Change Management Policy

The Change Management Policy is a critical component of SOC 2 compliance that auditors will thoroughly review during your audit. Change management processes are examined closely in SOC 2 audits to ensure system modifications don't introduce security risks or service disruptions. Auditors expect documented change approval workflows, testing requirements, and rollback procedures. This template provides a complete change management framework covering change requests, impact assessment, approval authorization, implementation controls, and post-change verification. It addresses common audit gaps around emergency changes, documentation requirements, and change success criteria that organizations often overlook. This policy includes four versions to fit your organization's needs: an Enterprise version for larger organizations with complex requirements, an SMB version optimized for smaller teams, an Implementation Workbook with step-by-step guidance, and a Quick Reference Guide for daily use. All versions are professionally formatted Microsoft Word documents ready for customization to your specific environment.