Improvement restructured — Clause 10.3 merged

What changed in the 2026 revision

The 2026 revision aligns Clause 10 with the harmonised structure used across management system standards: the separate Clause 10.3 (Continual improvement) is removed and its content integrated into 10.1 and 10.2 (Nonconformity and corrective action). This creates a more structured approach with clearer linkage between Clause 9 findings and improvement actions.

What auditors will look for

Review your improvement processes. The 2026 revision merges 10.1 into 10.2 and 10.3, creating a clearer link between performance evaluation findings (Clause 9) and improvement actions (Clause 10). Ensure corrective actions include root cause analysis and that improvements are linked to measurable environmental performance outcomes.

How to close the gap

1. 1Update improvement procedure to reflect merged structure
2. 2Ensure clear linkage: Clause 9 findings → Clause 10 actions
3. 3Strengthen root cause analysis in corrective action process
4. 4Track whether improvement actions deliver measurable outcomes

More changes in Clause 10

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