The next revision of ISO 9001, the world’s most widely adopted Quality Management System (QMS) standard, is currently under development. While the final standard isn’t expected until September 2026, organisations certified to ISO 9001 should start preparing now.
The upcoming revision is expected to reflect the changing business landscape, with greater emphasis on organisational resilience, ethics, digital transformation, risk management, and integrating quality into everyday business operations. Although the core principles of ISO 9001 will remain, businesses that prepare early are likely to experience a smoother transition and maintain their competitive advantage.
In this guide, we’ll explain what’s changing, why the standard is being updated, and the practical steps you can take to prepare your organisation.
Why is ISO 9001 Being Updated?
ISO standards are reviewed approximately every five years to ensure they remain relevant to modern business challenges.
Since the publication of ISO 9001:2015, organisations have faced significant changes, including:
- Digital transformation and automation
- Increasing cybersecurity risks
- Supply chain disruption
- Remote and hybrid working
- Greater focus on sustainability
- Rising customer expectations
- Stronger governance and risk management requirements
The revision aims to ensure ISO 9001 continues to support organisations in delivering consistent quality while adapting to these evolving challenges.
What Changes Are Expected in ISO 9001:2026?
Although the final version has not yet been published, draft discussions indicate several key themes are likely to be strengthened.
1. Stronger Focus on Risk and Organisational Resilience
Risk-based thinking was introduced in ISO 9001:2015. The revised standard is expected to expand this by encouraging organisations to consider wider business risks, including:
- Supply chain disruption
- Business continuity
- Operational resilience
- Emerging technologies
- External market risks
Rather than simply identifying risks, organisations will be expected to demonstrate how these risks are monitored, managed and reviewed.
2. Greater Leadership Accountability
Senior leadership has always played an important role within ISO 9001.
The revised standard is expected to place even greater emphasis on:
- Quality culture
- Ethical leadership
- Strategic direction
- Employee engagement
- Governance
Quality management should no longer be viewed as the responsibility of one department—it should be embedded across the organisation.
3. Digital Transformation
Many organisations now rely heavily on cloud platforms, automation and AI-powered systems.
The updated standard is expected to better recognise:
- Digital workflows
- Electronic records
- Automated quality processes
- Digital risk management
- Data-driven decision making
Businesses should ensure their Quality Management System reflects how work is actually carried out today.
4. Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning
Knowledge management was introduced in ISO 9001:2015 but often remains underdeveloped.
Future revisions are expected to place greater emphasis on:
- Capturing organisational knowledge
- Preventing knowledge loss
- Employee competency
- Continuous learning
- Succession planning
5. Ethics and Integrity
Stakeholders increasingly expect organisations to demonstrate transparency and responsible business practices.
Future requirements may strengthen expectations around:
- Ethical decision making
- Corporate governance
- Compliance culture
- Responsible leadership
Will Sustainability Become Part of ISO 9001?
While ISO 9001 is not an environmental standard, sustainability is becoming increasingly relevant to all management systems.
Following ISO’s 2024 climate change amendment, organisations certified to management system standards are now expected to consider whether climate change is relevant to their organisation and interested parties.
Businesses may therefore find greater alignment between ISO 9001 and standards such as ISO 14001.
Who Will Be Affected?
If your organisation currently holds ISO 9001 certification, you will almost certainly need to transition to the revised standard once it’s published.
This includes organisations in sectors such as:
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Construction
- Professional Services
- Healthcare
- Logistics
- Technology
- Public Sector
Certification bodies are expected to provide a transition period, giving organisations time to update their Quality Management Systems before audits are conducted against the new standard.
How to Prepare Now
You don’t need to wait until the final standard is published to begin preparing.
We recommend organisations take the following steps:
Review Your Current Quality Management System
Assess whether your documented processes still reflect how your organisation operates today.
Strengthen Risk Management
Review how business risks are identified, monitored and acted upon.
Engage Senior Leadership
Ensure quality objectives align with wider business strategy and leadership responsibilities.
Review Digital Processes
Consider whether digital systems, automated workflows and cloud platforms are appropriately documented.
Plan for Transition
Once the final standard is released, carrying out a structured gap analysis will help identify where changes are required before your next certification audit.
Common Questions About ISO 9001:2026
When will ISO 9001:2026 be published?
The revised standard is currently under development, with publication expected in September 2026. Timelines may change as the drafting process progresses.
Will I lose my certification?
No. Organisations will be given a transition period to update their management systems before certification against the previous version is withdrawn.
Do I need to rewrite all my documentation?
Not necessarily. Most organisations will only need to update specific processes, procedures and documented information where gaps exist.
Should I wait before improving my Quality Management System?
No. Strengthening your Quality Management System now—particularly around leadership, risk management and digital processes—will make transitioning significantly easier.
How Impact IT Solutions Can Help
Preparing for a revised ISO standard doesn’t have to be disruptive.
At Impact IT Solutions, we work with organisations across the UK to implement, improve and maintain practical Quality Management Systems that support real business objectives—not just certification.
Whether you’re implementing ISO 9001 for the first time or preparing for the upcoming revision, our consultants can help you:
- Conduct a comprehensive gap analysis
- Review existing documentation
- Prepare for certification audits
- Strengthen governance and risk management
- Build a Quality Management System that supports continual improvement
Our approach is straightforward, practical and tailored to the way your organisation operates.