Better outcomes
Partnerships that deliver against shared objectives.
Certification support
ISO 44001 Collaborative Business Relationships
Current edition: ISO 44001:2017
The management system standard for collaborative business relationships, such as alliances, joint ventures, framework contracts and long-term supply partnerships. It gives a structured life cycle for building, running and exiting relationships that deliver shared value.
What the standard covers
The eight-stage relationship life cycle
ISO 44001 manages collaboration from first awareness to a planned exit, with governance and value measured throughout.
1. Operational awareness
Policy, leadership and readiness for collaboration.
2. Knowledge
Business case, value drivers and risks of each relationship.
3. Internal assessment
Your own capability and behaviours for collaboration.
4. Partner selection
Criteria and evaluation of potential partners.
5. Working together
Joint governance, roles and relationship management plan.
6. Value creation
Joint improvement and innovation to create value.
7. Staying together
Performance monitoring, issue resolution and trust.
8. Exit strategy
A planned, managed exit that protects both parties.
Why organisations implement it
What collaborative relationship management delivers
Fewer disputes
Joint governance and issue resolution before conflicts escalate.
Tender advantage
Recognised by clients procuring framework and alliance contracts.
Clear governance
Roles, decision rights and escalation agreed up front.
Managed risk
Relationship risks identified and shared appropriately.
Planned exits
Relationships that end without damage to either party.
How we work
Path to certification
One AEC methodology from first assessment to certificate, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against ISO 44001, scope and roadmap
- DesignProcesses, risk register, policy and documented information
- ImplementProcesses embedded with coaching for process owners
- TrainAwareness for all staff and internal auditor development
- VerifyInternal audit, management review and mock certification audit
- Certify & sustainStage 1 and Stage 2 support, then surveillance readiness
Full implementation
We build the system and apply it to a priority relationship.
Typically 6 to 9 monthsGap remediation
We bring your current partnerships into the ISO 44001 life cycle.
Typically 4 to 6 monthsScope extension
We add relationships or business units to your scope.
Typically 2 to 4 months
Who certifies
Independent certification, chosen to fit your market
Your ISO 44001 certificate is issued by an independent certification body accredited by UKAS, DAkkS or an equivalent national accreditation body. AEC prepares you for that audit; the certification decision is theirs.
CB-neutral
We are not tied to one certification body and help you select one that your stakeholders recognise.
Audit-ready
Mock certification audit and closed corrective actions before Stage 1 and Stage 2.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an independent auditor can decide.
Where it applies
ISO 44001 by industry
Construction · alliances and framework contracts
Power & utilities · long-term service partnerships
Transport & logistics · infrastructure and logistics alliances
Government · public-private partnerships
IT services · strategic outsourcing
Related standards
Questions
ISO 44001 FAQ
Does AEC issue the ISO 44001 certificate?
No. Certificates are issued by independent certification bodies accredited by a national accreditation body. AEC prepares your organisation for that audit.
Do both partners need to be certified?
No. Each organisation can certify its own system. Relationships work best when partners agree a joint relationship management plan, whether or not both are certified.
What is a relationship management plan?
A document that sets out how a collaborative relationship will be governed, managed and measured, and how it will end. It is central to ISO 44001.
Can the scope cover only some relationships?
Yes. Many organisations start with their most important relationships and extend the scope over time.
Start your ISO 44001 programme
Tell us your partnerships, contracts and objectives. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, implementation and certification support.
Certification decisions are made by independent, accredited certification bodies. AEC prepares organisations for certification and does not guarantee certification outcomes.