ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.2

What is ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7.1.2?

In ISO 9001:2015, Clause 7.1.2 is a part of the “Resources” section and is titled “People.” This clause addresses the organization’s need to determine and provide the necessary resources to ensure that personnel are competent in performing their duties.

Key points outlined in Clause 7.1.2 include:

Competence:

The organization is required to determine the necessary competence of personnel involved in processes affecting product conformity and the ability to enhance customer satisfaction. This involves ensuring individuals have the appropriate skills, education, training, and experience to carry out their assigned tasks.

Awareness:

Personnel must be made aware of the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to achieving quality objectives and the effectiveness of the quality management system.

Communication:

The organization needs to ensure that communication processes are effective, both within the organization and with external parties, to facilitate the understanding of quality objectives, policies, and other relevant information.

Support:

Resources, including training, infrastructure, and a suitable work environment, should be provided to support the operation of processes, ensure product conformity, and enhance customer satisfaction.

This clause emphasizes the significance of having competent and well-informed personnel to contribute to the success of the quality management system and the organization’s overall objectives. 

Other ISO 9001:2015 Clauses:

• The Complete Clause 7
• Clause 7.1.1
• Clause 7.1.3
• Clause 7.1.4
• Clause 7.1.5
• Clause 7.1.6
• Clause 7.2
• Clause 7.3
• Clause 7.4
• Clause 7.5
• Clause 7.5.1
• Clause 7.5.2
• Clause 7.5.3

How does a Company comply with Clause 7.1.2?

To comply with Clause 7.1.2 follow these steps:

Identify Competence Requirements:

Determine the skills, knowledge, education, training, and experience required for each position or role within the organization, especially those directly affecting product conformity and customer satisfaction.

Establish Competence Criteria:

Clearly define the competence criteria for each position or role. This could involve creating competency profiles, job descriptions, or competency matrices that outline the required competencies for each job function.

Assess Current Competence:

Evaluate the current competence of employees against the established criteria. This assessment can include performance reviews, skills assessments, and other methods to identify gaps in competence.

Provide Training and Development:

Develop training programs to address identified competence gaps. This may involve internal or external training, workshops, seminars, certifications, or on-the-job training to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees.

Document Competence:

Maintain records documenting the competence of personnel. This documentation may include training records, certifications, education qualifications, and other relevant information.

Ensure Awareness:

Make sure that employees are aware of the importance of their roles in contributing to the quality management system, product conformity, and customer satisfaction. This can involve communication of quality objectives, policies, and relevant information.

Establish Communication Processes:

Implement effective communication processes to ensure that information flows efficiently within the organization and with external parties. This helps in facilitating understanding and cooperation among employees.

Provide Support:

Ensure that necessary resources are provided to support the competence and performance of personnel. This includes access to appropriate tools, equipment, work environment, and other resources needed to carry out their tasks effectively.

Periodically Review and Update:

Regularly review and update competence criteria to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the organization’s goals. This includes conducting periodic assessments of employee competence and adjusting training and development programs accordingly.

Management Review:

Include competence-related metrics and information in management reviews to assess the effectiveness of the organization’s efforts in ensuring personnel competence.

By implementing these steps, organizations can demonstrate compliance with Clause 7.1.2 of ISO 9001:2015 and establish a workforce that is competent, aware, and capable of contributing to the success of the quality management system. Regular monitoring, assessment, and continuous improvement are key components of maintaining and enhancing personnel competence over time.

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