The JTCG has well-defined Terms of Reference (ToR). As an advisory group to TMB and SMB, there are specific activities that are within the JTCG scope. Those activities are focused on three groups:

Market

User and market needs are key to the activities of the JTCG. Understanding how MSS are used as well as the information used for continual improvement efforts is invaluable. Specifically, the JTCG:

• determines or responds to user and market needs as communicated by ISO TMB and IEC SMB;
• collects information and/or feedback that Committees wish to provide, including suggestions for improvements.

JTCG

Acting as the custodian of the harmonized approach of MSS on behalf of TMB and SMB, and working closely with the Joint Directives Management Team (JDMT), the JTCG ensure the ongoing relevance of the Harmonized Approach (HA) by:

• collecting feedback on how Committees have used, adapted or changed text from the Harmonized Structure (HS) in their standards;
• managing periodic reviews and any revisions of the HA with direction from TMB and SMB;
• managing, where necessary, the development, review and revision of guidance on the use of the HA;
• providing tools for Committees to use to facilitate alignment with and better understanding of the HA and the use of the HS;
• providing tools to support Committees in communicating with users of management system standards regarding the HS;
• liaising with groups involved with terminology, conformity assessment, business management and other groups in relation to MSS alignment, as agreed by the JTCG members;
• promoting the alignment of audit standards for MSS (in collaboration with ISO/CASCO).

TMB & SMB

TMB and SMB are the governing bodies for the JTCG — the work of the JTCG provides TMB and SMB MSS-specific input to their decisions. This is completed by: 

• providing recommendations to TMB and SMB on the future direction of ISO/IEC MSS;
• providing inputs to assist the TMB MSS Task Force (TF 2) to evaluate any MSS NWIPs.

JTCG membership includes the Chairs and Committee Managers for the ISO/IEC TC/SC/PC that manages one or more MSS. Additional members include groups, such as CASCO, IAF and other standards, that influence or are influenced by MSS.