Velindre becomes first healthcare organisation in the world to achieve ISO 56001 and BSI Kitemark
Velindre NHS Trust has become the first healthcare organisation globally – and the first NHS Trust, specialist cancer service, and blood service – to achieve the ISO 56001 Innovation Management certification alongside the BSI Innovation Management Kitemark.
This landmark achievement positions Velindre as an international leader in innovation governance, demonstrating that the Trust’s systems, processes, and culture meet the very highest standards of global best practice.
A Global First for Healthcare
ISO 56001 is the world’s first certifiable international standard for Innovation Management Systems, introduced in 2024. It defines the requirements for embedding a structured, systematic, and evidence‑based approach to innovation across every aspect of an organisation, from strategy and culture to processes, governance, and continuous improvement.
The BSI Innovation Management Kitemark is a globally respected certification that builds on these standards, demonstrating organisational excellence in innovation. It strengthens competitive positioning, supports funding and partnership bids, and signals a proactive, people‑centred innovation culture.
Achieving this certification confirms that Velindre’s approach to innovation is well governed, evidence based and anchored in internationally recognised best practice.
It demonstrates that the Trust has a strategic, structured, and measurable framework for developing and delivering innovation, ensuring robust oversight and consistent quality. It also confirms that Velindre’s innovation activity is intentionally designed to deliver high impact improvements in patient care and drive meaningful service transformation.
Jennet Holmes, Head of Innovation at Velindre says, “Achieving ISO 56001 certification and the BSI Innovation Management Kitemark is a defining moment for Velindre and a milestone for healthcare innovation globally."
"It reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world‑class services and transforming cancer and blood care through structured, compassionate, and forward‑thinking innovation. We are incredibly proud to be the first healthcare organisation in the world to achieve these certifications and honoured to set the global benchmark for innovation in healthcare. This achievement strengthens our ambition to deliver meaningful, measurable impact for patients and donors.”
Carl James, Interim Chief Executive of VUNHST says, “This recognition is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and leadership of colleagues across Velindre Cancer Service and the Welsh Blood Service.
“Their commitment to embracing new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of working is driving real change for the patients and donors we serve across Wales and beyond. This achievement reflects the strength of our teams and our shared ambition to continuously improve the care and services we provide.”
The Wales Innovates strategy, launched by Welsh Government in February 2023, set a clear ambition for NHS Wales organisations to strengthen their innovation capabilities by working towards ISO 56001 certification.
Dr. Tom James, Head of Innovation Strategy and Policy at Welsh Government says, "Wales Innovates: our Welsh Government 2023 Innovation Strategy for Wales, set a clear ambition for NHS Wales organisations to strengthen their innovation capabilities by using ISO56001 certification as the international standard for innovation management."
"Velindre, as the first NHS Wales organisation to achieve ISO56001 certification, is a huge step forward in professionalising innovation management across both the NHS and wider public sector in Wales."
Driving Meaningful Impact for Patients and NHS Services
- Improves clinical outcomes and patient experience
- Enhances operational efficiency
- Accelerates research, development, and system-wide transformation
Becoming the first in the world to secure this accreditation positions Velindre as:
- A leader in healthcare innovation governance
- A global pioneer in specialist cancer and blood service innovation certification
- A trusted partner for research, development, and international collaboration
This milestone further establishes Velindre as a beacon for innovation across NHS Wales and global healthcare networks.
Innovation in Action
Velindre’s Innovation Team is already delivering high-impact change across health services. Two recent projects demonstrate how innovation is improving outcomes for patients and the wider system:
The Dragon’s Heart Project – Welsh Blood Service
A pioneering initiative using autonomous drones to revolutionise medical transport in Wales. This breakthrough brings together cutting-edge aviation technology with frontline healthcare operations, aiming to speed up delivery times, improve reliability, and enhance resilience across the blood and transfusion supply chain.
QR Code Wristbands for Palliative Care Patients
An innovative digital solution enabling vital medical information to be instantly accessed by healthcare professionals, including emergency responders, via a simple QR code wristband. This ensures that palliative care patients receive the right care at the right time, wherever they are.
Velindre University NHS Trust, Unit 2,Charnwood Court, Parc Nantgarw, Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QZ
Tel: 029 2019 6161
