ISO 9001 Risk based thinking and supplier, contractor management

Please note: ISO 9001:2026 has now been published. This online training module is currently being reviewed and updated to reflect the new standard. In the meantime, all content remains aligned with ISO 9001:2015 requirements.

Module overview

Risk-based thinking is a core principle of ISO 9001.  It ensures that risks are identified, considered, and controlled throughout the design and operation of your Quality Management System (QMS).

While risk-based thinking provides a systematic, precautionary approach to managing potential issues, its true value goes beyond risk avoidance.  When applied effectively, it becomes a form of organisational knowledge, helping your business anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and drive continuous improvement.

This module also covers supplier and contractor management, helping you understand how to select, monitor, and build value-added relationships with external partners.  Strong supplier and contractor management not only mitigates risk but also enhances the overall performance reliability of your QMS.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, you will have:

• An understanding of the term ‘risk-based thinking’
• A process for identifying and managing risks
• An understanding of the ISO best practice process for supplier and contractor management
• Hints and tips on building business value and relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Shared examples of good practice

You’ll also receive:

• A reflection log to help you review risk management processes and supplier relationships, and identify areas for improvement.
• Recommended next steps for embedding risk-based thinking and supplier management into your organisation.

Is this module right for me?

This module is ideal if you:

• Want to understand risk-based thinking and how to identify and manage risks
• Need guidance on supplier and contractor management best practices
• Are looking for tips to enhance relationships with suppliers and contractors
• Prefer to learn at your own pace and in your own time
• Need a quick refresher, or are new to quality management

No prior knowledge is required.  This module is beginner-friendly and designed to help you build confidence from the ground up.

For a more in-depth look at ISO 9001, our auditor-led training may be a better fit.

What’s included?

• Access to the ISO 9001 risk-based thinking and supplier, contractor management online training module
• A reflection log to help you review risk management processes and supplier relationships, and identify areas for improvement
• Recommended next steps for embedding risk-based thinking and supplier management into your organisation
• A knowledge check and personalised training certificate
• Six months of access to revisit content whenever you need

How does online ISO training work?

What happens depends on who you’re purchasing the training for.

If you are purchasing the training for yourself

Once you’ve completed your purchase, you’ll receive an email confirming your enrolment, followed by a separate email with your login details for our online training platform.

You can then log in and start your training when you’re ready.

If you are purchasing training for someone else

Once you’ve completed your purchase, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to enrol your learner(s) onto the training you’ve purchased.

You can enrol learners individually, or if you’re enrolling multiple people, you can use the CSV upload provided on the enrolment platform.

Once enrolled, each learner will receive an email confirming their enrolment, followed by a separate email containing their login details.

Completing your training

Learners will need to complete the pre-training survey, training module, knowledge check and feedback before downloading their personalised certificate.

Haven’t received an email?

Please check your junk folder first. If you still can’t find it, contact our training team on 0333 251 3721 or email training@isoqsltd.com, and we’ll be happy to help.

Looking to build a stronger understanding of ISO 9001?

For a deeper understanding of ISO 9001, our auditor-led ISO 9001 training provides a detailed, clause-by-clause explanation of the standard.  Delivered by one of our experienced lead auditors, this one-day course is designed to help you apply theory to real-life business scenarios.  You’ll also benefit from peer learning, sharing challenges and insights with other delegates.

Alternatively, you can enrol in our ISO 9001 online training bundle.  This package includes all six ISO 9001 training modules, while saving over 20% compared to purchasing modules individually.