Clause 5.3 of ISO 9001:2015 requires top management to assign and communicate responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles within the quality management system. While top management retains overall accountability, clear role assignment ensures everyone understands their contribution.
What the Standard Requires
Top management must ensure that responsibilities and authorities for relevant roles are assigned, communicated, and understood throughout the organization. Specific responsibilities must be assigned for ensuring the QMS conforms to ISO 9001 requirements, ensuring processes deliver their intended outputs, reporting on QMS performance and improvement opportunities to top management, ensuring the promotion of customer focus throughout the organization, and ensuring QMS integrity is maintained when changes are planned and implemented.
Best Practices
- Create a RACI matrix for all QMS activities and processes
- Include quality responsibilities in job descriptions and performance reviews
- Document process ownership clearly for each key process
- Ensure the person(s) overseeing the QMS have sufficient authority and access to top management
- Review role assignments when organizational structure changes
Common Pitfalls
- Assigning responsibility without corresponding authority or resources
- Making quality the sole responsibility of one department
- Not communicating roles to employees in a way they understand
- Failing to update role assignments after organizational changes
Related Ecesis Solutions
Document Management
Version-controlled procedures and records
Audits & Inspections
Schedule, conduct, and track audit findings
Nonconformity Tracking
Report, investigate, and resolve nonconformities
Training Management
Track competence requirements and records
Change Management
Structured review of planned changes
Compliance Obligations
Track requirements and evaluation schedules
