ISO 9001:2015 Quality Manual Template
A clause-by-clause quality manual template covering clauses 4–10 of ISO 9001:2015, plus a QMS document map. Download instantly and customise for your organisation.
ISO 9001 Quality Manual
Editable ISO 9001:2015 quality manual covering clauses 4–10, plus a QMS document map.
- 2 editable files · 2 Word
- Instant download after payment, plus an email copy of your links
- Single-organisation licence: use across all your sites and staff
- 90-day money-back guarantee
These files follow ISO 9001:2015. ISO 9001:2026 was published on 16 September 2026; certificates to the previous edition remain valid until 30 September 2029. Transition guidance
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- Quality ManualWord
- QMS Document MapWord
What the ISO 9001 Complete Document Kit adds
This product is the file set listed above. The live audit dashboard and the sample documents below come with the ISO 9001 Complete Document Kit, which also contains everything in this product.
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The Excel audit checklist below is part of the ISO 9001 Complete Document Kit, not of this product. Change an answer to see how it scores.
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Sample pages from the ISO 9001 Complete Document Kit, showing the structure and writing style.
Quality Manual
Section 8.5 — Production and service provision
The organization carries out production and service provision under controlled conditions. Controlled conditions include the availability of documented information defining the characteristics of the products and the results to be achieved, suitable monitoring and measuring resources, and the use of competent people.
Identification and traceability
Outputs are identified by suitable means throughout production and service provision, and their status with respect to monitoring and measurement requirements is identified. Where traceability is a requirement, the organization controls the unique identification of outputs and retains the documented information needed to maintain traceability.
Release of products and services
Planned arrangements are completed satisfactorily before release, and the release of products and services to the customer does not proceed until then, unless otherwise approved by a relevant authority. Documented information provides traceability to the person authorizing release.
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What is a Quality Manual?
A quality manual is the top-level document that describes your organisation's Quality Management System. While ISO 9001:2015 no longer explicitly requires a quality manual, many organisations still maintain one as it provides a clear overview of how your QMS operates.
Think of the quality manual as the master guide to your QMS. It explains the scope of your system, outlines your quality policy, and shows how each process connects to deliver consistent products and services. For auditors, it is often the first document they request because it gives them a road map of everything they need to review.
What's Included
Our quality manual template is structured around the ISO 9001:2015 clause framework so your certification body can quickly verify compliance. The template includes:
- Organisation profile and scope of QMS
- Quality policy section (clause 5.2)
- Quality Objectives framework
- QMS process model table (inputs, outputs, owners and KPIs)
- Clause-by-clause compliance narrative (Clauses 4-10)
- Roles, responsibilities and authorities
- Document and record control framework
- Reference to supporting procedures
Why You Need a Quality Manual
Even though the 2015 revision removed the mandatory requirement for a quality manual, there are compelling reasons to maintain one:
- Single reference document for auditors during certification and surveillance visits
- Clear communication of QMS structure and expectations to all staff
- Demonstrates a systematic approach to quality management
- Required by many customers and supply chains as part of vendor qualification
Without a quality manual, your organisation risks inconsistent communication of QMS requirements and may face additional questions from auditors who expect to see a documented overview of your system.
What Should a Quality Manual Contain?
A well-structured quality manual serves as the single authoritative reference for your entire Quality Management System. While the specific content will vary by organisation, there are core elements that every effective quality manual should address. Understanding these elements helps ensure your manual is both useful for day-to-day operations and ready for external audit scrutiny.
Scope and Exclusions
The manual should clearly state the boundaries of your QMS, including which products, services, sites, and departments are covered. If any requirements of ISO 9001:2015 are not applicable to your organisation, the scope section should explain the exclusion and provide a justification. For example, organisations that do not carry out design and development activities may exclude Clause 8.3, provided this is documented and does not affect the ability to deliver conforming products or services.
Quality Policy and Objectives
Your quality policy is a high-level statement of your organisation's commitment to meeting customer requirements and continually improving. It should be concise, meaningful, and communicated to all employees. The quality manual should either contain the policy directly or reference where it can be found. Similarly, quality objectives should be measurable, aligned with the policy, and reviewed at defined intervals.
Process Descriptions and Interactions
ISO 9001:2015 takes a process-based approach, so your manual should describe the key processes within your QMS and how they interact. A process interaction map or diagram is an effective way to show inputs, outputs, and dependencies between processes such as sales, purchasing, production, inspection, and delivery. This gives auditors and employees a clear picture of how work flows through the organisation.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities
The manual should define who is responsible for key QMS activities, including top management, the quality manager or management representative, process owners, and internal auditors. Clear allocation of responsibility prevents confusion and ensures accountability at every level. Many organisations include a simplified organisational chart and a responsibility matrix that links roles to specific clause requirements.
References to Procedures and Records
Rather than duplicating detailed procedure content, a quality manual should reference the supporting documents that contain step-by-step instructions. This keeps the manual concise and avoids version-control issues. Typical references include document control procedures, internal audit procedures, corrective action procedures, and customer complaint handling processes.