Free Download: What Is an ISO Change Request Word Template?

An ISO Change Request Word Template is a structured project-management document used to formally record, assess, and approve proposed changes that may affect an existing project, system, process, requirement, or deliverable. The purpose of the template is to ensure that significant changes are not introduced informally without considering their potential effect on project performance.

Key Elements of an ISO Change Request Word Template

1. Change ID – Provides a unique reference for identifying and tracking the proposed change.

2. Change Requester – Identifies the stakeholder or team member who requested the change.

3. Change Documented By – Records who formally prepared or documented the change request.

4. Change Description – Explains what needs to change and provides enough information for reviewers to understand the proposal.

5. Change Impact – Records how the proposed change may affect project performance, scope, cost, schedule, resources, software, quality, or other relevant areas.

6. Options – Allows alternative approaches to be documented and compared before a final decision is made.

7. Change Approval – Records whether the proposed change has been accepted and authorized.

These fields provide a practical foundation for formal project change management.

How to Use an ISO Change Request Word Template

1. Determine Whether a Formal Form Is Required – Use the form when the change may materially affect project KPIs or other important project elements.

2. Assign a Change ID – Create a unique reference for the request.

3. Record the Change Requester – Identify who proposed the change.

4. Record Who Documented the Change – Identify who prepared the formal request.

5. Describe the Change – Clearly explain the proposed modification.

6. Assess the Impact – Review the likely consequences for scope, schedule, resources, costs, quality, systems, or risk.

7. Identify Options – Document alternative approaches where practical.

8. Review the Request – Submit the form to the appropriate stakeholders or decision-makers.

9. Record the Approval Decision – Document whether the change has been approved.

10. Update Project Records – Revise project plans, schedules, risks, budgets, or other relevant records if approved.

11. Implement the Change – Move the approved request into the appropriate implementation or change-management process.

12. Retain the Form – Keep the completed request as part of the formal project record where appropriate.

ISO Standards Supported

The ISO Change Request Word Template can support project-change governance across several ISO management-system projects.

ISO 10006 – Quality Management in Projects

ISO 10006:2017 provides guidance on the application of quality management in projects.

It applies to projects of different sizes, durations, complexities, and environments.

A formal Change Request can support project quality management by ensuring that important modifications are documented and considered before implementation.

ISO 10006 does not require organizations to use a specific Change Request Word Template.

The template should therefore be considered a supporting project-governance tool rather than evidence of conformity with ISO 10006.

ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems

The template can support proposed changes affecting:

• QMS scope

• Processes

• Responsibilities

• Resources

• Documentation

• Operational arrangements

• Improvement projects

Formal QMS change requirements should still be addressed through the organization's established processes.

ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security Management Systems

The form can support proposed changes affecting:

• Information systems

• Security controls

• Infrastructure

• Cloud services

• ISMS scope

• Security projects

Formal security risk assessment and technical change-control requirements may still require separate records.

ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems

The template can support proposed operational or project changes that may affect environmental aspects, objectives, controls, or compliance obligations.

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

Organizations can use the form for proposed changes affecting workplace arrangements, equipment, processes, or project activities.

Formal OH&S management-of-change and risk-assessment processes should still be followed where applicable.

ISO/IEC 20000-1 – IT Service Management Systems

The Change Request Word Template can support project and service changes affecting applications, infrastructure, suppliers, services, or service-management processes.

Operational IT changes may require additional technical testing, authorization, rollback, scheduling, and post-implementation records.

ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems

The form can support proposed changes affecting critical activities, continuity strategies, recovery arrangements, suppliers, and facilities.

ISO/IEC 42001 – Artificial Intelligence Management Systems

The template can support proposed changes involving AI systems, AI use cases, data sources, technology providers, governance, or project scope.

AI-specific risk and impact assessments may also be required depending on the nature of the proposed change.

Integrated Management Systems

Organizations operating multiple management systems can use one formal Change Request process to assess proposed modifications that affect more than one framework.

Conclusion

An ISO Change Request Word Template provides a structured method for documenting and reviewing significant changes before they are introduced into a project. The current template includes Change ID, Change Requester, Change Documented By, Change Description, Change Impact, Options, and Change Approval. ISO Docs also distinguishes between major and minor changes: where a change may affect project KPIs, a formal Change Request form is recommended, while smaller observable changes may be recorded within a Change Request Log.