This article analyzes Clause 5 of ISO 9001:2026 DIS vs ISO 9001:2015. We will cover changes, clarifications, and one new leadership requirement, highlighting how top management and the QMS are impacted.

5.1 Leadership and Commitment

This section defines leadership expectations and top management responsibilities in the QMS. 

5.1.1 General

Several wording changes and a new requirement have been introduced:

• Accountability for QMS effectiveness is moved to the end of the list. Redundant references to the QMS are removed, simplifying language.
• The word “engaging” is removed. Leaders still direct and support people, but explicit engagement is no longer required.
• Top management must promote a quality culture and ethical behavior, raising expectations for leadership values and tone at the top.
• The requirement for continual improvement is clarified with the word “continual,” emphasizing ongoing improvement.

5.1.2 Customer Focus

This subsection remains unchanged. Leadership responsibilities continue to include:

• Meeting customer and regulatory requirements
• Addressing risks and opportunities
• Maintaining focus on customer satisfaction

5.2 Quality Policy

This clause covers the creation, communication, and management of the quality policy.

5.2.1 Establishing the Quality Policy

ISO refines wording for clarity and auditability.

• “Quality Policy” replaces the generic “Policy” in the clause title.
• Context and strategic direction are separated into distinct requirements. Leaders must commit to meeting applicable requirements.
• The requirement for the quality policy to be documented information is simplified; separate retention is implied.
• The policy must be communicated, understood, and applied within the organization. Availability to interested parties remains required, with simpler wording.

5.3 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorities

This clause describes the assignment and clarity of responsibilities and authorities in the organization.

• The word “organizational” is removed from the title to reduce misinterpretation.
• Responsibilities are split and repositioned, especially for reporting QMS performance and opportunities for improvement.
• The integrity of the quality management system must be maintained during planned changes, reinforcing change management expectations.

Key Takeaways

Clause 5 introduces one new requirement: promoting a quality culture and ethical behavior. Other changes clarify expectations and restructure wording for leadership responsibilities.

• Subtle changes: Reordering responsibilities, removing redundant wording, leadership language adjustments.
• New expectation: Top management must promote a quality culture and ethical behaviour.
• Quality Policy: Clarified, separated, and communicated clearly.
• Roles and responsibilities: Reorganized with explicit reporting requirements and reinforced QMS integrity.

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