ISO 27001/Chapter/5.1 Leadership and commitment

Top management must demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to the ISMS by:

a. Ensuring the information security policy and objectives are established and align with the organisation’s strategic direction.

b. Integrating ISMS requirements into the organisation’s business processes.

c. Providing the resources needed for the ISMS.

d. Communicating the importance of effective information security and conforming to ISMS requirements.

e. Ensuring the ISMS achieves its intended results.

f. Directing and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the ISMS.

g. Promoting continual improvement of the ISMS.

h. Supporting other relevant management roles to demonstrate leadership in their areas of responsibility.

a. Strategic Alignment & Policy

• Approved information security policy signed or endorsed by top management
• Strategy or management meeting minutes where ISMS objectives were agreed
• Objectives and action plan aligned with the organisation’s strategic direction
  

b. Integration into Daily Operations

• Organisational chart with defined ISMS roles and responsibilities
• Evidence of embedded security requirements in business processes (e. g. procurement policy, project management procedures)
• Work instructions or process documentation showing ISMS elements as part of operations
  

c. Resource Provision

• Budget approvals or resource allocation documents for ISMS activities
• Records of training or awareness sessions on information security
• Procurement records for ISMS-related tools or systems (e.g., SIEM, risk assessment software)
  

d. Communication & Awareness

• Internal awareness campaigns (newsletter, intranet posts) on information security
• Meeting presentations or minutes including ISMS topics
• Training attendance logs or test results for awareness sessions
  

e. Ensuring Objectives Are Achieved

• Management review reports with KPIs on ISMS objectives
• Audit reports and corrective action plans signed off by top management
• Records of risk treatment decisions approved by leadership

f. Employee Involvement

• Employee feedback sessions or survey results on information security
• Recognition or awards for staff contributions to security improvements
• Documentation of management support for security initiatives

​​g. Continual Improvement

• Improvement plans with top management approval
• Policy update logs reflecting lessons learned
• Evidence that incident analysis led to ISMS updates