Velindre University 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.
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 organisationn, 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 University NHS Trust said: “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 Velindre University NHS Trust said: “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.
Speaking of Velindre receiving the ISO 56001 certification, Dr. Tom James, Head of Innovation Strategy and Policy at Welsh Government said:
"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."
These achievements reinforce Velindre’s commitment to advancing cancer and blood services through robust innovation practice. ISO 56001 provides a blueprint for healthcare providers to embed innovation that improves clinical outcomes and patient experience, enhances operational efficiency, and accelerates research, development, and system-wide transformation
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.
Find out more.
