QIC Guru

ISO 9001:2000 requires top management to review the organization’s quality management system, at planned intervals, to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.  The review could be carried out at a separate meeting but this is not a requirement of the standard.  There are many ways in which top management can review the quality management system such as receiving and reviewing a report generated by the management representative or other personnel, electronic communication or as part of regular management meetings where issues such as budgets and targets are also discussed.

The management review is a process that should be conducted and audited utilizing the process approach.

ISO 9001 clause 5.6.2 specifies the inputs to the management review process and these topics shall be included.  However, these are not the only subjects that can be included in a review.  Internal auditors should be aware that inputs could be in many forms such as reports, trend charts and so on.

As output from the management review process, there should be evidence of decisions regarding:-

·         change of quality policy and objectives,

·         plans and possible actions for improvements,

·         change of resources,

·         revised business plans,

·         budgets.

Output is not only related to improvements or changes but could include decisions on other important issues such as plans to introduce new products.  

Records of management reviews are required but the format of these is not specified. Minutes of meetings are the most common type of record, but electronic records, statistical charts, presentations etc. could be acceptable types of records.

Auditors should look for evidence that the inputs and outputs of the management review process are relevant to the organization’s size and complexity and that they are used to improve the business.  Auditors should also consider how the organization’s management is structured and how the management review process is used within this structure.