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An ISO Standard - How Is It Developed?

Written by Caroline Geoghegan | Jul 21, 2016 9:30:48 AM

The International Standards Organisation explains how they develop a new ISO standard

An ISO standard is developed by a panel of experts, within a technical committee. Once the need for a standard has been established, these experts meet to discuss and negotiate a draft standard. As soon as a draft has been developed it is shared with ISO’s members who are asked to comment and vote on it. If a consensus is reached the draft becomes an ISO standard, if not it goes back to the technical committee for further edits.

Key principles in standard development

  1. ISO standards respond to a need in the market

ISO does not decide when to develop a new standard, but responds to a request from industry or other stakeholders such as consumer groups. Typically, an industry sector or group communicates the need for a standard to its national member who then contacts ISO. Contact details for national members can be found in the list of members.

  1. ISO standards are based on global expert opinion

ISO standards are developed by groups of experts from all over the world, that are part of larger groups called technical committees. These experts negotiate all aspects of the standard, including its scope, key definitions and content. Details can be found in the list of technical committees.

  1. ISO standards are developed through a multi-stakeholder process

The technical committees are made up of experts from the relevant industry, but also from consumer associations, academia, NGOs and government. Read more about who develops ISO standards.

  1. ISO standards are based on a consensus

Developing ISO standards is a consensus-based approach and comments from all stakeholders are taken into account.

Full article and more detail available from www.iso.org

There are many ISO standards, the most popular ISO standards implemented in Ireland are:

ISO 9001 - Quality Management System

ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System

OHSAS 18001 - Health & Safety Management System (soon to be upgraded to ISO 45001)

ISO 50001 - Energy Management System

ISO 27001 - Information Management System

 

Your dedicated CGBC ISO consultant will guide you through the 5 smart steps journey to ISO certification.  Starting with a high-level overview or deep dive Gap Analysis - whichever is appropriate  - our highly skilled consultant will ensure your journey to ISO Certification is as smart and smooth as possible. 

Let our expertise be your guide.

 

 

CG Business Consulting has developed a tried and tested 'Smart Steps to ISO Success' Program for each ISO standard.  Our proven five-step ISO certification program will take you seamlessly from pre-initiation Gap Analysis to closure and ISO certification.

Step 1- Initial Assessment & Planning

During the initial planning stage, our consultant will conduct either an assessment of your existing systems or, if required, a Gap Analysis to establish your strengths and weaknesses.  The results will help form the basis for planning your bespoke Smart IMS.

Step 2 - Documentation and Preparation

To develop your Integrated Management System you will need to identify and document core processes.  Our consultant will work with you to establish and collate all IMS documentation.

Step 3 - Development & Implementation of the Management System

The next step in the journey is the implementation of the Smart IMS.  This will involve several key activities including putting proper employee training programs in place to ensure procedures are carried out as per documented processes.

Step 4 - Internal Audit

Once implemented, the Smart IMS will be audited for compliance with the relevant ISO standards and recommendations made for corrective action to be taken where necessary.  Once this step has been completed, the IMS should be put forward for audit by an authorised external body.  Our consultant will be on hand to provide ongoing support throughout the audit to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Step 5 - External Audit & Closure

Congratulations, your organisation is now Smart ISO certified.

The ISO Certificate journey comes to an end once the Smart IMS has been signed off as fully compliant with the requirements of the pertinent ISO management standards.

ISO Support Services 

ISO Support Services is our professional outsourcing service offering clients the flexibility of a dedicated consultant on a part-time basis to assist with maintenance and audit of the ISO management system to ensure compliance with your Smart Integrated Management System.

CG Business Consulting has an unblemished record when it comes to ISO Certification. With an unparalleled 100% success rate, underpinned by a high level of commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism, we can guarantee your certification success.

Contact us to find out how we can help your business obtain ISO Certification