Integrated management systems · Basic · 12 min lesson
ISO 9001 basics 2 - Leadership, planning and support
ISO 9001:2015 clauses 5 to 7
What you will learn
- Describe what top management must demonstrate under clauses 5.1 to 5.3 and what makes a policy compliant.
- Turn issues into risks, opportunities and measurable objectives with a plan, as clauses 6.1 to 6.3 require.
- Explain the support requirements of clause 7: resources, competence, awareness, communication and documented information.
Key takeaways
- Top management is accountable (5.1); the policy must be real, communicated and tied to objectives (5.2, 6.2).
- 6.1 plans actions for risks and opportunities in proportion to their effect on conformity; no formal method is required.
- Objectives are measurable where practicable, owned, resourced, dated and monitored (6.2).
- Clause 7 provides resources, competence, awareness, communication and controlled documented information with evidence.
Free practice question
The managing director of a fictional printing firm says the quality manager 'looks after ISO'. He attends no review meetings and has not approved resources for objectives.
What is the main issue against clause 5.1.1?
Top management must take accountability for the effectiveness of the system and demonstrate leadership, not delegate it entirely.
Correct. Clause 5.1.1 lists accountability, integration into business processes and provision of resources as duties of top management.
Nothing: a quality manager can hold all duties of top management.
Not quite. Clause 5.1.1 addresses top management itself; the quality manager can help but cannot replace its accountability.
He must personally perform every internal audit.
Not quite. Clause 5.1.1 does not require top management to audit; internal audit is handled under clause 9.2.
He must write all the procedures himself.
Not quite. Clause 5.1.1 asks for commitment and support, not authorship of procedures.
Key terms
- top management: The person or group who directs and controls the organization at the highest level (ISO 9000).
- quality policy: Intentions and direction of the organization related to quality, formally expressed by top management (clause 5.2).
- quality objective: A result to be achieved that is related to quality, consistent with the policy (clause 6.2).
- risk: The effect of uncertainty on an expected result; it can be negative or positive (ISO 9000).
- competence: The ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results (clause 7.2).
- documented information: Information that must be controlled and maintained by the organization and the medium on which it is contained (clause 7.5).
- organizational knowledge: Knowledge specific to the organization, gained by experience, needed to operate its processes (clause 7.1.6).
Official sources
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality management systems - Requirements (ISO)
- ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024 Climate action changes (iTeh catalogue entry)
- Climate change becomes focus of management system standards (Quality Austria)
Go further
The full lesson has narrated slides, more scenario questions with explained answers and a simulation.
Open the AcademyWatch on YouTubeIllustrative example. Educational only, not legal advice.