Today, most organisations have integrated, or more than one, management system standard against which they need to be audited. To assist organisations in aligning different standards and reducing costs, time and resource needs, ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) developed Annex SL, a framework for a generic management system and the blueprint for all new and revised management system standards. Annex SL prescribes the same high-level structure (10 clauses), the same core text, and common terms and definitions to be used in all future management system standards. As needed, sub-clauses and discipline-specific text may be added to this high-level structure.
One of the new buzzwords that accompanied the publication of Annex SL by ISO is Risk-based thinking. The concept of risk has always been implicit in international standards; however, the new international standards make it more explicit and builds it into the whole management system.
Risk-based thinking is something we all do automatically and often sub-consciously to get the best result. We do this by asking ourselves what risks are posed by activities, processes and situations; so that we can take the necessary action and implement the necessary controls to mitigate these risks. Risk-based thinking ensures that risk is considered from the beginning and throughout the standard and makes “preventive action” part of strategic and operational planning.
The new version of ISO 31000 Risk Management Principles and Guidelines was released in 2018 by ISO, with an intention of “keep[ing] risk management simple” and “deliver[ing] a clearer, shorter and more concise guide that will help organizations use risk management principles to improve planning and make better decisions.”
The DQS Training Academy offers a large number of risk-based courses, including its 1-day, 3-days and 5-days public or onsite training in ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management Awareness, Implementation and Auditor respectively.
In addition, numerous eLearning courses are available online, including a 24-hour Risk Management Principles and Guidelines course, based on ISO 31000:2018 requirements and international best practices, in light of the requirements of international standards. Other relevant online courses also include a Sustainable SHEQ Risk Management eProgramme, consisting on 20 courses guiding students on the practical application of all aspects of Risk Management.
The DQS Training Academy is a Corporate member of the Institute of Risk Management (IRMSA) and specialises in ISO standards training, which means it is ideally suited to providing Risk Management public, onsite and/or online training to individuals and organisations.
