ISO/TMBG/JTCG-TF15
(Technical Management Board Groups – Joint Technical Coordination Group – Task Group 15 )
ISO/TMBG/JTCG-TF15 was established to consider the architecture and structure of the MSS portfolio, looking at all aspects of MSS, from the range of topics covered, how MSS are structured, the language they use and the best way to provide supporting, technical or sector-specific companion documents. TF15 would also make recommendations to address known and perceived issues including:
- proliferation of MSS, including sector versions of widely used MSS
- incorrect application of the harmonized approach (ISO Directives Part 1, Annex SL)
- lack of understanding of the distinction between MSS and management standards
- perception of Type A MSS being the standards to aspire to – rather than what is best for the user
- potential need for an overarching MSS- a potential new architecture to cascade generic requirements, topic requirements, and tertiary level (e.g. sector) requirements or guidance
The Task Force has now issued its final report.
Executive summary
The document outlines the key findings and recommendations from the work of JTCG Task Force 15 (TF15) on completion of the task force’s examination of the existing Management System Standards (MSS) landscape and exploration of members’ different views on what is and what is not working well. The recommendations in the report support the ISO 2030 strategy.
Many of the documents in the MSS landscape are used extensively across organizations of all types.
The growing number of documents in the landscape provides a valuable catalogue of advice upon which organizations can draw, and developments such as the harmonized approach provided by Annex SL of the ISO Directives Part 1 have been well received. However, the expanding landscape brings new challenges to which we need to respond, including:
· the need to better assist users to understand and navigate an increasingly complex MSS landscape.
· stronger governance to avoid contradictions and inconsistencies between the advice contained in different documents produced by different committees, which frustrates users who expect ISO to provide a coherent self-consistent suite of documents.
· modern digital technology is needed to collate the content of multiple documents for the user, to support the way users wish to access and use MSS content.
Change in these and other areas is needed if ISO is to maintain the value and status of its MSS portfolio for users, and to futureproof this important component of the ISO catalogue.
The report will now be considered by the SABS/TC176 Technical Committee.