ISO 9001:2026 – Key changes and how to prepare!

Would you like to learn about the key changes and how to prepare for the highly anticipated ISO 9001:2026 standard.

Then you have come to right place.

Our blog post aims to highlight the key changes and make sure your transition to the new standard is a smooth one.

What is ISO 9001:2026?

ISO 9001:2026 will be the latest iteration of the globally recognised standard for Quality Management Systems.

The standard is currently at draft stage.

If you want to purchase the draft standard you can do so by clicking here.

When is the new ISO 9001 standard being released?

The new ISO 9001 standard is expected to be released in 2026.

There will be a 3 year transition period which will come to a close in 2029.

Therefore, we will have plenty of time to address the key changes.

What are the key changes to ISO 9001?

A seperation of risks and opportunities.

This is not a new concept and is contained within the existing 2015 version of the standard. However, seperating them could lead to a deeper and more valuable thought process. Allowing us to identify more and better risks and opportunities.

The introduction of enhanced opportunity based thinking.

This could allow us to identify further opportunities for improvement and ways to continually improve both our Quality Management Systems and our businesses.

Incorporate fully the climate change /sustainability amendment.

This amendment came out in 2024. However, it is now being given a permanent position in the standard.

A focus on business culture and ethics.

This is only touched upon in 2015 with terminology such as ‘Leadership and commitment’. This may help us to question and potentially improve our workplace culture and ethics.

Consideration to remote / hybrid working arrangements / infrastructure.

This is a completely new concept but due to the way the modern workplace has changed to promote hybrid / remote working. This is certainly something which makes sense. The standard may ask us to review the infrastructure provided to hybrid / remote workers.

A focus on AI and digital tools and how these interact with your Quality Management System.

Artificial intelligence and digital tools are becoming an ever growing part of the work we do. Aligning them with our Quality Management System may lead to reduced friction and smoother operational control.

Further consideration of supplier management.

We already have to ensure that we have a robust purchasing and supplier approval process. It will be interesting to see how far we are required to go.

Thanks for reading this blog by LH Consultancy Services Ltd.

If you need any further help and support relating to the above make sure you get in touch by clicking here.