Since 2012, all ISO management system standards have been set up according to the so-called High Level Structure (HLS). Just as all ISO standards undergo periodic review, the experts at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that it was time to also include the HLS as a adapt core standards to new insights and experiences. Die 'new HLS' was in May 2021 published under a new name: Harmonized Structure (HS). Since then, the HS has been used in all new and revised ISOmanagement system standards recorded.
Have you never heard of the High Level Structure (HLS)? Or are you curious about the benefits of the Harmonized Structure (HS)? In this blog, we share with you a brief summary of dhe new standardized way of formatting ISO management system standards.
What is the High Level Structure (HLS)?
In the past, different management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001 ...) huge in terms of both terminology and structure. So any additional standard you wanted to implement as an organization had to some extent their own method of formulating requirements. There was a great lack of uniformity. In 2012, the High Level Structure (HLS) was introduced in response to this problem. Since then the HLS forms the basis for all new and updated ISO management standards.
The HLS consists of 10 universal chapters each with a set of core elements that as a whole serve as a unified basic structure and requirements.
Each management standard supplements the HLS with specific requirements of certain aspects, such as quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 14001), information security (ISO 27001) or health and safety at work (ISO 45001). These management system standards plugs in on the HLS, so to speak.
- 1. Subject and scope
- 2. Normative references
- 3. Terms and definitions
- 4. Context of the organization
- 5. Leadership
- 6. Planning
- 7. Support
- 8. Implementation
- 9. Performance evaluation
- 10. Improvement
ISO management system standards are developed according to the 'Plug-in model'. In this model, standards and guidelines align with a set of common "core requirements. The HLS provides that uniform basis Where standards are seamless.
The advantage? Once you master one ISO standard, thanks to the uniform method of operation, you can simply other standards incorporate, and you need less time and resources.
What is the Harmonized Structure (HS)?
The HLS was replaced by the new Harmonized Structure (HS) in May 2021. Since then, the HS has been the common core for the formatting of all new and revisions of existing ISO management system standards.
The core elements of the High Level Structure are retained in the Harmonized Structure. Thus, the core structure of 10 chapters unchanged. There are especially clarifying additions and nuances of some basic requirements added.
A summary of changes by chapter:
1. Subject and scope
ISO management system standards must now describe the intended result of implementing this particular standard.
2. Normative references
No adjustments.
3. Terms and definitions
Terms and definitions should now be integrated into all ISO management system standards rather than to referrals. The purpose of this is to create more clarity and transparency.
4. Context of the organization
§4.2: You now get to choose how many/which stakeholders you are going to identify the requirements and expectations. In doing so, you do need to justify your choice and are the applicable legal requirements still mandatory to complete.
5. Leadership
No adjustments.
6. Planning
§6.3: Scheduling changes (management of change) is henceforth a common requirement.
7. Support
§7.5: More neutral approach to documented information (e.g., hybrid form). The format of documentation thus becomes irrelevant and there is nire no longer a distinction between "tracking" and "maintaining" information.
8. Implementation
No adjustments.
9. Performance evaluation
No adjustments.
10. Improvement
Greater emphasis on proactively initiating improvements instead of identifying possible improvements from a preventive standpoint.
What are the implications for ISO management system standards?
Right now: nothing. The updated edition of the HLS obviously has an impact on ISO management system standards, but that does not mean that these changes can be implemented immediately. Only in future publications of the ISO standards that use the HLS structure, the modified HS will be adopted.
The review process of the published ISO standards is usually started every 5 years. A specialized task force meets and decides whether there is a need for an overhaul, and then draws up any additional modifications. Only when the task force decides to update the ISO standard will the changes in the HLS be carried over to the HS.
Questions about the transition from the High Level Structure (HLS) to the Harmonized Structure (HS) or about ISO management standards in general? Contact us for personal advice.