Brahim Houla
ISO/CASCO WG 61 Convener / IAF Liaison to WG 61
CMC Chair, IAF
Accreditation Services Director, GCC Accreditation Center

In the ever-evolving landscape of management systems auditing, a revolutionary stride is being taken with the ongoing development of the ISO/IEC 17012 standard. This essential document is set to provide comprehensive guidelines for the implementation of remote auditing methods in management system audits. As organizations adapt to changing circumstances, this standard aims to ensure that the integrity of management systems remains intact while embracing innovative approaches.

ISO/IEC TS 17012, titled “Guidelines for the use of remote auditing methods in auditing management systems,” holds the promise of a more flexible and adaptive auditing landscape. Its scope is all-encompassing, catering to various types of audits, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd party audits, and addresses the needs of organizations engaged in internal or external audits of their management systems.

The standard is under development by working group (WG) 61 of the International Organization for Standardization’s committee for conformity assessment (ISO/CASCO). A significant milestone in the standard’s progress was reached during the 3rd WG 61 meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting, spanning from 29 May to 01 June 2023, saw convenors Dandan Zheng, Nigel Leehane and Brahim Houla, and CASCO members’ representatives, focus on fostering a shared understanding of the term “remote auditing methods”. Establishing a consistent terminology is pivotal to the successful implementation of this standard, ensuring seamless communication and alignment among stakeholders.

Integral to the meeting was the thorough review of the document’s structure. Participants meticulously examined the feedback and suggestions provided during the WG consultation on the WD ISO/IEC 17012.

The strategic decisions regarding the next steps in the standard’s journey marked significant progress. Building on the momentum gained, the convenors recommended advancing the document to the committee stage (CD). Acknowledging the substantial improvements achieved, this step aims to involve a broader audience, including CASCO members and liaisons, to gather diverse feedback and perspectives. The timeline for this stage was carefully outlined, involving an editing group responsible for the CD version’s preparation, complete with an editorial review by the end of June.

Adding depth to the process, a task group dedicated to Annex A, focusing on remote auditing methods, was established. The task group formulated a proposal based on the drafting notes from the meeting. This proposal was integrated into the consolidated version of ISO/IEC 17012, marking yet another stride towards a comprehensive standard.

Looking ahead, ISO/IEC 17012’s journey remains characterized by adaptability and collaboration. The upcoming meeting, scheduled from 11-13 December, will take on a hybrid format, embracing both onsite and remote participation.

As the standard’s development journey continues, an upcoming information session to CASCO members, slated for 13 September 2023, will provide valuable insights to members currently engaged in the ongoing CD consultation. This session, led by the convenors, aims to provide clarity on the main elements of the standard and offers participants a platform to pose questions. This CASCO practice ensures that the balloters and representatives are well-informed and prepared to comment and vote on the document with a comprehensive understanding.

In conclusion, the developments surrounding ISO/IEC 17012 portray a collective commitment to harmonising auditing practices. As industries navigate intricate modern challenges, this standard will stand as a guiding light, directing organizations toward the future of auditing. By embracing remote auditing methods within a structured framework, ISO/IEC 17012 will herald a new era of management systems audits, one that marries innovation with unwavering standards.