Are ISO Standards Becoming a Tick-Box Exercise?
ISO certifications have become increasingly common in recent years, but are they being used as intended? Many organisations pursue certification primarily to meet tender requirements, reassuring sales teams that they can tick the right boxes for quality, environmental, and information security compliance, plus many others. While this approach helps win business, it raises an important question: are these standards truly driving continuous improvement?
The Value of ISO Standards
I’ve worked with ISO frameworks for more years than I am actually willing to admit and remain a strong advocate for their benefits. When implemented effectively, these standards can deliver measurable improvements across all levels of an organisation. They provide a structured approach to quality, risk management, and operational excellence. However, success depends on one critical factor: leadership engagement.
Where Leadership Falls Short
The 2015 revision of ISO 9001 aimed to ensure leadership could not delegate responsibility, a common issue in the 2008 version. Yet, many businesses still treat ISO as a compliance function managed by a quality team or external consultant. Leadership often appears only for audits or annual reviews, missing the opportunity to leverage ISO as a strategic tool for growth and service excellence.
What’s Changing in 2026?
The upcoming ISO 9001 changes in 2026 are expected to place greater emphasis on building a quality culture and re-engaging leadership. This shift is designed to make standards more than a tick-box exercise and reinforce their role in driving sustainable improvement. But will it work? That depends on how businesses and certification bodies respond.
The Role of Consultants and Certification Bodies
Consultants play a vital role in helping organisations unlock the full potential of ISO standards. They understand the nuances and can guide businesses towards meaningful implementation. Certification bodies also have a responsibility: audits must go beyond box-ticking and challenge leadership to demonstrate genuine commitment to quality culture. ISO standards, when applied effectively, are far more than a sales tool, they are a framework for long-term success.
Final Thoughts
ISO standards should never be seen as a quick win for tenders. They are powerful tools for continuous improvement, but only if leadership embraces them as part of the organisation’s strategy. The upcoming changes present an opportunity to shift perceptions. Let’s make sure we take it.
