Risk‑Based Thinking Workshop for ISO 9001

Aug 30 / Skill Compliance

Understanding Risk‑Based Thinking

• Identifying risks – Use models like SWOT and PESTEL to analyse internal and external factors【342070896256965†L62-L69】
• Assessing risks – Evaluate the probability and severity of risks to prioritise actions【342070896256965†L77-L96】
• Treating and monitoring risks – Decide whether to tolerate, treat, transfer or terminate risks, and monitor their status【342070896256965†L124-L166】
• Leveraging opportunities – Risk‑based thinking also encourages identifying opportunities for improvement.

Designing the Workshop

Objectives

• Educate participants on ISO 9001 requirements for risk‑based thinking.
• Provide tools for identifying, assessing and managing risks.
• Foster a culture of proactive decision‑making and continuous improvement

Agenda

• Introduction to risk‑based thinking – Overview of ISO 9001 requirements and benefits.
• Risk identification exercises – Participants use SWOT and PESTEL analyses to identify risks and opportunities relevant to their processes【342070896256965†L62-L69】
• Risk assessment methods – Demonstrate risk matrices to evaluate probability and severity【342070896256965†L77-L96】
• Risk treatment strategies – Discuss the 4T’s (tolerate, treat, transfer, terminate) and brainstorm mitigation plans【342070896256965†L124-L166】
• Case studies and group discussions – Review real scenarios from your industry and encourage collaborative problem‑solving.
• Action planning – Participants develop a risk register and propose actions to integrate risk‑based thinking into their departments.

Benefits for US & Canadian Organizations

• Regulatory alignment – Incorporating risk‑based thinking supports compliance with sector‑specific regulations in both countries.
• Enhanced decision‑making – A structured approach to risk improves strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Improved customer satisfaction – Proactive risk management reduces quality issues and enhances customer trust.

Regional Considerations: US vs Canada

• United States – Organizations may need to align risk management with industry standards (e.g., automotive, aerospace). Training should address federal and state regulations.

• Canada – Consider bilingual training materials and regulatory requirements from the Standards Council of Canada. Risk assessments may need to account for cross‑border trade impacts.

Action Plan for Implementation

• Assess current practices – Review existing risk management processes and identify gaps.

• Develop a training program – Use the workshop agenda as a template and customise it for different departments.

• Train facilitators – Prepare internal trainers or hire experts to run the workshop.

• Roll out workshops – Schedule sessions across sites and ensure participation.

• Integrate into QMS – Update procedures to include risk identification, assessment and treatment.

• Monitor and improve – Review risk registers regularly and update mitigation plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)