ISO 9001
Quality Management System
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised global standard for Quality Management Systems. It confirms an organisation’s commitment to improving quality, delivering more efficient operations and improving customer satisfaction.
This ISO standard is the most widely recognised around the world, with over 1.26 million ISO 9001-certified companies in over 180 countries.
What is ISO 9001?
ISO 9001:2015 provides the a framework and set of principles for organisations to establish, implement and maintain a systematic approach to managing quality within their operations.
It guides organisations through documented processes, strong leadership and evidence-based decision making in delivering consistent, high-quality products and services that meet customer needs and regulations.
Organisations that achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrate more than just compliance. This standard highlights their commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and continuous improvement.
What are the benefits?
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Employee
Engagement
Improved Quality Management
Better
Decision-Making
Consistency & Standardisation
Increased
Efficiency
Continuous Improvement Culture
Regulatory
Compliance
Risk
Management
Strong Supplier Relationships
Global
Recognition
Market & Competitive Advantage
Key Requirements of ISO 9001
The ISO 9001:2015 standard outlines a number of requirements that organisations must meet to demonstrate their commitment to quality. These include:
Customer Focus: Organisations need to show an understanding of how to meet their customers’ needs and expectations while striving to enhance customer satisfaction.
Continuous Improvement: Regular assessments are required to improve the effectiveness of a QMS to achieve better results and enhance performance. These should be both internal and external assessments.
Leadership: Senior leaders and top management need to provide strong guidance and commitment to the QMS in place, promoting a culture of quality throughout the organisation.
Evidence-Based Decision Making: Informed decisions should be made based on the analysis and evaluation of data and information within the organisation, to enhance overall quality.
Process Approach: To achieve the desired outcomes and improve their overall performance, an organisation should identify, understand and manage its processes and procedures.
Relationship Management: As well as internal processes and procedures meeting the quality standard, a focus should be put on establishing and managing strong relationships with high-quality suppliers, partners and stakeholders.
Implementing ISO 9001
Ensuring your QMS is ready for ISO 9001:2015 certification involves commitment from the whole organisation. You may wish to have a Certification Body conduct a Gap Analysis to review the readiness of your QMS before going through the Certification Assessments.
As well as a Gap Analysis, Training Courses are also a good way to ensure your teams are prepared and understanding of what ISO 9001:2015 certification involves. Certification Europe provides ISO 9001 Awareness, Implementation and Internal Auditing training opportunities to support you. These courses, led by experts in the field of Quality Management cater to diverse organisational requirements, encompassing implementation strategies, internal auditing techniques and continuous improvement practices.
To find out more, click the course titles on the right or get in touch with our training team by filling out this form.
Becoming Certified to ISO 9001
ISO 9001 FAQs
Why work with Certification Europe?
We’re accredited by the INAB and meet rigorous international certification standards, delivering ISO expertise to assess and certify ISO standards. Accreditation is the process by which a certification body is recognised to offer certification services.
To become accredited, Certification Europe is required to implement a Quality Management System which is assessed by an Independent Authorised Body to determine that it meets International Standards. We’re audited annually to ensure our services meet the exact requirements of the relevant accreditation standards.
ISO 9001 certification by Certification Europe is accredited by INAB (Irish National Accreditation Board).
What is ISO 9001:2015?
ISO 9001:2015 is the most up-to-date version of the standard for quality management. Read more about ISO 9001 here.
What are the key principles and ISO 9001 requirements?
- Customer focus and customer satisfaction.
- Leadership.
- Involvement of people.
- Process approach.
- A systematic approach to management.
- Continual improvement.
- Factual approach to decision making.
- Mutually beneficial supplier relationship.
What industries implement ISO 9001?
ISO 9001:2015 is implemented by all types of organisations across all industries. There were over 1.2 million certificates issued worldwide, according to the ISO survey.
As the standard focuses on maintaining consistent impeccable customer survey for your clients, the benefits of ISO 9001 can be seen by any organisation that wishes to improve customer experience and be more efficient as an organisation with well-thought, aligned procedures and policies.
How long does certification last?
ISO 9001:2015 certification will last for three years and is subject to mandatory assessments to ensure compliance. At the end of the three years, your organisation will need to complete a recertification assessment to become recertified to the standard.
How do I get started with a Quality Management System?
As a business, you probably already have many of the processes and procedures in place to build a basis for your Quality Management System. To support you on your journey, an external consultant can provide guidance to help you implement your full system.
Certification Europe is an independent Certification Body, so cannot provide consultancy services. We can, however, provide training on this standard to help your team learn about the requirements for ISO 9001 certification and lots of other useful tools to support you on your certification journey, before becoming certified.
We run multiple public and private courses for internal auditor training, implementation training and awareness training for multiple ISO standards. For further information on ISO 9001 Training, click here and reach out to our team.
Can ISO 9001 be integrated with other standards?
Absolutely! ISO 9001:2015 has been created under the Annex SL structure. This structure has been designed to share the same features across multiple standards for documentation, policies, procedures and processes.
To find out more about integrated standards, click here.
Becoming Certified to ISO 9001
Stage One
The initial assessment determines if the mandatory requirements of the standard are being met and if the management system is capable of proceeding to Stage 2.
Stage Two
The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.
Recommendation for Certification
At this point in the process we review any corrective actions taken to address findings raised at Stage 1 & 2. Certification may be recommended.
Certification Review & Decision
The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.
Certification Achieved
Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.
Would you like a quote for ISO Certification Services?
Our team are here to help! Click the button below to complete our enquiry form for “Certification Services” and our team will be in touch with a quote and further information!
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