HMRC BSI Customs Intermediary Voluntary Standard - Technical Author Required

16 Jul 2024

In December 2023, HMRC announced our intention to develop a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries Introducing a voluntary standard for customs intermediaries - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

HMRC intends to contract with the British Standards Institution (the UK’s National Standards Body) to develop a Publicly Accessible Specification (PAS) over the next year. The BSI have expertise and a robust approach for developing standards which many of you will be familiar with.

This approach includes establishing a steering group, who will meet to agree the content of the standard by consensus. A technical author would then turn that agreement into a technical document called a PAS. It is very important that it is a balanced steering group with representatives from across the sector to make sure the standard is robust and reflects the day to day reality of the customs intermediary sector and needs of traders

To support the development of customs intermediaries standards, HMRC would like to make industry aware of three expressions of interest for:

1. Technical Author opportunity: HMRC are seeking expressions of interest for the role of Technical author. This would be a paid role (by the BSI) of £30,000 for the contract. Key requirements of a technical author are someone:
   1. That is technically knowledgeable in customs
   2. Has the capability and capacity to write technical documents
   3. Can commit their time to participate in an active working group and transcribe the agreed statements for inclusion in the standard
   4. Take into account varying views and develop agreed statements reached through a process of consensus.

If you are interested in the role of Technical author, please set out in no more than one page why you would be a good fit for this role, demonstrating your experience of developing technical documents and a link to any published materials.

1. Membership of the Steering Group: members of the steering group will actively contribute to developing the detail of the voluntary standard through a process of consensus. They will help shape the scope and structure of the standard and ensure that it works and is achievable for each type of intermediary. (Note space is limited, and it is critical the steering group is balanced, so we will go through a process of selection should we receive a large amount of interest). HMRC would welcome interest from trade representative groups, intermediaries and traders alike.

1. Membership of Voluntary Standards Forum: Sitting alongside the steering group, the forum will be a venue for updating members on development of the standard at regular intervals. There will be an opportunity to provide views on the detail, and consider supporting material that will help customs intermediaries achieve the standard.

HMRC would be very grateful for expressions of interest to customsintermediariesconsultation@hmrc.gov.uk by close Tuesday 23^rd July 2024.

If you would like any further information on the technical author role or the two forums (Steering Group or Voluntary Standards Forum) please do get in touch with customsintermediariesconsultation@hmrc.gov.uk