The next major revision of ISO 9001 is on the horizon, and businesses across the UK are already wondering how these changes will impact their Quality Management Systems. As consultants supporting organisations through ISO certification and improvements, we’ve been following the updates closely, so you don’t have to.
In this blog, we break down what to expect, and why starting early gives you a competitive advantage as well as help you in preparing for ISO 9001:2026.
What’s Changing in the 2026 Revision?
With ISO 9001:2026 expected to bring sharper focus on organisational resilience, digitalisation, and sustainability, the upcoming update aims to reflect how modern businesses operate. While the core framework of the standard for Quality Management System is expected to remain familiar, several areas may see enhanced requirements, including:
- Stronger emphasis on risk-based thinking
- Alignment with environmental and social responsibility trends
- Increased consideration for emerging technologies
- More robust governance and leadership involvement
- Greater flexibility for service-based organisations
The aim of these updates is to ensure that ISO 9001 remains relevant and future ready to keep up with the changing business environment.
Why Start Preparing for ISO 9001:2026 Now?
Even though the final revision is yet to be published, preparing for ISO 9001:2026 early can help organisations avoid last-minute pressure and supports a smoother transition for companies that are already certified to ISO 9001:2015.
Organisations that want to secure an ISO certification in Essex can especially benefit by aligning their systems with the new standard.
Following are the benefits of early preparation:
- Reduced risk of nonconformities when transitioning
- Ability to gradually integrate new processes
- Stronger strategic alignment with organisational goals
- Improved efficiency in all departments
How UK Organisations Can Prepare for ISO 9001:2026
Even though the final ISO 9001:2026 standard is not yet released, UK organisations can take several practical, proactive steps right now to make the transition smoother and more efficient.
Here is how UK organisations can prepare themselves for the transition:
1. Strengthen Your Existing QMS Foundations
A solid Quality Management System is the best foundation for adapting to new clauses.
Here is how you can strengthen your existing QMS:
a. Deep-Dive QMS Review (Internal Gap Analysis)
Evaluate your current QMS. Review policies, procedures, risk logs, KPIs, and documented information.
Ask the following questions:
- Are processes clearly defined and consistently applied?
- Are audits identifying recurring issues?
- Are procedures outdated or overly complex?
A detailed internal gap analysis can ensure that your existing system is stable before you prepare for the transition.
b. Reinforce Leadership Commitment
The upcoming revision is expected to further highlight governance and leadership responsibility.
UK organisations should ensure:
- Leaders understand their quality objectives
- Quality is embedded into strategic planning
- A risk-based thinking approach to decision making
- Supervisors and managers actively support the QMS
An organisation where leadership sets the tone faces less challenges during transition.
c. Improve Process Clarity and Ownership
Document and map processes clearly.
This includes:
- Defining responsibilities
- Setting standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Having clear inputs, outputs, and KPIs
- Having evidence of monitoring and measurement
Process clarity ensures quicker alignment when preparing for ISO 9001:2026.
2. Strengthen Risk & Opportunity Management
Risk-based thinking has been central to ISO 9001 since 2015 and will likely expand in the 2026 version.
Organisations should:
- Review risk registers regularly
- Document risk scoring consistently
- Identify operational, digital, supply chain, and sustainability risks
- Ensure opportunities (innovation, efficiency, improvement) are captured
UK auditors expect a mature risk management culture – start early to demonstrate strong compliance.
3. Prepare for Digitalisation and Technology Integration
A growing focus on digital capability is expected in ISO 9001:2026.
You can prepare by:
- Reviewing digital tools used for quality, communication, and monitoring
- Evaluating cybersecurity risks relating to quality processes
- Considering automation for routine tasks
- Improving data integrity and digital record management
Organisations embracing digital tools will find it easier to integrate expected new requirements.
4. Strengthen Sustainability, Ethics, and Social Responsibility Practices
Even though ISO 9001 is not a sustainability standard, the 2026 update is expected to align more closely with modern governance expectations.
Preparing for ISO 9001:2026 may include:
- Strengthening ethical sourcing practices
- Considering the environmental as well as social impacts of operations
- Enhancing customer and stakeholder communication
- Demonstrating transparency in reports and processes
This is also in line with increasing regulatory pressure on ESG reporting.
5. Review Competence and Training Requirements
As processes evolve, so do competency needs.
UK organisations should proactively:
- Update role-specific competencies
- Provide refresher training on quality fundamentals
- Train internal auditors more extensively
- Strengthen onboarding around quality awareness
This ensures staff are prepared when new requirements arrive.
6. Audit Smarter – Not Just More Frequently
Internal audits can expose issues long before the transition deadline.
Improve audit effectiveness by:
- Expanding audits beyond compliance to performance-based insights
- Using digital audit tools
- Training cross-functional auditors
- Conducting audits focused on key risks and customer satisfaction
A smarter audit programme prepares the organisation for both expected and unexpected changes.
7. Engage Your Supply Chain Early
Suppliers are key contributors to product and service quality.When preparing for ISO 9001:2026, organisations should:
- Review supplier assessment processes
- Strengthen supplier monitoring
- Introduce clearer KPIs for performance
- Communicate upcoming ISO 9001:2026 expectations early
This reduces the risk of external nonconformities impacting your certification.
8. Update Documented Information and Policies Gradually
Once draft information about the ISO 9001:2026 structure is released, begin aligning:
- Quality policy
- Objectives
- Process maps
- SOPs
- Risk registers
- Training records
Gradual updates prevent a last-minute documentation overhaul.
9. Create a Transition Roadmap
A transition plan helps structure the entire process.
Organisations should create a transition roadmap that includes:
- A timeline from now until the standard is released
- Responsibilities for each department
- Review schedules
- Budget allocation for training and audits
- Communication plans for staff and stakeholders
UK organisations with clear transition roadmaps always experience smoother certification.
10. Work With an Experienced ISO Consultant
An ISO consultant can help interpret early drafts, anticipate changes, and guide transition planning.When preparing for ISO 9001:2026, they can support with:
- Gap analysis
- Process redesign
- Documentation updates
- Audit preparation
- Staff training
- Transition timelines
Their help is especially valuable for organisations working towards gaining ISO 9001 certification and those wanting a smooth transition to ISO 9001:2026.
Expected Areas of Change You Can Prepare For
Although the details will be finalised in the published standard, early drafts and global committee insights indicate a few areas worth preparing for:
1. Digital and AI Integration
More organisations now rely on automation and digital tools. ISO 9001:2026 is likely to recognise these shifts, meaning you may need updated process controls or new competencies.
2. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Future clients and supply chains expect ethical operations. While ISO 9001 is not a sustainability standard, the revision may incorporate broader governance expectations.
3. Agility and Resilience
The pandemic highlighted the importance of business continuity and adaptability – areas likely to be strengthened though the new standard.
How ISO Management Consultants Can Support Your Transition
Whether you are working towards getting ISO 9001 certified for the first time or preparing for ISO 9001:2026, our consultants can help you assess, update, and elevate your QMS in line with emerging best practices.
We offer:
- Gaps analysis to find gaps against the anticipated changes
- Process and documentation improvements
- Internal audits
- Staff Training
- Transition planning once the standard is officially released
Get in touch with us today for ISO 9001 certification assistance.
FAQs
When will ISO 9001:2026 be officially released?
Current estimates suggest publication in 2026, though timelines may shift based on global committee reviews.
Will organisations need to transition from ISO 9001:2015 immediately?
No. Businesses will be given a 2 to 3 year transition period after the new version is published.
Should we delay certification until ISO 9001:2026 is released?
No, you should not wait for the new regulation to release. Get certified now to ensure you have solid foundations, which will make transitioning later much easier than starting from scratch.
Will ISO 9001:2026 require completely new documentation?
Most likely not. The revision is expected to build on the 2015 structure. However, some documents and processes may need updates.
Can consultants help us prepare before the standard is published?
Yes. Preparing early with expert guidance helps you understand risks, strengthen processes, and avoid delays when transitioning.