ISO 9001 – an internationally recognised standard demonstrating commitment to quality and customer satisfaction as well as continuous improvement.
An organisation’s ‘Quality Management’ refers to an organisation’s actions to ensure that its products or services satisfy its customers’ quality requirements and complies with any regulations applicable to those products or services.
Implementing a Quality Management System will motivate staff by defining their key roles and responsibilities.
Cost savings can be made through improved efficiency and productivity. Systems can be developed, hence less waste, disruption and fewer complaints. Customers needs, will be met more efficiently resulting in increased opportunities in the Market.
A lot of organisations require ISO 9001 certification to qualify for a tender or to achieve preferred supplier status: typically for a Local Authority.
However there are many other benefits that can be added to these, including:-
· Improved internal working leading to less errors and re-work.
· Improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.
· Improved morale and motivation.
· Preferential insurance premiums.
· Competitive advantage
· Increased Profitability
· Enhanced status
In addition, ISO 9001 is designed to be compatible with other management system standards such as ISO 14001 (Environmental), OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety). All or any combination of these complementary standards can be integrated seamlessly. They share many principles, so choosing an integrated management system can provide you with outstanding value for money. There are also clear links between these principles and Investors in People .
Compliance with ISO 9001 means that your organisation manages its key processes in a consistent manner and is required to demonstrate commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
1 – ENQUIRY
Initial telephone followed by information pack containing costs, assessment process and details of commitment scheme.
3 – ASSESSOR CONTACT
Initial agreement/discussion, agree onsite dates/timescales.
4 – STAGE 1 ASSESSMENT
always held at your premises. The Stage 1 aims to establish that your occupational management system meets the requirements on ISO 9001. This also includes a detailed review of the site and adjoining areas. We are also looking at the related processes taking place. The assessor will feedback findings throughout the assessment and leave a detailed report that clearly identifies any gaps that need to be addressed.
5 – ANY GAPS IDENTIFIED ARE ADDRESSED AT THIS STAGE BEFORE THE STAGE 2 ASSESSMENTS.
The Assessor develops for the Stags 2 assessment plan and forwards to you prior to the assessment.
2 – COMMITMENT
Welcome pack, commitment certificate & initial contact.
6 – STAGE 2 ASSESSMENT
Carried out onsite – The Stage 2 Assessment verifies that you are working to the occupational management system and you are meeting the requirements of ISO 9001. We will be assessing your onsite practices and the records that support your activities.
7 – FINAL VERIFICATION
Your application is submitted to an external panel for approval. Certification process: Approved application receive: Award Letter, Certificate, CD ROM containing the Certification Marks Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire
8 – ANNUAL SURVEILLANCE
All organisations certified for ISO 9001 are required to undergo annual surveillance visits. The assessor will agree the date with you at the end of your stage 2 assessment. We will remind you 1 month prior to that visit. The assessor will also contact before the onsite visit. We will notify you of ongoing communication & invite you to events and updates NB Organisations that do not meet the requirement of ISO 9001 during the Stage 2 Assessment are required to have a revisit to verify the gaps have been addresses.
