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Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in standards and standards development
How data is used in standards development is critical to avoiding unintended bias
Positive action on diversity and inclusion
What does BSI Flex 236 cover? Click to read
New Flex standard focuses on the role of data
It is not just the diversity of the people participating in the standards development process that needs to be considered, but also what data is used and what impact that has on the standard.
BSI, with the support of the Office for
Product Safety and Standards, has developed a new Flex standard, BSI Flex 236. It is designed to build the capability of standards makers to consider the data they use with inclusion in mind. It helps them gain an understanding of the limitations of data and how to produce more robust outputs that will serve a diverse population without bias. The standard addresses the quality of data used to decide what standards to develop,
what is included and excluded from the standard, and how data is used to inform decision-making. It also provides guidance on avoiding bias where a standard specifies the use of data or data collection. Using the standard will strengthen risk management within organizations that develop standards and make sure that any potential harms are minimized. It is also specifically linked to UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 10 on reducing inequality in all spheres. In targeting data quality and inclusivity,
BSI Flex 236 addresses the importance of unbiased data to better outcomes. “Data is
very, very important to inclusive standards,” emphasizes Stephanie. “I think we have all heard of stories of how data gaps or biases have played out in new technologies such as automated facial recognition or voice operated devices. “Only having input and knowledge of the
few when designing standards for the many is a potential problem,” said Stephanie. “You run the risk of not achieving your intended outcomes consistently and/or inadvertently perpetuating existing inequalities or introducing new ones. More voices and more representative views get better outcomes, whether its safeguarding people or driving more equitable models.”
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