In September 2026 the latest edition of the international quality management standard, ISO 9001 was published.
While the updates were generally minor, one new concept is threaded throughout the standard: Quality Culture and Ethical Behaviour.
While you might consider this a ‘given’ for organisations implementing a quality management system, one key concern from certified clients is how do we prove quality culture in an audit?
Here are some ideas.
Quality Culture in your Quality Policy
Although it’s not mandatory, adding a statement about the company’s culture and bahaviours into your quality policy (clause 5.2) is a good way to set out your commitment to all interested parties.
A dedicated quality culture and ethical behaviour policy could also support your objectives, although this is not mandatory many customers are looking for this to address legislation such as the modern slavery act.
Assigning Responsibility for Establishing a Quality Culture
Within the leadership requirement of clause 5, adding responsibility for the quality culture and ethical behaviour is now mandatory. This can be done in many ways including adding it to job descriptions or a responsibility matrix.
Raise Awareness of Quality Culture
Clause 7.3 for awareness also has a new requirement around quality culture and ethical behaviour.
This can be done by updating any training or e-learning courses you have on quality, adding a section to a newsletter or blog, or a structured campaign of events. – like a quality roadshow.
Quality Culture through the Supply Chain
Suppliers play an important role in maintaining a company’s quality culture.
Embedding requirements through a supplier code of conduct or even your contract with the supplier can all evidence your commitment to quality culture and ethical behaviour.
Quality Culture in Management Review
The management review is an ideal place to consider how your company’s culture is supporting a high quality output and also agree actions to drive improvement.
Conclusion
If you have implemented an ISO 9001 management system in a meaningful way, you probably already meet the new requirements around quality culture. However it is beneficial to review your QMS and make any updates that could drive improvement.
Assent’s expert ISO 9001 consultants can help you plan for the transition to the new version of the standard including making any documentation updates and conducting an internal audit to test your evidence.
