implementation of iso/iec 17011:2017 in israc

Implementation of the ISO/IEC 17011:2017 standard in ISRAC

Yakir Jaoui, Quality Manager

The international standard ISO/IEC 17011 according to which ISRAC operates, was updated on 30.11.2017. The standard requirements apply to all accreditation bodies worldwide who have signed a mutual recognition agreement in ILAC:

ISO/IEC 17011: Conformity assessment - Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies

ISRAC has established an action plan to implement ISO/IEC 17011:2017, The following are its main stages:

1.     Map the differences between the standard – new edition vs. current edition.

2.     Assessment of the gaps between the two editions and via. meetings with the concerned parties.

3.     Adapting infrastructure requirements due to significant updates and deciding how these changes will be made.

4.     Training of all ISRAC's employees, including external assessors, concerning the new requirements in the standard.

5.     Performing internal audits to assess the readiness of ISRAC's management system in accordance with the new standard.

The target date to implement the new ISO/IEC 17011 2017 standard edition was scheduled for May 2018 in accordance with the constraints, stemming from the publication of the new ISO/IEC 17025 2017 standard and the peer evaluation conducted by the EA (European Accreditation) under the auspices of ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation).

The most significant change was the need for risk management by the accreditation body in consultation with the stakeholders. Following this requirement, ISRAC conducted a comprehensive review of the various policies and processes and implemented an implementation of the risk management system in ISRAC's core activities, such as assessments, decision-making, hearing and dealing with complaints with emphasis on impartiality.

A comprehensive risk survey covering all risks and risk factors relating to ISRAC's activities was completed In July 2018. Based on the existing controls regarding the activities relating to accreditation, including the risk surveys performed after each assessment, it was decided that risk management will be carried out routinely as part of the monthly work meetings of ISRAC staff. In addition, risk management is performed on an ongoing basis as part of the quality program and is discussed as an additional subject in the management review. If necessary, the risks managed by ISRAC will be updated.