In the automotive industry, adherence to ethical standards is not just a legal obligation but a cornerstone of sustainable business practice. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), enacted in 1977, serves as a global benchmark in combating bribery and corruption. Despite its longstanding presence, some executives express concerns about the complexities of compliance. However, as highlighted in a recent Industry Week article, the emphasis should be on unwavering adherence rather than apprehension.

The article underscores that ethical behavior transcends mere legal compliance; it fosters a positive corporate reputation, enhances customer loyalty, and cultivates a constructive work environment. Companies like Toyota have experienced firsthand the repercussions of ethical lapses, facing significant production setbacks due to scandals involving emission certifications and recalls.

For auto suppliers, implementing a zero-tolerance policy towards bribery is paramount. This involves establishing a comprehensive code of ethics, conducting regular audits, and ensuring transparent communication across all organizational levels. Such proactive measures not only mitigate legal risks but also contribute to long-term business viability.

In today’s global market, ethical compliance is integral to a company’s success and reputation. Auto suppliers must prioritize ethical practices to navigate the complexities of international business effectively.

For further guidance on establishing robust ethical compliance frameworks, please contact our project managers at pjr@pjr.com.

EHS Professionals: Driving Sustainability Beyond Compliance

In today’s evolving business environment, EHS professionals—those working in Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S)—are expanding their influence far beyond traditional compliance functions. No longer limited to enforcing safety protocols, these experts are becoming strategic leaders who drive sustainability, innovation, and resilience across organizations.

Nicole Wilkinson, Executive Director of Corporate Health, Safety, and Environment at CVS Health and the newly appointed Chair of the National Association for Environment, Health & Safety, and Sustainability Management (NAEM), underscores this transformation. She highlights how EHS professionals are now reporting directly to corporate boards, shaping high-level business discussions, and guiding long-term sustainability strategies.

Championing Worker Health and Wellness

One of the most notable contributions of EHS professionals today is their holistic approach to employee well-being. Beyond ensuring physical safety, they are driving initiatives that promote total worker health—encompassing mindfulness, physical fitness, and stress management. Through collaboration with HR departments, EHS teams are building recognition programs that celebrate safety achievements and reinforce a culture where well-being is prioritized.

By cultivating psychologically safe workplaces, EHS leaders encourage open communication, resulting in greater employee engagement, stronger teamwork, and a more resilient workforce. These efforts underscore the shift from reactive safety programs to proactive wellness strategies that enhance both productivity and morale.

Addressing Workplace Violence and Emerging Risks

As workplace violence becomes an increasing concern across industries, EHS professionals are taking the lead in prevention and response planning. Many organizations are implementing comprehensive codes of conduct, conflict de-escalation training, and early intervention systems to safeguard employees. These initiatives not only meet emerging regulatory requirements but also foster a more supportive and secure work environment.

EHS leaders recognize that preventing incidents requires more than compliance—it demands continuous education, awareness, and accountability at all levels of the organization.

Leveraging Technology to Advance EHS Management

Technology has become a key enabler in the evolution of EHS professionals. Modern EHS management systems and analytics platforms allow organizations to track performance metrics, visualize compliance data, and forecast potential risks in real time.

Through digital dashboards and automated reporting tools, EHS teams are transforming how businesses monitor sustainability performance. These systems support transparency, improve decision-making, and streamline communication between departments—ensuring that safety and sustainability objectives are met efficiently.

Integrating Sustainability into Core Business Strategy

The expanded role of EHS professionals demonstrates a fundamental shift toward embedding sustainability within corporate strategy. Companies that move beyond compliance to embrace sustainability gain a competitive advantage, enhance their brand reputation, and contribute meaningfully to environmental and social progress.

At Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR), we recognize the essential role EHS professionals play in this transformation. Our certification programs—spanning ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety), and other global standards—empower organizations to formalize and strengthen their EHS frameworks.

For organizations looking to elevate their sustainability and safety programs, engaging with an accredited certification body is a key step toward long-term success. Contact our project managers atpjr@pjr.com.

Ensuring Responsible AI: The Role of Ethical Standards in AI Development

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries worldwide, organizations are reaping the benefits of increased efficiency, automation, and innovation. However, this rapid evolution also brings a growing responsibility to ensure that AI systems are designed and used ethically. The importance of ethical standards in AI development has never been greater, as businesses work to balance technological progress with societal values such as fairness, accountability, and transparency.

Understanding the Need for Ethical Standards in AI Development

AI is reshaping how decisions are made—from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and education—but without proper ethical guidelines, its misuse can lead to unintended consequences. Responsible AI development focuses on minimizing bias, safeguarding privacy, and maintaining transparency throughout an AI system’s lifecycle. Establishing strong ethical standards in AI development ensures that algorithms not only perform accurately but also respect human rights and promote trust between organizations and the public.

The Global Framework: ISO/IEC 42001 and Responsible AI Management

One of the most significant advancements in AI governance is the introduction of the ISO/IEC 42001 standard, a global AI management framework launched to guide organizations in developing and managing AI responsibly. This international standard offers a comprehensive structure for addressing the ethical, technical, and operational aspects of AI systems. It enables companies to balance innovation with governance, integrating accountability, transparency, and risk management into every stage of AI development.

Adopting ISO/IEC 42001 not only helps organizations maintain compliance with emerging regulations but also strengthens their internal processes through better data management and continuous improvement. It demonstrates a proactive commitment to responsible innovation—an essential factor in today’s trust-driven digital economy.

The Role of ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 in Advancing AI Ethics

The development of international AI standards is spearheaded by the ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 subcommittee, formed in 2018 to address the challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence. This committee focuses on creating globally recognized standards, technical reports, and best practices that promote ethical and sustainable AI. Their work encompasses critical areas such as data quality, algorithmic bias, model interpretability, and overall system reliability.

Through their efforts, organizations worldwide can align with a consistent ethical framework, ensuring their AI systems meet global expectations for safety, transparency, and fairness.

Benefits of Adopting Ethical Standards in AI Development

Integrating ethical standards in AI development offers multiple advantages:

• Enhanced Trust: Demonstrates integrity and accountability, fostering stakeholder confidence.
• Risk Reduction: Mitigates potential harm caused by algorithmic bias or data misuse.
• Regulatory Readiness: Prepares organizations for evolving global and regional AI regulations.
• Improved Innovation: Encourages responsible creativity while maintaining compliance.

Organizations that invest in ethical AI practices not only future-proof their operations but also position themselves as leaders in responsible technology adoption.

Partnering with PJR for AI Ethics Certification

At Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR), we help organizations align their AI initiatives with international ethical and quality standards. Our certification experts provide guidance on implementing and maintaining frameworks such as ISO/IEC 42001 to ensure your systems operate responsibly, transparently, and effectively. Certification through PJR reinforces your organization’s dedication to ethical excellence and compliance while building credibility with clients and regulators.

To learn more about how PJR can help your business integrate ethical standards in AI development and achieve certification under ISO/IEC 42001, contact our project managers atpjr@pjr.com.

Nicole Wilkinson, the newly appointed chair of the National Association for Environment, Health & Safety, and Sustainability Management (NAEM), emphasizes that business competitiveness and the planet’s declining condition have heightened the importance of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. She observes that EHS&S professionals are increasingly reporting progress to their companies’ Boards of Directors, often serving on these boards themselves, thereby guiding and leading corporate strategies.

Wilkinson identifies several emerging opportunities within the evolving EHS&S profession:

1. Advancing Total Worker Health and Wellness: Beyond ensuring physical safety, EHS&S professionals are now promoting overall health and wellness. This includes implementing programs such as mindfulness, fitness, and stretching exercises, collaborating with HR to foster a safety-first culture, and adapting leadership approaches to remote or hybrid work environments.
2. Addressing Workplace Violence and Supporting Corporate Security: In response to increased risks of workplace violence and social unrest, EHS&S programs are evolving to include code of conduct policies and de-escalation training, aligning with emerging state-level regulations to maintain a safe work environment.
3. Implementing Advanced Software Management Solutions: EHS&S professionals are leveraging cutting-edge software and technology applications to enhance operational excellence and promote a strong EHS culture. These tools are crucial for meeting both internal and external reporting requirements and demands.

These developments signify a shift in the EHS&S field towards a more integrated and proactive approach, positioning professionals as key contributors to their organizations’ sustainability and overall success.

Contact PJR at pjr@pjr.com to learn more about how our certification services can help you establish and maintain the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Building a Strong Quality Culture in Healthcare for Tech Entrants

As technology continues to transform the healthcare industry, an increasing number of tech companies are entering the market with innovative digital health solutions. However, one key factor often determines long-term success: a strong quality culture in healthcare. Transitioning into this highly regulated environment requires more than technical expertise—it demands a deep commitment to patient safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Why Quality Culture in Healthcare Matters

A robust quality culture in healthcare ensures that every employee understands and supports the organization’s dedication to safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance. This cultural mindset helps tech entrants navigate complex frameworks such as those enforced by the FDA and other governing bodies. When quality becomes part of the company’s DNA—from leadership to engineering—organizations can maintain trust, avoid costly missteps, and deliver safer, more reliable products.

Driving Innovation Through a Culture of Quality

Beyond compliance, cultivating a quality-driven culture fuels innovation and proactive problem-solving. Teams that embrace continuous improvement are quicker to identify risks, address challenges, and refine their processes. This approach minimizes the chance of recalls or non-conformities while strengthening a company’s brand reputation and operational efficiency.

Implementing a Quality-Focused Framework

For tech companies entering the healthcare sector, success depends on integrating comprehensive quality management systems (QMS) such as ISO 13485 certification. These frameworks demonstrate an organization’s dedication to maintaining consistent quality standards across design, development, and production. Leadership engagement, employee training, and transparent communication are essential to making quality culture a sustainable part of daily operations.

Partnering With Experts to Strengthen Quality Culture

At Perry Johnson Registrars (PJR), we specialize in helping organizations develop, implement, and certify effective quality systems that meet international standards. Whether your company is new to healthcare or expanding its medical device portfolio, our certification experts can guide you in building a resilient quality culture in healthcare that supports compliance and long-term success.

Ready to enhance your organization’s quality strategy? Contact PJR atpjr@pjr.com or visitour Medical Device Certification page to learn more about how we can help your team establish and maintain a world-class quality culture.