ISO 18788 - Clause 7.2.4 pertains to competence documentation within the Security Operations Management System (SOMS). Competence documentation is essential to provide evidence of personnel competence and ensure compliance with competence requirements. Here are the key elements of Clause 7.2.4 - SOMS Competence Documentation:
Competence Records: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of personnel competence assessments, training, certifications, and qualifications. These records serve as documented evidence of compliance with competence requirements.
Documentation Content: The competence documentation should include relevant information about each individual's competence, such as their name, position, qualifications, training records, certifications, and the dates of assessments.
Confidentiality: Ensure that competence records are treated confidentially and in accordance with privacy and data protection regulations. Access to competence records should be restricted to authorized personnel or entities responsible for competence assessment and management.
Retention Period: Define the retention period for competence records in line with legal and regulatory requirements. Competence records may need to be retained for a specified duration to demonstrate historical compliance.
Accessibility: Make competence documentation easily accessible for audits, inspections, and reviews. Having readily available competence records facilitates the assessment of personnel competence during external audits or internal reviews.
Secure Storage: Safeguard competence records against loss, damage, or unauthorized access. Electronic records should be stored securely, and physical records should be protected from environmental risks.
Regular Updates: Ensure that competence records are regularly updated to reflect changes in personnel qualifications, training, or certifications. This ensures the accuracy and currency of competence documentation.
Integration with Training Programs: Integrate competence documentation with training and development programs. When personnel complete training or gain new qualifications, this information should be promptly recorded in their competence records.
Compliance Verification: Use competence documentation to verify compliance with competence requirements during audits, assessments, or evaluations. Personnel competence can directly impact the effectiveness of security operations.
By maintaining comprehensive and well-organized competence documentation, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that security personnel are competent and capable of effectively managing security operations. Competence records provide tangible evidence of compliance with competence-related requirements within the SOMS.
