ISO/IEC 42005 Impact Assessment
Build audit-ready AI governance aligned with international standards
A strong audit framework is the foundation of accountable, fair, and transparent AI.
Reinforce responsible AI with recognised audit practices
Detect and address risks before external scrutiny
Demonstrate fairness, accountability, and compliance in practice
Embedding Accountability in AI Governance
ISO/IEC 42005:2023 provides guidance on how AI governance should be audited. Unlike ISO/IEC 42001, which sets requirements for an AI Management System (AIMS), 42005 defines the methods to evaluate and assure that system. While it is not a certifiable standard, it helps organisations prove that their AI governance is fair, defensible, and accountable. By applying 42005, organisations can strengthen trust, ensure readiness for ISO/IEC 42001 certification, and reinforce alignment with the EU AI Act.
Our Approach
Clarify
We define the scope, context, and purpose of the AI system. Stakeholders, intended outcomes, and foreseeable risks are identified.
Assess
We evaluate positive and negative impacts, including unintended consequences and misuse scenarios, across the AI lifecycle.
Document
We capture findings in a structured record that aligns with ISO 42005. Risks, mitigations, monitoring, and oversight are clearly presented.
Integrate
We embed the assessment into your governance processes and ensure it is updated when systems change or risks evolve.
The Result: Responsible AI Assurance
Fairness in focus
Highlight and mitigate risks of bias, discrimination, or rights impacts through structured audits.
Certification readiness
Strengthen preparation for ISO/IEC 42001 certification with clear evidence and audit practices.
Defensible accountability
Demonstrate responsible AI governance with auditable proof for regulators and stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
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ISO/IEC 42005 provides a structured approach to assessing the impact of AI systems on individuals, organisations, and society.
It focuses on identifying risks related to fairness, transparency, accountability, and potential harm, helping organisations understand not just how AI works, but how it affects people and decision-making in practice.
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ISO/IEC 42001 defines the overall management system for AI governance.
ISO/IEC 42005 complements it by focusing specifically on impact assessments, providing a method to evaluate how individual AI systems create risk.
In practice:
ISO 42001 = governance framework
ISO 42005 = risk and impact analysis within that framework
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An AI impact assessment should be applied when systems:
Influence decisions affecting individuals
Process sensitive or large-scale data
Introduce automation in critical processes
Create potential legal, ethical, or reputational risk
In many cases, this aligns with situations that would also trigger a DPIA under the GDPR.
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The standard goes beyond technical risk and considers:
Impact on individuals’ rights and freedoms
Bias and fairness in decision-making
Transparency and explainability
Operational and organisational risks
Broader societal and ethical implications
This makes it particularly relevant for AI systems used in decision-making or automation.
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A structured impact assessment report with findings and recommendations, providing assurance that AI systems align with responsible governance and regulatory expectations.
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The EU AI Act requires organisations to identify, assess, and manage risks associated with AI systems, particularly for high-risk use cases.
ISO/IEC 42005 provides a practical method for conducting these assessments, helping organisations demonstrate that risks have been systematically identified and addressed.
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AI impact assessments require cross-functional input, including:
Legal and compliance teams
Data protection and security professionals
Technical and product teams
Business stakeholders responsible for outcomes
This ensures that both technical and real-world impacts are properly understood.