For more than a decade, ISO 9001:2015 has provided organisations with a globally recognised framework for quality management. From manufacturers and construction firms to schools, healthcare providers and service organisations, the standard has helped businesses improve consistency, reduce risk and deliver better outcomes for customers.
Now, a revised version of the world’s most widely adopted Quality Management System (QMS) standard is expected to be published in September 2026. Whilst the core principles of ISO 9001 are unlikely to change significantly, the updated standard is expected to reflect the realities of modern business, including digital transformation, sustainability, supply chain resilience and evolving customer expectations.
For organisations already certified to ISO 9001:2015, the upcoming revision should represent an evolution rather than a complete overhaul. However, understanding the likely changes now can help businesses prepare for a smooth transition.
Key takeaways:
- Understand what ISO 9001 is and why organisations implement a Quality Management System (QMS)
- Discover which industries and sectors commonly achieve ISO 9001 certification
- Learn why the standard is being revised and what has changed since ISO 9001:2015
- Explore seven expected updates within the forthcoming ISO 9001:2026 standard
- Understand how UK businesses can prepare for the transition to ISO 9001:2026
What Is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001 is the international standard for Quality Management Systems. It provides a structured framework that helps organisations consistently deliver products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.
The standard is based on several core quality management principles, including:
- Customer focus
- Leadership
- Process management
- Risk-based thinking
- Continuous improvement
- Evidence-based decision making
Unlike product-specific certifications, ISO 9001 focuses on how an organisation operates. It provides assurance that robust processes are in place to manage quality, reduce errors and drive continual improvement.
Today, more than one million organisations worldwide use ISO 9001 as the foundation of their quality management approach.
Why Do Companies Implement ISO 9001?
For many organisations, ISO 9001 certification is about far more than compliance.
A well-implemented Quality Management System can help businesses:
- Improve operational consistency
- Increase customer satisfaction
- Reduce waste and inefficiencies
- Strengthen risk management
- Improve supplier performance
- Support business growth
- Demonstrate commitment to quality
In sectors such as construction, manufacturing and education, certification is often a prerequisite for tendering opportunities and supply chain approval.
Perhaps most importantly, ISO 9001 helps embed quality into everyday business operations rather than treating it as a standalone activity.
Why Is ISO 9001 Being Updated?
The business environment has changed significantly since ISO 9001:2015 was introduced.
Over the last decade organisations have experienced:
- Rapid digitalisation
- Increased use of automation and artificial intelligence
- Greater focus on sustainability and climate change
- Global supply chain disruption
- Growing stakeholder expectations around ethics and governance
- Rising customer expectations
The revision aims to ensure the standard remains relevant and effective in addressing these challenges.
What Changes Can We Expect in ISO 9001:2026?
Although the final standard has not yet been published, several themes have emerged from draft documents and industry discussions.
- Greater Focus on Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence
Technology is transforming the way organisations operate.
The revised standard is expected to recognise the growing use of:
- Artificial intelligence
- Data analytics
- Automated decision-making systems
- Digital quality management platforms
Rather than prescribing specific technologies, ISO 9001:2026 is expected to encourage organisations to understand and manage the opportunities and risks associated with digital tools.
For manufacturers, this could include automated inspection systems, predictive maintenance and AI-assisted quality control processes.
- Sustainability and Climate Change
Sustainability is likely to become a more visible component of quality management.
Recent ISO amendments already require organisations to consider climate change when assessing organisational context. The 2026 revision is expected to embed these considerations more fully within the standard.
Businesses may be expected to demonstrate how environmental factors influence:
- Strategic planning
- Operational processes
- Risk management
- Stakeholder expectations
This reflects the growing recognition that quality, sustainability and long-term business resilience are closely linked.
- Increased Attention on Supply Chain Resilience
Recent global events exposed vulnerabilities across many supply chains.
As a result, the revised standard is expected to place greater emphasis on:
- Supplier management
- Supply chain continuity
- Risk identification
- Business resilience
Organisations may need to demonstrate a more proactive approach to managing supplier-related risks and maintaining continuity during disruption.
- Ethics, Integrity and Organisational Culture
One of the most discussed additions is the increased focus on ethical behaviour and quality culture.
Draft revisions suggest that leadership teams will be expected to play a more active role in promoting:
- Ethical decision making
- Organisational integrity
- Accountability
- Quality-focused behaviours
This moves quality management beyond documented procedures and places greater emphasis on organisational culture.
- From Customer Satisfaction to Customer Experience
Traditionally, ISO 9001 has focused on customer satisfaction.
The revised standard is expected to broaden this perspective towards the overall customer experience.
This may encourage organisations to consider:
- Customer interactions
- Service quality
- Communication
- Responsiveness
- Long-term relationships
For businesses operating in competitive markets, customer experience is increasingly recognised as a key differentiator.
- Stronger Requirements for Service Providers
Whilst ISO 9001 has always applied to both manufacturing and service organisations, future revisions are expected to provide greater clarity around service delivery requirements.
This may help organisations better interpret quality management principles in service-led environments where outputs are often less tangible than manufactured products.
- Reinforcing Quality as a Business Strategy
Perhaps the most significant theme is the continued integration of quality management into core business operations.
The revised standard is expected to strengthen the link between:
- Strategic objectives
- Organisational performance
- Leadership responsibilities
- Quality management systems
Rather than viewing ISO 9001 as a standalone compliance exercise, businesses will increasingly be encouraged to use their QMS as a tool for achieving wider organisational goals.
What Does This Mean for UK Businesses?
For organisations already certified to ISO 9001:2015, the transition is expected to be manageable.
Current indications suggest that the revision will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, with the core structure and principles remaining intact. A transition period of approximately three years is expected following publication, giving organisations time to review and update their Quality Management Systems.
However, businesses should begin considering how emerging topics such as sustainability, digitalisation, ethics and resilience are already being addressed within their existing systems.
Those that prepare early will be better positioned to achieve compliance and maximise the value of their quality management processes.
Quality at the Heart of Continuous Improvement
At Gilberts, quality has long been a core part of our manufacturing and business operations. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified organisation, we recognise the value that robust quality management brings to customers, partners and projects.
Whilst the final details of ISO 9001:2026 are still being finalised, the direction of travel is clear. Quality management is evolving beyond process control alone to encompass resilience, sustainability, technology and customer experience.
For organisations across the UK, the revised standard presents an opportunity not only to maintain compliance but to strengthen the way quality supports long-term business success.
Click here to learn more about how we centralise our operations around Quality.
