ISO 9001:2015 Clause 5.2.2

What is ISO 9001:2015 Clause 5.2.2?

Clause 5.2.2 of ISO 9001:2015 is titled “Quality Policy” and outlines the requirements related to the establishment and maintenance of a quality policy within the context of the quality management system (QMS). This clause is part of the broader section on “Leadership” in the ISO 9001 standard.

What is Clause 5.2.2 of ISO9001:2015 about?

Here are the key points covered in Clause 5.2.2:

Establishing a Quality Policy:

The organization is required to establish a documented quality policy. This policy should be appropriate to the purpose and context of the organization, including the nature, scale, and complexity of its activities.

Alignment with the Organization’s Purpose:

The quality policy should be aligned with the organization’s strategic direction and provide a framework for setting quality objectives.

Commitment to Meeting Requirements:

The quality policy should express the organization’s commitment to meeting customer requirements and continually improving the effectiveness of the QMS.

Communication:

The quality policy should be communicated within the organization and made available to relevant interested parties, as appropriate.

Understanding and Implementation:

Employees at all levels within the organization should understand the quality policy and be aware of their contributions to its implementation.

Review for Continuing Suitability:

Top management is responsible for reviewing the organization’s quality policy to ensure its continuing suitability. This review should be conducted during management reviews.

Update as Necessary:

The quality policy may need to be updated to reflect changes in the organization’s context, objectives, or other factors. Any necessary updates should be carried out promptly.

Documented Information:

The quality policy should be documented and maintained as documented information. This documentation helps ensure that there is a record of the organization’s commitment to quality.

Overall, Clause 5.2.2 emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined and communicated quality policy that aligns with the organization’s goals and serves as a foundation for the establishment and continual improvement of the QMS.

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 5.2.2?

To comply with Clause 5.2.2 of ISO 9001:2015, which is related to the “Quality Policy,” organizations should follow a set of steps and implement specific practices.

Here’s a guide on how a company can comply with Clause 5.2.2:

Develop a Quality Policy:

Create a quality policy that is aligned with the organization’s purpose, context, and strategic direction. The policy should express a commitment to meeting customer requirements and continual improvement.

Involvement of Top Management:

Ensure that top management is actively involved in the development and review of the quality policy. The policy should reflect the commitment of top management to quality principles.

Document the Quality Policy:

Document the quality policy and ensure that it is accessible to all relevant stakeholders within the organization. Maintain the document as part of the documented information of the quality management system.

Communication:

Communicate the quality policy throughout the organization. Make employees at all levels aware of the policy and its importance in achieving quality objectives.

Employee Understanding:

Provide training and resources to help employees understand the quality policy and their roles in contributing to its implementation. Foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Alignment with Objectives:

Ensure that the quality policy provides a framework for setting quality objectives. The objectives should be consistent with the policy and contribute to the overall improvement of the QMS.

Regular Review by Top Management:

Establish a process for top management to regularly review the quality policy. This review should occur during management reviews and should assess the policy’s continuing suitability.

Update as Necessary:

Update the quality policy as necessary to reflect changes in the organization’s context, objectives, or other relevant factors. Ensure that updates are made promptly.

Integration into Culture:

Foster a culture within the organization that reflects the principles outlined in the quality policy. Ensure that employees understand and embrace the values expressed in the policy.

Compliance Audits:

Conduct internal audits to assess compliance with the quality policy. Identify areas for improvement and take corrective actions as needed.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

Maintain documentation related to the quality policy and associated records to demonstrate compliance during audits or assessments.

By following these steps, organizations can effectively comply with Clause 5.2.2 and establish a robust quality policy that forms the basis for their quality management system. Regular reviews and updates ensure that the policy remains relevant and aligned with the organization’s goals.

Do you want to update your existing ISO 9001 QMS System or refresh it?

We provide consulting services to assist you in your ISO 9001 Quality Management System refresh. We listen, conduct a gap analysis, update your Quality Policy and any necessary documentation or procedures, find areas of waste or improvement, simplify and automate. And we do it fast. Core offers firm, fixed pricing. Download our information sheet today to learn more or call us at 866-354-0300 Extension 2.