ISO 9001 Risk based thinking and supplier, contractor management

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?

Once payment is received, we will email your login details to you.  If you don’t receive this email, please check your junk folder or contact us.

After completing the pre-training survey, training module, and knowledge check, you can download your personalised certificate for your records.

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.