Looking Ahead: What’s Next for ISO Auditors in 2026

Emerging Trends, Updates, And Skills Shaping the Future of Auditing.

I was sitting at my desk mapping out my tasks for the next month and then realised that would take me to Christmas! No wonder I am tired and irritable 😊

This made me think that as yet another year comes to a close, many ISO professionals are looking toward what’s ahead for the ISO industry. The audit landscape continues to evolve, with new expectations, technological advances, and potential revisions across major standards.

For auditors, staying informed isn’t just about keeping up with change. It’s about leading it. Those who understand what’s coming can adapt faster, audit smarter, and deliver greater value to the organisations they support.

There are 3 main changes we need to keep an eye out for and stay informed about.

1. Anticipated updates across ISO standards

Several ISO standards are in review or expected to be updated in 2026. While full revisions may take time, early signals show where the focus is shifting:

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

ISO 9001 has been updated to reflect how organisations actually operate today, not the world of 2015. Supply chains became unstable, customer expectations increased, teams spread across locations, and technology accelerated the pace of decision-making. Add the stronger focus on ethics, transparency and sustainability, and it’s clear the standard needed to catch up.

The core structure remains the same. A few titles have shifted and some definitions have been updated in line with ISO 9000. The key change sits in Clause 5, where top management is now expected to actively promote a quality culture and ethical behaviour. It pushes leaders to influence how quality is lived across the organisation, not just documented.

The revised standard is expected to be published in September 2026.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

ISO 14001 has had a refresh too. The structure stays the same, but the wording has been tightened to match the Harmonised Structure and remove the grey areas people struggled with. The climate-change amendment is now reflected in the standard, with clearer guidance on what “environmental conditions” actually include. It helps organisations understand the broader external factors they need to consider, not just weather or emissions. Clause 6.1 has also been clarified.

The revision spells out the order: identify your significant aspects, understand your legal requirements, then look at capability and stakeholder expectations. It gives users a clearer starting point instead of leaving it wide open to interpretation. A few smaller updates round it out. All management review inputs are now required. “Outsourced processes” has been replaced with “externally provided products, services and processes,” widening what needs control. Some guidance in the Annex has been reorganised to make more sense.

A consolidated revised standard is expected in early 2026, with transition timing to follow.

ISO 19011 (Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems)

ISO 19011 is being updated as well, reflecting how auditing has changed since COVID-19. Remote auditing, new technologies, cybersecurity, and broader risk considerations have all become part of normal audit practice. The core structure remains the same, but the revision focuses on clarifying expectations and aligning terminology with ISO/IEC TS 17012.

The working group is reviewing feedback from national bodies and liaisons, with the main discussion areas including remote audit methods, climate-related risks and auditing in increasingly complex environments. The intention is to keep the guidance practical while supporting auditors who now work across hybrid and digital settings.

The updated ISO 19011 is expected to be published in early 2026.

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” – Alvin Toffler (Futurist and author of Future Shock)

2. The Growing Role of Technology

Technology is changing every part of how we manage and assess systems. Remote and hybrid auditing are now standard practice, supported by secure platforms and real-time collaboration tools.

Digital document control systems and data dashboards are also providing new ways to view performance. Artificial intelligence is starting to appear in audit planning, data analysis, and risk identification.

For auditors, the challenge isn’t to replace professional judgment with technology - it’s to understand how to verify and validate digital evidence while maintaining objectivity and audit integrity.

3. A Stronger Focus on People and Culture

The role of the auditor continues to expand beyond checking documents. Auditors are increasingly expected to evaluate how leadership, communication, and culture support system performance.

A well-written procedure is important, but the real test lies in how people apply it. In 2026, the most effective auditors will be those who can connect technical requirements with human behaviour - bridging the gap between process and practice.

This means strong communication skills, empathy, and an ability to engage people at every level of the organisation are just as critical as clause knowledge.

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How Auditors Can Prepare Now

The role of an auditor is changing. Understanding what’s ahead is only the first step - the real value lies in how you prepare for it. The most effective auditors in 2026 will be those who bring balance across three areas: knowledge, tools, and people.

1. Build Your ISO Knowledge

Stay ahead of updates across ISO standards, particularly ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 19011, plus related systems. Follow revision developments and understand how new requirements may influence your audit approach.

The more current your knowledge, the more value your audits provide.

2. Strengthen Your Audit Tools

Technology is changing how audits are performed. Learn to navigate digital audit platforms, data dashboards, and collaboration systems confidently. Experiment with hybrid and remote audit methods so you’re ready for a more digital future.

Technology should enhance your effectiveness, not complicate it. Be sure to read our blog called I’m an ISO Auditor – So Why Should I Care About ISO 42001?

3. Focus on People and Culture

Auditors today need more than technical skill - they need connection. Strengthen your ability to communicate, listen, and engage during audits. Look beyond processes to understand how culture influences system performance.

These human skills will define the next generation of great auditors.

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Next Steps

If you’re planning for 2026, take small but deliberate actions now to stay ahead of industry change.

Check that your auditor credentials and course certificates are up to date. If it’s been a few years, a refresher or bridging course can strengthen your confidence and competence.

Read up on the latest developments around ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 19011, and any other standards relevant to your role. Staying informed means you’ll adapt faster when changes are released.

Test digital platforms, templates, or software that could improve the way you record, verify, or report audit findings. Build familiarity now so you’re ready when your organisation adopts new systems.

During your next audit, pay closer attention to how people engage with the management system. Practice listening, empathy, and curiosity which are the soft skills that make a big difference.

Set a clear goal for your next stage, whether it’s gaining another qualification, expanding into a new discipline, or mentoring new auditors. Ongoing growth keeps your skills sharp and relevant.

2026 will reward auditors who stay curious, adaptable, and prepared to lead the next evolution of ISO standards.

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