Under clause 5.3, top management are required to assign the responsibility and authority to:

1. Ensure that the management system meets the requirements of ISO 9001:2015,
2. Ensure that the processes are delivering their intended outputs (IE: monitoring of key performance indicators,)
3. Report on the performance of the quality management system and on opportunities for improvement, in particular to top management, (See later article, 10.1.)
4. Ensure the promotion of customer focus at all levels,
5. Ensure that the integrity of the management system is maintained when changes to the system are planned and implemented.

Comment:

Note that as previously mentioned, the role of Management Representative was dropped in the 2015 release. This was to encourage top management to be actively involved and accountable for the management system rather than delegate all responsibility to a single individual.

Depending on the size and complexity of the business - organisation charts, job descriptions, operating procedures, and work instructions, are all useful ways to define the structure, hierarchy, lines of reporting and responsibilities within the management system, and many businesses will already be utilising one or more of these to great effect.

Communication and deployment methods could include Induction & orientation processes, redeployment training, change management communication plans etc.

Audit Check:

Again top management may be interviewed, to verify that they have been actively involved in ensuring that appropriate processes (IE using suitable language and media) are being utilised to promote awareness and understanding of businesses policies, processes and objectives at all levels within the organisation including the focus on customer’s requirements, needs and expectations.