Welcome back to the ISO Review Podcast, your trusted source for the latest developments in international standards and practical ISO management system insights. In this episode, Jim and HowardThe conversation focused on the release of ISO 9001:2026, providing listeners with an in-depth look at the newest changes to the world’s leading quality management standard.
A key theme that emerged was the evolutionary nature of the update—no drastic overhauls, but clear clarifications and strengthening of existing requirements. The discussion explored new and significant elements such as:
- The promotion of quality culture and ethical behavior
- The explicit separation of risk- and opportunity-based thinking, and
- Adjustments in change management and organizational knowledge.
Several points were raised, including the importance of updating internal auditors, demonstrating compliance during audits, and the practical benefits for both certified organizations and those simply seeking to improve their management practices. Whether you’re currently ISO certified or considering implementation, this episode offers crucial insights, practical advice, and resources to help you stay ahead with ISO 9001:2026.
DISCUSSION
1. ISO 9001:2026 Release Overview
- Announcement of the new release and its evolutionary, not revolutionary, nature
- Confirmation of no structural changes; same clause numbers
- Transition period: three years to September 2029
- Implications for certified organizations and upcoming audits
2. Clause-by-Clause Review of Changes
Clause 5.1.1 – Leadership
- Number of requirements increased from 10 to 12
- Reordering of top management requirements
- Introduction of “promoting quality culture and ethical behavior”
- Adjustment: risk-based thinking now includes opportunity-based thinking
Clause 7.3 – Awareness
- Need for employees to be aware of quality culture and ethical behavior
- Cross-reference to supporting materials (e.g., paper on quality culture)
Clause 4.1 – Context of the Organization
- Use of SWOT technique (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)
- Inclusion of climate change as a required consideration
Clause 6.1 & 6.2 – Risk and Opportunity
- Clear distinction made between risks and opportunities (now two separate clauses)
- Recommendation to create workflow maps to address risks end-to-end
Clause 6.3 – Planning of Changes
- Increase in required planning steps from 4-5 to 7
- Emphasis on managing and communicating changes
- Monitoring effectiveness of changes
Clause 7.1.6 – Organizational Knowledge
- Expansion to include know-how for full Quality Management System (QMS) results, not just products/services
- Differentiation between organizational knowledge and work instructions
- Addition of definitions in the standard
Clause 4.2 – Interested Parties
- Greater emphasis in management review process
- Update to management review documentation
3. Operations and Customer Focus (Clause 8)
Clause 8.2 – Customer Requirements
- Requirement for contingency actions in case of delivery disruptions
- Importance of documenting and reviewing contingency plans
Clause 8.5 – Production and Service Delivery
- Emphasis on using the latest operating information at the point of work
- Reinforcement of existing requirements (e.g., competent staff, preventing human error)
4. Auditing and Improvement (Clauses 9 & 10)
Internal Audit Requirements
- Need for more detailed audit program information (objectives, scope, criteria)
- Proof of auditor training on new standard
- Importance of internal audit before registrar audit
Management Review and Continual Improvement
- Update to management review inputs and documentation
- Change to improvement requirements; Clause 10.3 now embedded elsewhere
- Ongoing importance of demonstrating improvement
5. Registrar Expectations and Audit Preparation
- Variation between registrars in audit approach
- Focus on new requirements: culture, ethics, separated treatment of risks and opportunities
- Importance of communication and documentation regarding organizational changes
- Suggestions for practical audit preparation, including use of updated forms and risk registers
6. Practical Benefits and Implementation Guidance
- Benefits for organizations not pursuing certification, through improved clarity and operations
- Applicability to new and existing clients
- Value of organizing business processes even without external certification
7. Accessing Resources and Support
- References to the guest’s website (simplifyiso.com) and associated resources (quality culture paper)
- Mention of the International Management System Institute (imsipro.org)
- Offer of assistance and demonstrations for listeners
8. Conclusion and Recap
- Reiteration of the evolutionary nature of changes (“fine-tuning”)
- Historical perspective on past major and minor changes to ISO 9001
- Encouragement to update systems and prepare for next audits
- Reminder of resource links and where to find more information about the podcast and the guests
NEXT STEPS
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KEYWORDS
Jim Moran, Information Security Management System, ISO 9011:2026, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO, Podcast
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