enhance their IT governance practices. Compliance with ISO/IEC 38500 can help organizations demonstrate good governance and align IT with business objectives.