Where a SWOT gives you the overview, a PESTLE makes you look outward in a structured way - political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental.

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This form template is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and edited. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout, with all text in Calibri font for improved readability.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:

• Form number and title
• Information-classification
• Version
• Page number / total pages

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Further Reading

Further guidance on external context and planning:

• Understanding the Organisation and Its Context (Clause 4.1)
• Understanding Interested Parties (Clause 4.2)
• What is a Management System?

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To get access to this file please click on Add to Cart to purchase for immediate download. If you have an alphaZ Subscription just click on Download Files to view all the files available to download. This form is also included in the ISO 9001 Toolkit and every alphaZ ISO toolkit that covers quality management, so the toolkit route gives you this file plus everything else you need in one download.

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PESTLE Analysis Template

A PESTLE analysis form for working through the external factors that affect your organisation - political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental - with space to record the analysis and potential impact of each, plus notes and actions. It gives structure to the outward-looking side of your context review.

ISO 9001 clause 4.1 asks organisations to determine the external issues relevant to their purpose and strategic direction. A PESTLE analysis is a recognised, structured way to consider those external factors and record what they mean for you.

Built for ISO 9001 External Context (Clause 4.1)

The form works through each external factor in turn:

• Political - taxation, trade, grants and funding, international relations
• Economic - interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, employment
• Social and technological - demographics and attitudes, innovation and technology
• Legal and environmental - employment and future legislation, environmental impact and legislation

What's Included in this PESTLE Analysis

The form is set out as a single PESTLE review:

• Review header - reviewed by and date reviewed
• PESTLE factors - political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental, each with prompts
• Analysis and impact - space to record the analysis and potential impact of each factor
• Notes and actions - space for notes and any actions arising

Who Needs a PESTLE Analysis?

Any organisation that needs to consider and record the external factors affecting it - a required input to a management system to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 or ISO 27001. It suits businesses that want a structured tool for their external context.

Pairs with the SWOT Analysis

To bring the external picture together with your internal strengths and weaknesses, the F-Q58 SWOT Analysis gives you the overview alongside this deeper external review.