BS EN ISO 19011:2026

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What is BS EN ISO 19011 - Guidelines for auditing management systems about? 

BS EN ISO 19011:2026 provides guidance on auditing management systems. It covers the principles of auditing, managing an audit programme, conducting management system audits and evaluating the competence of individuals involved in the audit process (including audit programme managers, auditors and audit teams). 

It is designed to be applicable to any organization needing to plan and conduct internal or external audits of management systems, or to manage an audit programme. 

The guidance can also be adapted for other types of audits, provided the specific competence requirements are considered.

Who is BS EN ISO 19011 - Guidelines for auditing management systems for? 

BS EN ISO 19011:2026 is sector-agnostic and highly flexible, making it relevant across industries. The target audience includes:

• Auditors of management systems.
  
• Internal and external auditors, audit programme managers.
  
• Auditees (e.g., Quality Managers, compliance officers).
  
• Training organizations.
  
• Top management.
  
• Users of audit output/information.
  
• Regulatory agencies.
  
• Government, business and industry groups (SMEs to large enterprises).
  
• Observers, guides, technical experts (trainers, consultants).
  
• Consumer/community organizations, trade unions.
  
• Accreditation and certification bodies.

It is especially relevant for industries implementing management system standards (MSSs) and those requiring structured auditing processes, such as medical devices, environmental management, IT service management, food safety, cybersecurity, HR, robotics, anti-bribery and more.

What does BS EN ISO 19011 - Guidelines for auditing management systems cover? 

The scope of BS EN ISO 19011:2026 includes:

• Principles of auditing.
  
• Managing audit programmes.
  
• Conducting management system audits.
  
• Evaluating competence of audit personnel.
  
• Guidance on remote auditing methods (aligned with ISO TS 17012).
  
• Audit programme risk and planning.
  
• Competence requirements for auditors, including digital and remote skills.
  
• Data security, observer participation and adaptability to new risks and regulations.
  
• Expanded Annex A with practical guidance on remote techniques and virtual locations.

It also aligns with recent amendments, such as the 2024 Climate Action Amendment to international management system standards, requiring organizations to consider climate change as a relevant issue in audits.

Why should you use BS EN ISO 19011 - Guidelines for auditing management systems?

Adopting this standard enables organizations to:

• Meet intended outcomes.
  
• Implement and maintain effective management systems.
  
• Achieve compliance and perform well.
  
• Identify risks and opportunities.
  
• Continually improve.

It sets internationally recognized guidelines for internal and external audits, ensuring audit programmes are consistent, reliable, efficient, effective, and add value. 

BS EN ISO 19011:2026 also provides a framework for evaluating the competence of audit personnel, supporting organizations in entering new markets, accelerating innovation, developing expertise, facilitating trade, growing sustainably, improving efficiency, increasing trust and managing risk.

What's changed?

BS EN ISO 19011:2026 is the latest edition of the standard and supersedes BS EN ISO 19011:2018. The 2026 revision responds to the significant shift towards remote and hybrid audits in the global auditing industry, accelerated by the Covid pandemic and the adoption of new technologies.

Major updates include:

• Expanded guidance on remote auditing methods and virtual locations.
  
• Alignment with ISO TS 17012 and the 2024 Climate Action Amendment.
  
• Evaluation of technology and digital tools in audit programmes.
  
• Enhanced auditor competency requirements (cloud platforms, video conferencing, drones, data analytics, AI, automated systems).
  
• Greater emphasis on audit programme integrity, observer participation and data security.
  
• Updated terms and definitions for remote techniques and technical expertise.
  
• Revised clauses on principles of auditing, managing audit programmes, conducting audits and auditor competence.
  
• Expanded Annex A with additional guidance for planning and conducting audits.