Should one action plan cover all identified nonconformities?

An effective approach to addressing nonconformities involves creating a tailored action plan for each identified issue rather than attempting to cover all nonconformities with a single plan. This is important because nonconformities can vary significantly in nature, severity, and necessary corrective actions. Each nonconformity may require a distinct set of steps, resources, and timelines to effectively resolve the underlying issues.

In practice, customizing action plans ensures that each identified nonconformity is addressed with the appropriate level of attention and specificity. This focused approach allows for a clearer understanding of the root causes and helps to implement more effective solutions. Additionally, it supports better management oversight and accountability, as each plan can designate responsible individuals and track progress more efficiently.

While grouping related nonconformities into a single action plan can sometimes be practical, it is not a blanket rule that one action plan should suffice for all cases, particularly if the nonconformities involve different areas of the information security management system or require different remedial measures.

Therefore, having multiple action plans, as needed, is a best practice that strengthens the organization’s efforts toward continual improvement and compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 standards.