ISO 9001 Clause 7
ISO 9001:2015
Understanding ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7 – Support
As a certification body for small and medium-sized businesses, we often receive questions. One common question is: What does Clause 7 of ISO 9001:2015 mean in simple terms?
Clause 7, titled “Support,” is a cornerstone of the ISO 9001:2015 standard. It outlines the essential support elements your business needs to establish and maintain an effective Quality Management System (QMS). Think of it as the support system that helps your team meet quality goals, satisfy customer needs, and improve performance.
What ISO 9001 Clause 7 Means for Your Business
Clause 7 is about ensuring your organization has what it needs for quality work. This includes tools, people, infrastructure, and information for daily operations. Whether you are starting your ISO journey or keeping an established QMS, this clause supports you in every way.
ISO 9001:2015 Clause 7 is Support. This section of the standard asks you to consider if you have the right people, tools, infrastructure and information to produce quality products/services. To explore the other clauses of the standard, click on a link.
Here’s how Clause 7 breaks down:
1. Resources (Clause 7.1)
You need to find and provide the resources for your QMS. This includes qualified staff, proper infrastructure, tools, technology, and money. The goal is to ensure you can consistently deliver quality products or services that meet customer expectations.
2. Competence (Clause 7.2)
ISO 9001 emphasizes the need for competence—not just job titles. Your team members must have the right skills and knowledge for their roles. This means assessing training needs, providing learning opportunities, and keeping records to prove qualifications are up to date.
3. Awareness (Clause 7.3)
It’s not enough for employees to do the work—they must also understand why their work matters. Clause 7.3 requires organizations to ensure staff are aware of their contribution to the QMS and its goals, helping foster a culture of accountability and quality.
4. Communication (Clause 7.4)
Effective internal and external communication is crucial to QMS success. This sub-clause requires you to determine what needs to be communicated, to whom, and how—ensuring everyone is aligned on quality expectations and performance.
5. Documented Information (Clause 7.5)
Documentation is a pillar of any ISO-compliant system. You’ll need to maintain up-to-date records, procedures, and evidence of compliance. This isn’t about bureaucracy—it’s about ensuring consistency, traceability, and continual improvement.
7.5.1 General: Identify the documents necessary for QMS operations.
7.5.2 Creating and Updating: Keep content current and relevant.
7.5.3 Control of Documented Information: Ensure proper version control and secure access.
Clause 7 in Practice: What Certification Bodies Look For
When we audit Clause 7, we’re assessing whether your organization has built a strong foundation for supporting its quality processes. We look at:
- How you evaluate and provide resources
- Whether training and competency are managed effectively
- How communication and awareness are promoted
- How documentation is controlled and maintained
- Evidence of continuous improvement and employee engagement
Why Clause 7 Matters
For small businesses, Clause 7 isn’t just a compliance requirement—it’s an opportunity. It helps you structure your organization in a way that supports sustainable growth, reduces risk, and boosts customer satisfaction. By taking a proactive approach to support functions, you create the conditions needed for success—before problems arise.
Get Support for Your Certification Journey
As a small business-friendly certification body, we’re here to guide you through every step of ISO 9001:2015 implementation and compliance. Whether you’re building your QMS from scratch or preparing for your next audit, we can help you align with Clause 7 requirements in a way that’s practical and scalable.
Get in touch with us for a free consultation or quote. Let’s build your path to ISO certification—together.
