BS EN ISO 19011:2026 — What Changed and What To Do
BS EN ISO 19011:2026 updates audit guidance for remote, hybrid and technology-driven audits, adds climate change considerations, and strengthens auditor competence requirements.
What is BS EN ISO 19011:2026?
BS EN ISO 19011:2026 provides comprehensive guidance on auditing management systems — covering audit principles, managing an audit programme, and conducting internal and external audits. It applies to any organisation that plans and conducts management system audits, regardless of industry or sector.
What changed?
- Expanded guidance on remote and hybrid audits, including how to audit virtually, manage associated risks, and maintain audit integrity.
- New expectations for evaluating digital tools such as cloud platforms, video conferencing, drones, data analytics and AI-based decision-making during audits.
- Climate action and compliance — the standard now requires audits to address climate change in the context of your organisation and its interested parties.
- Strengthened auditor competence requirements to cover emerging technologies, complex risks, and digital audit methods.
- Increased focus on data security, observer participation and audit flexibility to adapt to regulatory and operational changes.
Key dates and facts
| Published | 31 May 2026 |
| Supersedes | Not stated in source — confirm with your certification body |
| Previous edition withdrawn | Not stated in source — confirm with your certification body |
| Certifiable | No — guidance standard, no certificate |
What should you do?
- Review your remote audit procedure to ensure it covers risk management, data integrity and techniques for virtual evidence collection.
- Update your auditor competence evaluation criteria to include proficiency with digital tools (video conferencing, data analytics, AI, drones) and remote audit methods.
- Add climate change considerations to your audit programme objectives and audit checklists to align with the new expectations on organisational context and interested parties.
- Revise your audit programme risk and opportunity management process to address the risks of remote auditing, data security and hybrid working arrangements.
- Verify that your audit report templates and follow-up procedures accommodate new audit methods, observer rules and the specific outcomes of remote/hybrid audits.
This summary is provided for information only and does not constitute professional or compliance advice. Verify against the published standard. ITMAD accepts no liability for any action taken in reliance on it.