Implementing an ISO management system is much more than a box-ticking exercise, it’s about creating a culture of quality, consistency, and continuous improvement. While processes, procedures, and audits are essential, one factor consistently stands out as the critical determinant of success: leadership commitment.

Why Leadership Matters

ISO standards – whether ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, or ISO 45001 for Health & Safety – require a top-down approach. Leadership sets the tone for the organisation, demonstrating that compliance isn’t optional and that the management system is integral to the business, not just an administrative task.

When leaders are actively engaged:

• Resources are allocated effectively – from training and staffing to technology and documentation.
• Accountability is embedded – leaders model the behaviour and priorities expected throughout the organisation.
• Change is embraced – whether it’s adapting processes, introducing new technology, or refining procedures, staff see that improvement is valued.

Without leadership commitment, even the most robust systems risk stagnation or failure. Teams need visible support and encouragement to maintain high standards.

Observed behaviours for Fostering a Culture of Quality and Improvement

• Lead by Example – Demonstrate commitment to the relevant standards in daily actions, decision-making, and communications.
• Communicate the Vision – Make sure every team member understands why the management system exists and how it benefits the organisation.
• Invest in Training – Ensure staff at all levels have the knowledge and skills needed to meet system requirements.
• Recognise Achievements – Celebrate compliance milestones and improvements to reinforce a culture of excellence.
• Encourage Feedback – Create channels for employees to suggest improvements or flag potential nonconformities.

Leadership Drives Management System Success

Ultimately, ISO Management System certification is about embedding a mindset of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Leaders who actively champion the management system inspire engagement, drive performance, and position their organisation for lasting success.

System Certification Services have seen that when leadership is committed, the journey to ISO certification becomes smoother, more sustainable, and more impactful, a true reflection of the organisation’s dedication to quality, compliance, and growth.

Learn more about ISO management systems certification here.

ISO SURVEY

The Results of the Management System Standards ISO Survey are in for 2024.

As reported, the ISO Survey has been a global benchmark since 1993, tracking the number of valid certificates to ISO management system standards each year. From 2025 onwards, the Survey is compiled directly from anonymised, aggregated data within IAF CertSearch the official global database of accredited management system certifications.

Of the 5 standards reviewed in the summary, there are nearly 3M accredited certificates issued which is over 100% increase in certified entities, across nearly 5M sites. Of course the growth in the ISO Survey numbers must be considered in light of the shift from the voluntary  ISO Survey to the mandatory obligation for Certification Bodies to upload data to IAF CertSearch.

The full ISO Survey can be accessed at https://www.iafcertsearch.org/services/iso-survey

ISO9001:2026 – The consultation /comment on the Draft continues

Being the most prevalent Management System Standard in the world with nearly 1.5M certificates recorded as issued in 2024 in the ‘ISO Survey’, the 2026 revision of ISO9001 is widely anticipated. Much discussion has been observed on public platforms and received in more considered environments since the Draft was opened for Public Comment on 27.08.2025, with comments requested in the UK by the national committee QS/1/2 – Quality Management System Standards to help inform the UK’s position and national vote, before the end date, 20.10.25.

The draft and its changes support and reflect the current quality assurance environment and cement changes such as climate change consideration in context, hybrid working, and enhanced consideration of the management of change across requirements.

Other changes now require consideration and management of Quality Culture and Ethical Behaviour, and the strengthening of the requirements for demonstrable Improvement is also a very welcome development.  Whilst not normative requirements, the informative detail in Annex A has also been expanded to clarify structure and application as well as the intent of the clauses and sub-clauses.

For those applying the intent of their existing QMS to achieve improvement in an efficient and effective way, there shouldn’t be any major challenges during the transition process.

If you wish to review and comment on the draft, visit: https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/projects/2023-02879

SMART STANDARDS

This Smart Standards initiative is another exciting development in the world of assurance. It is a joint programme by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and ISO to drive the digital evolution of international standards to address the needs of citizens, societies and economies.

SMART refers to the formats, processes, and tools necessary for a user (human and technology-based) to interact with standards. With global supply chains, complex logistics and cross border trade requirements, machine readable content in Smart Standards can be interpreted through machine learning, ensuring processes and procedures can be progressively updated to meet the changing needs of both internal and external stakeholders.

The next generation of IEC and ISO standards will provide tailored and up-to-date content at the right time to the relevant users – whether they are humans, computers, complex machines, or small intelligent devices. IEC and ISO standards will be embedded into product development supply chains and become much more integrated into everyone’s daily life.

Find out more at https://www.iso.org/smart

THE FUTURE OF ASSURANCE

In the ever changing world of commerce and trade and the acceleration of developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) it is no surprise that purveyors of Standards, Evaluation Processes and Audit practices are now turning their attention to how traditional approaches need to be reinvented to meet the current and future needs of those that rely on the outcomes to deliver both confidence and value within and for end users and consumers alike.

Evidence of developments in the standards of AI was clear when ISO published ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Information technology, Artificial intelligence Management system. This is designed for entities providing or utilizing AI-based products or services, ensuring responsible development and use of AI systems. Seven Certification Bodies in the UK are working on a pilot scheme with UKAS to identify the optimal approach for assessing certification bodies and no doubt some innovative organisations will emerge from the programme as the first certified entities under the new AI Management System standard.

The Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB), in conjunction with or in parallel with other interested professional and commercial parties, have published a White Paper ‘Strategic Digital Transformation in Accredited Third-Party Certification’ which aims to provoke innovation and a sea-change in thinking to address the technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and advanced analytics that will and is transforming the way we work, enhancing risk management, culture development and value creation, above and beyond the traditional outcomes of conformance and/or compliance.

ICT and Technology integrations, developing competencies and continuing innovation will be on the agenda for the ‘paradigm shift’ as it is coined in the paper, responding to industry developments and changing needs.

If you want to find out more you can see the White Paper hot of the press from Chris Auger’s LinkedIn Page. Chris is the CEO of ABCB.

System Certification Services Ltd (SCS) is proud to congratulate CHC Group Ltd on the successful renewal of their ISO management systems certification covering ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety).

Established in 1969, CHC Group Ltd has grown into one of the most proactive and innovative building engineering services companies in the UK. Their long-standing reputation is built on consistently delivering high standards of service and exceptional customer care.

Over the years, CHC Group has developed an impressive project portfolio, delivering solutions across a wide range of sectors, from schools and theatres to hospitals and parliament buildings. Their ability to deliver complex projects to the highest standard has earned them trust across industries.

The renewal of their ISO management systems certification demonstrates CHC Group’s ongoing commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational health and safety.

Pictured (left to right): Tony Duff (SCS), Brenda Regan (CHC), Sarah Nicholson (CHC), and Tracey McDowell (SCS).

Interested in ISO Certification?

Whether you’re new to certification or looking to renew, our experienced team is here to help.

Email: info@systemcertification.co.uk

ISO management systems certification offers organisations a structured framework to improve operations, enhance compliance, and build trust. But even well-prepared businesses can face nonconformities during an ISO audit – some of which appear time and again across industries and sectors.

The System Certification Services Ltd (SCS) experienced auditors have seen first-hand the patterns that often lead to audit findings. Below, we explore some of the most common nonconformities and, importantly, how your organisation can avoid them.

1. Lack of Documented Evidence

The issue:

One of the most frequent audit findings is insufficient documented evidence to demonstrate that policies, procedures, and processes are effectively implemented.

How to avoid it:

• Maintain up-to-date records of meetings, training, internal audits, and reviews.
• Ensure staff understand what documentation needs to be completed and why.
• Conduct internal audits regularly and use them as a tool to check your documentation trail.

2. Failure to Follow Internal Procedures

The issue:

Even if procedures are documented, they’re not always followed consistently in practice, particularly if staff are unclear about responsibilities.

How to avoid it:

• Provide clear, role-specific training.
• Involve staff in the development and review of procedures to increase buy-in.
• Conduct spot checks or internal audits to confirm that processes are being followed.

3. Ineffective Corrective Action Process

The issue:

Organisations often fall short in how they respond to issues, focusing only on fixing the immediate problem instead of addressing the root cause.

How to avoid it:

• Use root cause analysis methods (like 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagrams) to fully understand issues.
• Implement corrective actions that prevent recurrence, not just quick fixes.
• Review and monitor the effectiveness of actions taken.

4. Lack of Management Review

The issue:

ISO standards require a formal management review of the management system, yet some organisations skip or delay this critical process.

How to avoid it:

• Schedule management reviews at planned intervals (e.g. quarterly or annually).
• Include all required inputs, such as audit results, customer feedback, nonconformities, and objectives.
• Document outcomes and assign actions.

5. Objectives Not Being Monitored or Met

The issue:

Organisations sometimes set vague or unmeasurable objectives or fail to track progress towards them.

How to avoid it:

• Ensure objectives are Measurable, Relevant, and when they will be achieved.
• Assign responsibility and what will be done and how for each one.
• Review progress regularly and adjust as needed.

6. Outdated Risk Assessments

The issue:

Risk assessments are not always kept current or reviewed following changes in the business, people, processes, or environment.

How to avoid it:

• Review and update risk assessments regularly, especially after significant changes.
• Ensure new risks are identified and mitigation measures are documented.
• Link risks to your objectives and operational controls.

Staying Ahead of Nonconformities

Most nonconformities are preventable with proactive management, employee engagement, and regular system review. ISO management systems are living frameworks and continuous improvement is key to staying compliant and getting real value from certification.

At SCS, our auditors aim to add value. Whether you’re preparing for your first ISO audit or looking to improve your existing system, SCS is here to support you. Contact us for advice on the process, a no-obligation quote, or simply a conversation about how ISO certification can benefit your organisation.

In 2025, System Certification Services Ltd (SCS) proudly marks its 10th anniversary, a decade of helping organisations across the UK and Ireland raise their standards, protect their stakeholders, and improve performance through ISO management systems certification.

Founded in 2015 by Director Tony Duff, SCS was built on the belief that certification should be more than a tick-box exercise. Drawing from his experience in industry, academia, and auditing, Tony set out to create a certification body that was as professional as it was personable. That founding vision still guides the company today.

From its beginnings in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, to now operating across both the UK and Ireland, SCS has grown into a UKAS-accredited Certification Body working with sectors including construction, manufacturing, recycling, and waste management. The SCS team, made up of experienced auditors with real sector expertise, prides itself on providing audits that add value not hurdles.

To celebrate this milestone, the team recently enjoyed a fantastic day out at Down Royal Racecourse. It was the perfect setting to reflect on 10 years of growth, dedication, and collaboration and to raise a toast to many more milestones, memories, and wins ahead, both on and off the track.

As ISO standards continue to evolve and businesses face increasing regulatory and stakeholder demands, SCS remains committed to supporting clients every step of the way. With a focus on continuous improvement, meaningful certification, and real-world results, SCS is ready for whatever the next decade brings.

Thinking about certification? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current systems, SCS is here to help.

Get a no-obligation quote today.

Here’s to the next 10.

The Technical Manager role and appointment is another example of the continuing development of the organisation as SCS continues to develop processes and technology deployment to assist in assuring the customer experience.

“Paul strengthens the leadership and management team at SCS, and he is a perfect fit for the role having worked in numerous industry roles as an auditee, auditor, and Technical and Lead Assessor. This gives him a unique viewpoint and insight into how our operational processes can be governed to ensure technical compliance and continually improved as necessary, as the scope of our certification services grows into other sectors and schemes. We all wish him the very best in this new role.” Tony Duff, Director.

Paul brings a wide range of industry experience and knowledge to the role and will be responsible for the Technical Compliance of SCS, ensuring that certification activities are technically in line with UKAS accreditation requirements, and for leading the development and maintenance of our Quality Management System (QMS), identifying and mitigating risks to impartiality and technical validity in certification decisions. Acting as the primary technical contact for UKAS assessments and ensuring timely implementation of any actions required, he will also assist in the development of new certification schemes or adapting existing ones to meet evolving industry or regulatory requirements.

“I am pleased to welcome Paul into his new appointment; this is another step in increasing SCS’s technical expertise and at the same time ensuring that we continue to provide a first-class service to our clients.” Jim Speirs, Certification Secretary.

If any stakeholders wish to reach out directly, Paul can be contacted by email at paul.doherty@systemcertification.co.uk