Does your business hold an ISO 9001 accreditation? Act now to ensure you meet the new standards.
The latest edition of the International Standard for Quality Management Systems (ISO) was released in October 2015 and the three year 3-year transition period ends in 2018.
All companies going through the ISO 9001 accreditation for the first time will be working towards the new standard, but those businesses that are already accredited must incorporate changes into existing policies by September 30th 2018 in order to maintain their accreditation.
The key aspects of the update are that the reference to ‘records’ and ‘documents’ has been replaced by ‘documented information’. This change has been incorporated to include information that is held electronically, such as audio and video recordings, digital files, photographs and software.
Regardless of how information that is used by the company for their everyday operations and effective functioning of the management system is held, it must be controlled and incorporated in the updated ISO 9001 procedures.
The changes to the ISO 9001 standard will not only allow the auditing of these processes to be done efficiently but should also assist with training of new staff, review of existing skills, and developments within the company to be revised and updated easily throughout the system and with all relevant personnel.
In addition, the focus is now very much on the companies understanding, leadership and management of the Quality Management System through rigorous audit and evaluation. It is not enough that the system is in place, but that the system works effectively.
Geoff Bates, Business Support Programme Manager at St Helens Chamber, commented: “The ISO 9001 accreditation is a well-recognised standard, one that can be hugely beneficial for growing businesses looking to win new contracts. It is important that any businesses that have worked hard to obtain the standard don’t lose it by not updating their procedures in line with the new 2015 changes.
“St Helens Chamber offers access to expert consultants through the Business Growth Programme, who can help you navigate the ISO system and maintain your firm’s competitiveness quality management procedures”
The Business Growth Programme is part of the Liverpool City Region Integrated Business Support project. The project offers 12 hour of fully-funded impartial, confidential advice tailored to meet your needs. The project is available to SME businesses located in the Liverpool City Region and trading in a B2B capacity. It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and St.Helens Council.
For help and support in dealing with these changes contact Helen Morris at St Helens Chamber on 01744 742042 or email helen.morris@sthelenschamber.com
