New 2015 ISO standards focus on performance and outcomes

In September 2015, new versions of the most popular international standards for quality and environmental management systems were published.

ISO 9001:2015 and ISO14001:2015 replace previous editions and registered companies will have up to three years to migrate certificates to the new version.

Less prescriptive than their predecessors, ISO say the new versions focus instead on performance and outcomes “by combining the process approach with risk-based thinking, and employing the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle at all levels in the organisation”.

Other key changes include:

  • Leadership and commitment
    Greater senior management involvement is required by the new standards. The strategic focus on quality and environmental management will have an impact at all levels of an organisation.
  • Context 
    An understanding of the organisation and its unique context, the needs and expectations of interested parties is re-enforced.
  • Life cycle perspective 
    The concept of life-cycle perspective emerges in ISO14001:2015 requiring companies to take a broader view and think beyond areas where they have direct control for example supply chain.
  • New high level structure 
    The 2015 versions adopt a new high-level structure for ISO management systems standards – based on Annex SL of the consolidated ISO Supplement to the ISO/IEC Directives.

The 2015 versions have been designed to be easily integrated with other management systems.

Where Wiser Environment has been providing support to clients with the implementation of integrated management systems, many of the requirements of the new standards will have already been addressed following the principles of PAS99 (the standard for integrated management systems), the process approach and the PDCA cycle. As a result, transition to the new standards will be straightforward. For those who have management systems that comply with a single standard (i.e. not in accordance with PAS99) the process may be more complex.

Please contact us on 01480 462 232 for bespoke support to help with an efficient transition.

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