ISO 9001:2015 Clause 5.1.2

What is ISO 9001:2015 Clause 5.1.2?

ISO 9001 Clause 5.1.2 is part of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, which outlines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). Specifically, Clause 5.1.2 is found in the section related to the leadership and commitment of top management.

In ISO 9001:2015, Clause 5.1.2 states:

“Top management shall demonstrate leadership and commitment concerning the quality management system by:

a) taking accountability for the effectiveness of the quality management system;
b) ensuring that the quality policy and quality objectives are established for the quality management system and are compatible with the context and strategic direction of the organization;
c) ensuring the integration of the quality management system requirements into the organization’s business processes;
d) promoting the use of a process approach and risk-based thinking;
e) ensuring that the resources needed for the quality management system are available;
f) communicating the importance of effective quality management and conforming to the quality management system requirements;
g) ensuring that the quality management system achieves its intended results;
h) engaging, directing, and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the quality management system;
i) promoting improvement;
j) supporting other relevant management roles to demonstrate their leadership as it applies to their areas of responsibility.”

Clause 5.1.2 emphasizes the importance of top management’s leadership and commitment to the QMS, ensuring that quality objectives are aligned with the organization’s strategy, and promoting a process approach and risk-based thinking throughout the organization.

Other ISO 9001:2015 Clauses:

• The Complete Clause 5
• Clause 5.1
• Clause 5.1.1
• Clause 5.1.2
• Clause 5.2
• Clause 5.2.1
• Clause 5.2.2
• Clause 5.3

How do you comply with Clause 5.1.2?

Compliance with ISO 9001 Clause 5.1.2 involves demonstrating leadership and commitment to the quality management system (QMS) by fulfilling the requirements outlined in the clause.

Here are steps and actions that can help an organization comply with Clause 5.1.2:

Accountability:

Top management should take accountability for the effectiveness of the QMS. This involves actively participating in and overseeing the QMS processes.

Establishing Quality Policy and Objectives:

Develop a clear and concise quality policy that reflects the organization’s commitment to quality.
Establish quality objectives that align with the organization’s context, strategic direction, and the needs and expectations of interested parties.

Integration into Business Processes:

Ensure that QMS requirements are integrated into the organization’s business processes seamlessly.

Promoting a Process Approach and Risk-Based Thinking:

Emphasize the use of a process approach to manage activities and achieve desired outcomes.
Implement risk-based thinking to identify and address potential risks and opportunities related to the QMS.

Resource Availability:

Ensure that necessary resources, including human resources, infrastructure, and technology, are available to support the QMS effectively.

Communication:

• Communicate the importance of effective quality management and compliance with QMS requirements throughout the organization.
• Ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining and improving the QMS.
  Achieving Intended Results:
• Monitor and measure QMS performance against established objectives.
• Take corrective actions to ensure the QMS achieves its intended results.

Engaging, Directing, and Supporting Personnel:

• Engage employees in QMS activities and decision-making processes.
• Provide clear direction and support to personnel, empowering them to contribute to the effectiveness of the QMS.

Promoting Improvement:

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Encourage employees to identify and suggest improvements to the QMS.

Supporting Other Management Roles:

Collaborate with other relevant management roles to ensure leadership and commitment are demonstrated across various areas of responsibility.

Compliance with Clause 5.1.2 requires a proactive approach from top management to lead, support, and drive the organization’s commitment to quality throughout its operations. Regular reviews, assessments, and engagement with QMS processes contribute to maintaining and enhancing compliance.

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