Overview
ISO/IEC TS 17021-11:2018 is an international technical specification that defines the competence requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of Facility Management (FM) management systems. This standard complements ISO/IEC 17021-1 by specifying additional knowledge and skills needed by personnel involved in auditing and certifying FM management systems based on ISO 41001. The goal is to ensure audit teams and certification bodies can effectively evaluate FM management systems to enhance organizational efficiency, productivity, and quality of services delivered in built environments.
Key Topics
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Competence of Auditors
Auditors must collectively possess the expertise to evaluate FM management systems. This includes understanding FM-specific terminology, ISO 41001 requirements, and how FM processes align with organizational strategies. Auditors are expected to assess leadership commitment, risk management, performance evaluation, and the overall FM context.
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Review and Certification Decision Skills
Personnel responsible for reviewing audit reports and making certification decisions should have deep knowledge of FM concepts and standards. They are tasked with ensuring the FM management system's scope and performance align with organizational context and stakeholder needs.
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Contextual Understanding of FM Organizations
Auditors and related personnel must comprehend the FM organization's internal and external environment, including relationships with demand organizations and interested parties, to accurately determine the appropriateness of system boundaries and objectives.
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Risk and Performance Management
The standard emphasizes competence in identifying risks, emergency preparedness, and business continuity related to FM. Monitoring and evaluating FM system performance is critical for maintaining certified conformity.
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Roles Beyond Auditing
Other personnel involved in audit team selection, application review, and audit planning also need to understand FM terminology, processes, and organizational context to support an effective certification process.
Applications
ISO/IEC TS 17021-11:2018 is essential for certification bodies that audit FM management systems, ensuring:
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Competent Audit Teams: Certification bodies can assemble audit teams with the collective competencies needed to conduct thorough FM audits aligned with ISO 41001 standards.
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Reliable Certification Decisions: Reviewers possess the knowledge to make informed certification decisions that reflect FM organizational realities and risks.
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Consistent Quality Assurance: Audits accurately evaluate FM policies, strategies, leadership, and risk management, supporting continual improvement in facility management.
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Strategic Alignment: FM audits verify that management systems support organizational goals and stakeholder expectations, enhancing the value of certification.
Suitable industries and organizations involved with FM-such as real estate management, corporate facilities, infrastructure services, and more-benefit from adopting this standard to ensure that FM certification processes meet globally recognized requirements.
Related Standards
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ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 – General requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems; the foundational standard complemented by ISO/IEC TS 17021-11.
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ISO 41001:2018 – Specifies management system requirements for facility management, providing the framework for FM certification audits.
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ISO 41011 – Vocabulary standard that defines FM terms, ensuring a common understanding across certification activities.
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ISO 41012 – Guidance on strategic sourcing and agreement development within FM systems.
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ISO 19011 – Guidelines for auditing management systems, offering principles and guidance referenced in competence requirements.
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IEC 31010 – Risk management techniques relevant to evaluating FM system risks and opportunities.
By adhering to ISO/IEC TS 17021-11:2018, certification bodies can enhance the quality and reliability of FM management system audits and certifications, supporting the ongoing development and professionalization of facility management worldwide.