ISO 37301
Certifiable international standard for compliance management systems
ISO 41001
International standard for facility management systems
Quick Verdict
ISO 37301 establishes certifiable compliance management systems for all organizations, emphasizing risk-based integrity and whistleblowing. ISO 41001 provides facility management systems aligning services with demand organization goals. Companies adopt them for governance, risk reduction, and certification credibility.
ISO 37301
ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements
Key Features
- Certifiable requirements replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
- High-Level Structure alignment for IMS integration
- Risk-based compliance obligations and planning approach
- Top management commitment and culture emphasis
- Confidential whistleblowing with anti-retaliation protections
ISO 41001
ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
- HLS alignment for integrated management systems
- Risk planning includes business continuity preparedness
- Requires service integration and stakeholder coordination
- Amendment 1:2024 adds climate action changes
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 37301 Details
What It Is
ISO 37301:2021 – Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Compliance Management System (CMS). It applies to all organization sizes and sectors, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).
Key Components
- Core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing, competence, monitoring, audits, continual improvement.
- Built on HLS for integration; companion standards like ISO 37302/37303 provide guidance.
- Certification via accredited bodies (e.g., ANAB) with three-year cycles.
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates systematic compliance to stakeholders, reduces risks/fines, enhances reputation.
- Meets investor/ESG demands, supports UN SDGs (8,11,16).
- Enables integrated management, cultural integrity, early issue detection via whistleblowing.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, obligation register, controls, training, audits, certification.
- Scalable for SMEs/enterprises; 2024 Amendment adds climate action.
- Voluntary, global applicability; focuses on proportionality and evidence.
ISO 41001 Details
What It Is
ISO 41001:2018 — Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use — is a certifiable international management system standard for facility management (FM). It specifies requirements to demonstrate effective, efficient FM delivery supporting the demand organization's objectives, meeting interested parties' needs, and ensuring sustainability. Built on the High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it uses a process-based, risk-oriented approach.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
- FM-specific elements: demand organization alignment, service integration, stakeholder coordination, business continuity.
- Core principles: risk/opportunity management, continual improvement, documented information.
- Certification via accredited third-party audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Strategic alignment elevates FM from cost center to enabler of productivity, wellbeing, ESG goals.
- Mitigates risks in compliance, continuity, operations.
- Enables integrated management systems (IMS) with ISO 9001/14001/45001.
- Boosts competitive edge in tenders, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits, certification.
- Applicable to all sizes/sectors; 6–24 months typical.
- In-house/outsourced/hybrid models; requires leadership commitment, KPIs, internal audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 37301 | ISO 41001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Compliance obligations, risks, culture across all operations | Facility management services, assets, stakeholder needs |
| Industry | All sectors, sizes, global applicability | All sectors, FM-focused, global applicability |
| Nature | Certifiable CMS requirements standard | Certifiable FMS requirements standard |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 37301 and ISO 41001
ISO 37301 FAQ
ISO 41001 FAQ
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