Clause 5.2.2 of the ISO 9001:2015 standard, titled "Communicating the Quality Policy," focuses on the requirements related to the communication of the organization's quality policy. It mandates that the quality policy must be communicated, understood, and applied within the organization. Furthermore, this clause requires that the quality policy is available to relevant interested parties. Here are the key aspects:
-
Internal Communication: The organization must ensure that the quality policy is communicated and understood by all employees and individuals working for or on behalf of the organization. This includes ensuring that everyone is aware of how the policy applies to their specific roles and responsibilities within the quality management system (QMS).
-
Understanding the Quality Policy: Beyond merely communicating the policy, the organization must take steps to ensure that it is understood. This might involve training, meetings, or other forms of communication to clarify the importance of the quality policy and how employees' activities contribute to achieving its objectives.
-
Application of the Quality Policy: The organization must ensure that the quality policy is not only communicated and understood but also effectively implemented and maintained across all levels of the organization. This means that the policy's principles are integrated into everyday processes and practices, guiding decision-making and actions.
-
Availability to Interested Parties: The quality policy should also be made available to relevant interested parties outside the organization. This can include customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders who have an interest in the organization's commitment to quality. Making the policy available can be achieved through various means, such as posting on the organization's website or providing it upon request.
The emphasis on communicating the quality policy underscores its importance as a foundational element of the QMS. By ensuring the policy is widely understood and applied, the organization fosters a culture of quality that supports continuous improvement and aims to enhance customer satisfaction. This clause ensures that the quality policy serves as a clear guide for all organizational activities related to quality.