ISO 9001

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 one million ISO 9001-certified companies in over 170 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 emailing prussell@certificationeurope.com

ISO 9001 Awareness Training

ISO 9001 Implementation Training

ISO 9001 Internal Auditor Training

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.

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
Achieved

Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

Stage
Two

The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

Certification Review & Decision

The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

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.

1

Stage Two

The second assessment determines the effectiveness of the system, and seeks to confirm that the management system is implemented and operational.

2

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.

3

Certification Review & Decision

The organisations files are reviewed by an independent and impartial panel and the certification decision is made.

4

Certification Achieved

Successful certification is communicated to the client. Certificates are issued.

5

ISO 9001 FAQs

Why work with Certification Europe?

We’re accredited by the INAB and meet rigorous international certification standards, delivering ISO expertise to audit 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 its services meet the exact requirements of the relevant accreditation standards. ISO 9001 is accredited by INAB (Irish National Accreditation Body).

What is ISO 9001:2015?

ISO 9001:2015 is the latest edition of the international standard. We assess and audit organisations in line with the most up-to-date ISO certification requirements.

Why use ISO 9001?

As well as demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, implementing a quality management system helps improve employee engagement, win new business and improve processes across sites, plants and premises.

What are the key principles and ISO 9001 requirements?

ISO 9001 contains eight key principles of quality management:

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 the standard?

ISO 9001:2015 is one of the few ISO standards that have been implemented by organisations across all industries. As the standard focuses on maintaining consistently impeccable customer service 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. Certification Europe has certified organisations in the public sector, finance, pharmaceutical, tech sector and professional services.

How long does certification last?

ISO 9001 certification lasts for three years and is subject to mandatory audits to ensure that you are compliant. After three years, you will be required to do a recertification audit in order to continue with your certification.

How to apply for ISO 9001

Certification Europe is an independent certification body and does not implement a QMS. We do provide ISO training delivered by ISO qualified practitioners for internal teams to develop and implement a QMS. Once implemented, you can apply to Certification Europe to provide an independent audit and assessment, as well as award certification if and when your organisation meets the required standard.