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Mid-Year ISO Health Check: Are You Still on Track?

It was the end of the month, and I was staring at my banking app, trying to work out where all my money had gone.

Groceries? Yep. Another pair of shoes I didn’t need? Guilty. Subscriptions I forgot to cancel? Of course.

It’s funny how quickly a month can disappear—and how easy it is to assume everything’s fine until you actually stop and look.

But the moment I checked, I could see what was working, what wasn’t, and what needed to change.

It got me thinking… when was the last time you checked your ISO system like that?

We tend to treat our management systems like something that only needs a once-a-year review—usually when the auditor’s booked in.

But what if you checked in more often? What if, right now, mid-year, you ran a quick ISO health check?

Just like checking your bank balance helps you avoid nasty surprises, checking your ISO system mid-year gives you the chance to fix things before they snowball.

Backed by Business Best Practice

Mid-year reviews aren't just for ISO systems—they're a smart move for any business. According to Forbes Advisor, conducting a mid-year review allows managers to connect with employees, assess progress, and set goals for the remainder of the year. This proactive approach can lead to increased motivation, improved performance, and reduced employee turnover.​

What Does a Mid-Year ISO Health Check Look Like?

A mid-year ISO health check doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does need to happen. Think of it like a quick stop at the traffic lights: Review where you’re at, Reflect on what’s changed, and Refocus on where you’re headed. Before you power through to the end of the year, take a moment to realign your system and stay on track.

🔴 Review – STOP and Look

Pause and take stock. Don’t charge ahead without checking where things are at.

Ask yourself:
✅ Have we made progress on our objectives? (Clause 6.2)
✅ Are our risks and opportunities still relevant? (Clause 6.1)
✅ Are internal audits on schedule—or overdue? (Clause 9.2)
✅ Are there open corrective actions still lingering? (Clause 10.2)

💬 This is your snapshot. What was meant to happen—and has it?

🟡 Reflect – Get Ready

You’re not moving yet—but you’re preparing to. This is the time to assess and align.

Ask yourself:
✅ Has anything changed in our business context or stakeholders?
✅ Are recurring issues starting to show up?
✅ Have staff received the right training? (Clause 7.2)
✅ Are we still meeting compliance and legal requirements? (Clause 6.1.3)

💬 This is your pulse check. Does your system reflect your current reality?

🟢 Refocus – Go

Now you take action. Move forward with intention and clarity.

Set your direction:
✅ Re-schedule any missed audits or reviews
✅ Close outstanding corrective actions
✅ Reconnect with your team—are they clear on their roles?
✅ Tweak or reset objectives based on what’s actually happened

💬 This is your opportunity. Don’t wait for the audit—take control now.

What to Do Next

1. Block out 30 minutes
   Open your calendar and schedule a quick ISO health check—solo or with your team. No overthinking. Just pick a time and commit.
2. Use the 3-Step Check
   Work through Review, Reflect, and Refocus using the questions above. Be honest, not perfect. This isn’t for the auditor—it’s for you.
3. Take one meaningful action
   Whether it’s closing an old corrective action, revising an objective, or scheduling a catch-up with your team—do something today that moves your system forward.

 Work with an ISO Leadership Mentor

Gain confidence & become a Leader in the ISO Industry.  Work with an ISO Leadership Mentor now and start building a brighter future.

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