Document review

1. How can I explain to management that we need to have someone to review our documents before final approval by owner of department.
2. Can the reviewer be Managing Director? Do reviewer need to have knowledge of ISO?
3. Can you advise what is the best way to define the terms of 'Reviewed by' before approved & released the document?

Answer:

1. ISO 9001:2015 requires organizations to control and maintain its documentantation. This includes:
- The approval of documents for adequacy prior to issue
- The update of documents as necessary and its re-approval
In case there are several document levels, for example policies, procedures, instructions, must be approved by different management levels since they should have the necessary knowledge and experience to review them. It may also be requires that differents individuals in the organization review a document before submitting it for approval to the person responsible.

3. You can decide who is the reviewer, but reme mber top management needs to understand what is ISO 9001 and be engaged in its processes to comply with leadership requirements.

3. You can state who review the documents before its final approval. As I previously mentioned what you need to consider is individual or individuals that will check the documentation with the necessary knowledge depending if it is a work instruction, procedure, policy, etc.

For more information about the control of documents see these materials:
- Article - New approach to document and record control in ISO 9001:2015: https://advisera.com/9001academy/blog/2015/06/30/new-approach-to-document-and-record-control-in-iso-90012015/
- Book – Discover ISO 9001:2015 through practical examples: https://advisera.com/books/discover-iso-9001-2015-through-practical-examples/
- Free on-line training – ISO 9001:2015 Foundations: https://advisera.com/training/iso-9001-foundations-course/