An article by ISO/TC283 Chairperson Martin Cottam
It is one of the strengths of ISO that its processes seek and encourage very wide and diverse participation to shape the content of standards and related guidelines.
In ISO/TC 283, we have involvement from 100 countries, the vast majority as participants, but with others as observers who can comment on our work at any stage.
Their input is formulated by national mirror committees, which again bring together a wide diversity of stakeholders. Those committees vary in size from a handful of people to over 100 people, with participants from all sectors of industry and commerce, from government and regulatory bodies, academia, professional institutions, sector bodies and trade unions, together with individual experts. That means our work is reviewed and shaped by inputs from many different perspectives. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the work done by all the national mirror committee members who give generously of their time and expertise to help shape our standards.