A Guide to Annex SL – Simplifying Integrated ISO Management Systems
Annex SL provides the unified framework behind modern ISO management system standards - making it easier to integrate quality, environmental, health & safety, and information security systems.
What is Annex SL?
Annex SL is the high-level structure that underpins all modern ISO management system standards. It promotes consistency, compatibility, and alignment - making it easier for organisations to implement integrated systems across functions.
Standards built on Annex SL share identical core text and common terminology, enabling straightforward and harmonised adoption across quality, environmental, health & safety, and information security systems.
Annex SL allows organisations to efficiently implement and manage integrated management systems (IMS), particularly where multiple standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and ISO 45001 are required. By sharing a consistent structure, these standards become easier to align, operate, and audit - saving time, reducing duplication, and improving performance.
Why Annex SL Matters for Integrated Systems
Organisations across all sectors are under growing pressure to manage multiple risks - from information security and quality assurance, to environmental responsibility and employee safety. Implementing separate management systems for each standard can be complex, costly, and inefficient.
Annex SL enables a more strategic and joined-up approach. It allows leadership teams to align ISO requirements with organisational objectives, while engaging people across departments in a common framework. For organisations already certified to one ISO standard, adopting additional standards that follow Annex SL is more seamless and cost-effective.
Structure of Annex SL: 10 Clauses You Need to Know
The Annex SL framework comprises 10 clauses, which all ISO management system standards must follow:
- Scope – Defines the intended outcomes of the management system
- Normative References – Points to related standards or documents
- Terms and Definitions – Clarifies consistent terminology across standards
- Context of the Organisation – Defines the boundaries of the management system
- Leadership – Emphasises leadership commitment and accountability
- Planning – Outlines objectives and risk-based thinking
- Support – Identifies required resources, competence, and communication
- Operation – Describes how key business processes are managed and monitored
- Performance Evaluation – Reviews operational effectiveness
- Improvement – Drives continual improvement based on evaluation results
Which ISO Standards Use Annex SL?
All revised and newly released ISO standards since 2011 follow the Annex SL structure, including:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety
These standards can be implemented individually or as part of an integrated management system using the Annex SL framework.
Benefits of Implementing ISO Standards Using Annex SL
By aligning multiple standards under a single framework, Annex SL simplifies implementation, reduces duplication, and enhances overall management system performance.
Benefits of ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
- Demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and continual improvement
- Enhances eligibility for contracts and strengthens supply chain confidence
- Promotes risk-based thinking and internal process optimisation
- Simplifies integration with other Annex SL-based standards
Benefits of ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
- Helps identify and comply with environmental legislation
- Increases stakeholder credibility and competitive advantage
- Enables effective environmental risk management and cost reduction
- Supports sustainability goals through waste reduction and resource efficiency
- Easily integrates with other systems using Annex SL
Benefits of ISO 27001 (Information Security)
- Ensures a structured approach to protecting data and managing risk
- Aligns with data protection laws such as GDPR
- Demonstrates your commitment to information security to clients and partners
Benefits of ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety)
- Reduces workplace incidents and fosters a safety-first culture
- Improves morale and staff retention through a safer work environment
- Enhances compliance with legal obligations and boosts brand reputation
- Streamlines integration with ISO 9001 and 14001 through shared structure
Want to explore the full structure of Annex SL and its impact on your ISO management system strategy?