ISO certification connects responsible business, environmental and management practices with consumers and provides a consistent, international basis for your organisation claims about the quality of service you provide.
What is ISO certification?
ISO certification is when your business is “audited” by an independent third party, to assess how well it complies with the following standards:
• ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems (QMS)
• ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
• OHSAS 18001 - Health and Safety Management Systems
These standards are international “templates for good business” practices.
What are the benefits of ISO certification?
The benefits of ISO certification for your organisation are it:
1. Ensures that your product, or your service, is controlled, consistent and will improve
2. Gives your customers confidence that your business is well run
3. Is often a requirement before your business can tender for work
ISO 9001
ISO 9001 is suitable for any organisation looking to improve the way it is operated and managed, regardless of its size or sector.
The advantages of ISO 9001 for your organisation can include:
• Greater efficiency and consistent control of major business processes
• Regulation of successful working practices
• Increased customer satisfaction
• Greater consistency in the quality of products and services through better control of processes
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is often seen as the main frame work for an environmental management system.
By having your organisation’s environmental management system independently assessed, you will be making a powerful statement about your organisation’s environmental credentials.
The advantages of ISO 14001 for your business can include:
• Better management of environmental risks
• Increased access to new customers and business partners
• Demonstration of legal and regulatory compliance
• Overall cost savings in terms of consumption, waste and recycling
OHSAS 18001
OHSAS 18001 is an international occupational health and safety management system specification.
Most organisations pursue OHSAS 18001 certification to improve Health and Safety to qualify for a tender or to achieve preferred supplier status: e.g. for a Local Authority. However, there are many other benefits that can be gained, including:
• Reduced risk to employees, customers and suppliers
• Reduction in the costs associated with accidents at work
• Enhanced staff morale and motivation
• Reduced insurance premiums
• Demonstrating legal compliance
An integrated ISO management system
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.
For further details on our introduction to the ISO Standard.
