Articles
Compass QMS Ltd. – Meeting Your Training Needs
(09/10/2024)
We are delighted to report the successful delivery of a bespoke training course covering root cause analysis to a fantastic group of law enforcement delegates.
Root cause analysis is a critical mechanism for dealing with quality issues. The significance of effective root cause analysis in identifying underlying causes of aspects such as non-conforming work, complaints and process failures etc., cannot be underestimated. However, as with any quality management technique, the methodology of root cause analysis requires learning, understanding and practice.
From interactive sessions to real-world applications, the delegates walked away with new skills, fresh perspectives, and practical tools to take their expertise to the next level. It was a pleasure to be able to share our experience and knowledge and have the opportunity to suggest alternative and innovative ideas which will hopefully contribute to the continual improvement of their quality management system.
Huge thanks to all delegates for your engagement, contribution and questions. We appreciate your feedback which has been overwhelmingly positive; your improvement suggestions have already been incorporated into our course content ready for the next delivery of this subject.
Compass QMS pride ourselves on our ability to accommodate client requirements and, as in this case, we are always happy to develop and deliver customised training and course material.
==============================
Top 10 Tips for Best Quality Management
(14/09/2024)
Quality management in forensic science enables laboratories to demonstrate that they operate competently, are able to generate valid results and minimise the risk of quality failures. With the complexities of scientific analysis and the high stakes involved, robust quality management operations are essential to maintaining trust in forensic processes. Here we offer a summary of our 10 top tips to continually improve your quality management system, focusing on best practice for ensuring adherence to stringent standards that uphold the credibility of forensic evidence in criminal investigations.
1. Manage Risks: Identify and address, recognise strengths and opportunities, control weaknesses.
2. Define Clear Objectives: Set clear goals, utilise a roadmap, assign resources, monitor progress, have alternative plans.
3. Time Management: Dedicate time, don’t dip in and out. Prioritise, focus and motivate.
4. Ownership: Assign ownership of tasks. Be accountable, aim for successful completion, not perfection.
5. Don’t Re-invent the Wheel: Identify and adopt robust systems, technology and methods. Benchmark your processes against industry best-practice.
6. Identify Key Stakeholders: Communicate, promote collaboration, interact, engage.
7. Lead by Example: Be proactive, persistent, impartial, reliable, empathetic, considerate. Recognise effort and achievement.
8. Feedback loops: Clear and effective communication, regular meetings, active listening, ask questions.
9. Checkpoints: Break things down, don’t get paralysed with large tasks, make steady progress. Regularly review and adapt.
10. Documentation: Write everything down, records, evidence, procedures, policies, concise, no waffle, efficiency.
==============================
Making a Success of Your Internal Audit Programme
(27/08/2024)
Internal auditing plays a critical role in ensuring organisational compliance, process improvement and effective risk management. However, the delivery of internal audits can be susceptible to pitfalls which have the potential to undermine the effectiveness and value of the whole audit process. Building awareness and understanding of these common issues can help organisations to remain mindful of the risks:
1. **Lack of Independence and Objectivity**: It is advised that internal auditors should, wherever resources permit, be independent of the activity being audited. If the audit team lacks independence, their impartiality and objectivity could be compromised and they may be influenced by personal knowledge and feelings. This can result in conscious (or unconscious) biased findings or the overlooking of critical issues. The principal of ‘not marking your own homework’ is very relevant here.
2. **Inadequate Detail**: Comprehensive and accurate audit records are essential for supporting audit findings and conclusions, with facts, information and precise observations all contributing to robust audit reporting. Records that lack the necessary detail can negatively impact on the effectiveness of audits, and lead to issues such as disputes over findings, time-consuming repetition of audits and damage to the reputation of the audit team.
3. **Poor Communication**: Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, resistance to engage with the audit team and missed opportunities to implement necessary change. Effective communication is essential throughout the audit programme. Confirming that you are speaking to the right auditees, clearly communicating audit objectives and findings, and reporting to relevant stakeholders will ensure that the audit programme delivers a robust foundation in continual improvement.
4. .**Be mindful of Scope Creep**: With complex systems and workflows, it can be easy for the scope of the audit to expand far outside the original objectives. Producing a well-defined audit plan, outlining the scope, objectives, and resources required, and remaining focussed on that plan throughout the duration of the audit, can help maintain effective internal auditing delivery.
5. **Ignoring Emerging Risks**: Utilising a risk-based approach to the internal audit programme is essential for its effective management and delivery of continual improvement across the quality management system and business operations. The audit team must stay updated with emerging risks and respond accordingly to relevant changes. Failing to adapt the audit programme to address these evolving risks can render audits obsolete or ineffective.
Navigating these pitfalls requires proactive management, robust internal audit processes, and demonstrable competence of the auditing team. Awareness of these challenges will help to minimise their impact on the internal audit programme and strengthen commitment to continual improvement.
==============================
Taking the Helm
(15/08/2024)
Regardless of whether you have prior quality management experience and are new to an organisation or completely new to the role of quality manager, you may find taking control of an existing quality management system (QMS) can prove to be a challenge.
Here is some guidance to help build your confidence and understanding as you take the helm of your organisation’s quality function.
Conduct a Gap Analysis: This is one of the most valuable exercises that you can undertake within your QMS and provides a robust process for when standards are updated, whenever a new accreditation or certification is planned, and most definitely, if you are taking control of an existing QMS. The gap analysis will establish your understanding and awareness of current procedures and policies, it will identify what is working effectively and what needs improvement, and will be excellent evidence to demonstrate to your accreditation or certification body that you are in control.
Set Clear Goals: Based on your gap analysis findings, consider creating a roadmap with defined short and long-term goals for the QMS, prioritising your improvement opportunities based on risk and compliance requirements. These goals should be aligned with organisational objectives, stakeholder expectations and contribute to your management review process.
Identify Stakeholders: Identify key stakeholders within the organisation who are involved in, or contribute to, the QMS. This includes senior management, technical management, support teams i.e. IT specialists, and quality assurance personnel.
Engage with the Team: Build strong relationships with your quality team and other relevant departments. Understand their roles, contributions, and perspectives on the current QMS. Develop a communication plan to keep the team and stakeholders informed about changes, improvements, and expectations regarding the QMS. Clear communication is key to gaining buy-in and support.
Drive Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the quality team and across the organisation. Seek and encourage feedback from stakeholders about their experiences with the QMS. This can deliver valuable insights into areas that may need improvement or clarification and provides opportunities for proactive problem solving.
Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and advancements in quality management practices. Develop a ‘Quality Network’ of like-minded individuals, this can prove to be invaluable, creating support and a safe space to share knowledge and discuss challenges. This will help you keep the QMS relevant and effective.
Finally…..
Be Patient and Persistent: Developing an effective QMS takes time and effort. Be patient with the process and persistent in pursuing improvements and achieving organisational goals.
==============================
Maintaining Momentum
(05/08/2024)
The creation and implementation of a quality management system (QMS) from a standing start is a formidable challenge, the scale of which should not be underestimated. Sustaining momentum over the months of essential preparation, ensuring continued engagement, and maintaining high levels of motivation over extended periods, requires thoughtful strategies. Here are several methods that can help encourage an organisation to remain focused and motivated whilst preparing for accreditation:
1. **Clear Vision and Goals**: A documented roadmap is an ideal way to drive and monitor progress. Establish a compelling vision that encapsulates the purpose and desired outcome of the work and break this vision into smaller, achievable milestones. Clear, measurable goals provide direction and a sense of progress, keeping team members motivated and focused.
2. **Effective Communication**: Foster an environment where communication is open, transparent, and frequent. Regular updates, feedback sessions, and team meetings can help ensure everyone is on the same page. This also provides opportunities to address concerns, celebrate achievements, and re-calibrate strategies as needed.
3. **Management Buy-In**: It is crucial for senior management to have an understanding of the concepts of accreditation to be able to demonstrate commitment and support to the accreditation journey. An engaged management team will inspire staff to stretch themselves and maintain focus.
4. **Professional Development**: Encourage continuous learning and development. Offering relevant training, workshops, and opportunities for skill enhancement can keep team members engaged and invested in their tasks. When employees recognise that their growth is valued and their skills benefit the QMS, they are more likely to remain committed to succeed.
5. **Resource Allocation**: Ensure that compliance requirements are adequately resourced. This includes having the right tools, technology, expertise and personnel. Overburdened teams can quickly become demotivated, so it’s crucial to provide the necessary support to manage workloads effectively.
6. **Empowerment and Ownership**: Give team members a sense of ownership over their work. Empower them to take responsibility, make decisions and demonstrate initiative. When employees feel that their contributions are valued and that they have a stake in the outcome, their commitment and motivation are likely to increase.
7. **Recognition and Rewards**: Acknowledge and reward the hard work and dedication of team members. Regular recognition can significantly boost morale and motivation. Celebrating small wins along the way can also sustain enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment. By implementing these strategies, organisations can create a supportive and motivating environment that sustains effort and enthusiasm throughout the course of their accreditation journey. This not only improves the likelihood of success in achieving your initial scope of accreditation but also ensures the foundations for ongoing development of the QMS and an embedded quality culture.
==============================
The Open University
(23/07/2024)
As Principal Consultant of Compass QMS, Kay specialises in a range of quality standards and legislation, although many of our followers are well aware that Kay’s favourite standard is ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Management System.
Alongside helping organisations to understand environmental aspects and impacts, and how to apply strategies for reducing carbon footprints, Kay has a passion for environmental science, one that has seen her commit to studying with the Open University for a degree in this subject. Today is results day for module number four.
Join us on congratulating Kay for gaining a distinction! A fantastic result and one Kay should be very proud of.
Now, it is time to dig deep, you’re on level 3 and the final stretch to achieving your goal.
==============================
The National Memorial Arboretum
(14/07/2024)
Earlier this week, Damian took some time out to visit the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire. The Arboretum is a UK registered charity, welcoming over 300,000 visitors each year to the 150-acre site on the edge of the National Forest in Staffordshire, to see over 400 memorials nestled amongst 25,000 trees. It is a serene and solemn place dedicated to honouring fallen heroes. The atmosphere is filled with a deep sense of respect and gratitude, a tangible acknowledgment of the bravery and dedication of those who serve.
Our relationship with UK law enforcement runs very deep; Damian served as a member of Northamptonshire Police for over 31 years whilst Kay worked for both Cheshire Constabulary and British Transport Police. The UK Police Memorial, situated in the Northeast of the Arboretum grounds, commemorates the courage and sacrifice of all who have dedicated their lives to policing and is a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by police officers and staff in the line of duty to ensure the safety of their communities. On a personal note, my fallen and injured colleagues came to mind and I felt fortunate to have completed my full service and be in a position to visit the memorial.
Reflecting at the memorial, I was struck by the broader community of workers who also dedicate themselves to our safety and well-being. This includes not just police officers, but also firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders. These workers often put themselves in harm’s way, confronting perilous situations to save lives and maintain order. Their commitment is the bedrock of a functioning, secure society.
My visit underscored to me the importance of recognising and appreciating the relentless efforts of these individuals. Whilst the Arboretum is a place of remembrance, it also serves as a call to action for the community to support and respect those who serve.
In visiting the Arboretum, I left with a renewed sense of respect for the sacrifice made by all of these courageous individuals, their dedication is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and I would highly recommend the Arboretum as a place that we should all visit at some point.
==============================
Benefits of an Early Start
(20/06/2024)
When an organisation identifies the need to accredit their operations, they embark on a lengthy journey of learning, self-evaluation and development. This includes rigorous independent assessment to demonstrate their operational competence, impartiality and ability to generate valid results. Starting preparations early for the accreditation process can significantly progress this undertaking and bring about several invaluable benefits. Here is why we believe that early preparation is crucial:
Early preparation facilitates staff training and development; employees involved in the accreditation process may benefit from training sessions or workshops aimed at improving their understanding of requirements and expectations. Having the time to deliver such sessions in conjunction with the development of the quality management system can allow for better absorption of information and application of that new knowledge to the emerging quality operations.
Early preparation allows ample time for thorough self-assessment. Reviewing current processes, policies, and operations against accreditation requirements in a methodical manner can provide confidence in current systems but also help to identify gaps or areas that need improving. Starting early provides sufficient time to organise, review and produce all necessary documentation, ensuring completeness and accuracy of the quality management system.
Additionally, early preparation enhances readiness for unexpected challenges. It allows staff to anticipate potential barriers, risk assess complexities and devise contingency plans accordingly. This foresight can prevent delays during the implementation of the quality management system and ensure that the momentum of the project is maintained and progress is made towards the assessment phase.
Gaining accreditation demonstrates compliance to statutory legislation, commitment to continual improvement and it showcases the organisation’s approach to customer service and the delivery of high standard testing and inspection activities. Our expert advice is “do not delay”, early preparation will help with the enormity of the task at hand and will also instil confidence among the organisation’s stakeholders, clients, partners and staff. Improved readiness, enhanced capability and fortified organisational reputation are all achievable, yet invariably, the first steps are always the hardest.
==============================
The Great Big Green Week 2024
(16/06/2024)
Organised by the Climate Coalition, the Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature.
In 2023, the Great Big Green Week saw more than a quarter of a million people get involved, representing national organisations, institutions, businesses and media outlets. This year, the Great Big Green Week has taken place between the 8th and 16th June with the focus of 2024 being on celebrating ‘swaps’.
Compass QMS has engaged with this excellent initiative and we have swapped office time for litter picking on our local waterway, the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. Many of our followers will know that this is an environment close to our hearts; it offers our local community a fantastic, accessible blue space for health and wellbeing, in addition to providing an active navigation within the UK’s canal network. In the words of the Canal and River Trust, ‘Making life better by water’.
As a result of our efforts, we collected numerous bags of rubbish from both the water and the adjoining towpath comprising glass and plastic bottles, drink and aerosol cans, deflated helium balloons and discarded vapes. A good afternoon’s work!
==============================
The Holistic Approach of a Consultant
(28/05/2024)
We believe that one of the key advantages of Compass QMS consultancy offerings is our ability to take a high-level and impartial view of our client’s requirements. This enables us to provide objective and independent advice and support, focused on the needs of the organisation, without any distractions from day-to-day business operations.
Compass QMS successfully delivers a wide range of consultancy services to a variety of customers, including the public sector and corporate organisations of all sizes. Whilst engaging an external consultant may not be something you have considered before, it can offer a significant number of benefits, including but not limited to:
- Expertise and Experience: access to specialised knowledge and skills, extending your existing in-house capability
- Objectivity: impartial perspective on business issues and opportunities
- Cost-Effective: temporary expertise without long-term employment costs
- Efficiency: added momentum and accelerated project timelines from our focused approach
- Best Practices: implementation of industry standards and innovative solutions
- Flexibility: scalable resources to meet varying business needs
- Change Management: expertise in managing and facilitating organisational change
- Risk Management: we can help identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, reducing the likelihood of project failures or operational issues
- Capacity Building: our coaching and mentoring can also provide opportunities for staff to learn new skills and methodologies, contributing to their ongoing professional development
Compass QMS prides itself on helping organisations achieve their objectives. We specialise in delivering bespoke quality management and cyber security consultancy services, tailored to our client’s needs and supplied in a flexible and dedicated manner.
==============================
Didn’t Expect That
(13/05/2024)
Your laboratory may have robust and comprehensive operating procedures but inevitably, at some point, things will go wrong and nonconformance will occur. Section 7.10 of ISO 17025 details the requirements of controlling nonconforming work.
One of the most important aspects of this process is conducting root cause analysis (RCA) – a thorough assessment of the issue to determine how and why something happened. This must be a comprehensive investigation of all the circumstances and not just a cursory summary such as ‘it was human error’. Digging down into the detail is vital and a good rule of thumb is to aim for ‘5 Whys’, i.e. continue to ask why until the root cause has been identified.
Using the above image as an example (until recently, this was a bridge on our local footpath over the River Trent), what might we establish from our RCA? (This is not an exhaustive list).
Q. Why has the bridge collapsed?
A. A large tree has fallen down and crashed into the bridge.
Q. Why did the tree fall down?
A. A strong wind blew the tree over.
Q. Strong winds are common, why has the tree fallen this time?
A. Riverbank erosion has exposed and weakened the tree roots in recent months.
Q. What has caused this erosion?
A. Intense conveyance work on the river upstream combined with unprecedented levels of rainfall has significantly increased water flow.
Q. Are there any other contributory factors?
A. The erosion has also weakened the bridge footings which were set into the side of the riverbank.
Whilst we must all strive to produce the highest standard of work we can, organisations should recognise that nonconformance will happen. Using methodology such as the 5 Whys model, facilitates a thorough RCA which in turn, helps to identify corrective and preventive actions, enabling you to treat them as an opportunity to improve processes, whilst reducing the risk of the same issue reoccurring.
(Image courtesy of Drone Falcon Photography)
==============================
Green Flag Your Business
(21/04/2024)
The Green Flag Award® scheme [https://www.greenflagaward.org/] recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. It is wonderful to spot these flags in increasing numbers, especially in our local areas, and they are a clear indication of successful environmental management systems in practice, but what ‘Green Flags’ your business?
ISO 14001 certification empowers organisations to implement environmental management systems and offers a host of benefits. Certification necessitates the review of all business operations for environmental impacts. Once identified, these impacts are measured in terms of your organisation’s carbon footprint, providing initial values for your carbon reduction plan. ISO 14001 enables organisations to identify carbon reduction initiatives and by doing so, can create significant financial and resource efficiencies. ISO 14001 demonstrates that your business is committed to working in a sustainable manner, thereby contributing to environmental awareness and protection.
ISO 14001 certification should be regarded as a strategically important element of any business. As our planet creeps towards an irreversible environmental tipping point, every contribution will make a difference. ‘Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little’ [Edmund Burke, 1729-1797].
Everyone who knows me, will be in no doubt that ISO 14001 is my favourite standard and the words of Edmund Burke are never far from my mind. I am convinced that we can all play a part in improving our environment through both our personal and professional activities.
==============================
100 Followers (and growing)
(07/04/2024)
A huge thank you to our first 100 followers!
Having created the Compass QMS LinkedIn profile in December, we are delighted to have reached and exceeded this total over the weekend. A sincere thank you for following our page, we hope that you find our articles both interesting and useful.
Compass QMS may be a relatively new organisation but behind the scenes, we have almost 80 years of experience that we want to share in order to benefit others. We are already planning our next articles and welcome suggestions for future ones. If you have any ideas, requests or questions, please contact us and we will do our very best to assist.
We appreciate any likes and reposts of our articles to spread the information out into the wider world.
==============================
Spring is in the Air
(31/03/2024)
This Bank Holiday weekend has finally provided a hint of the impending Spring weather with signs of new growth all around us. In a few days’ time, for many organisations, it will also be the start of a new financial year and what better time to conduct your ‘commercial spring clean’ and complete management review.
Two elements of your robust management review process include firstly, a detailed appraisal of the management system and a thorough evaluation of the previous year’s operations, and secondly, the planning and forecasting for continual improvement over the next twelve months.
The appraisal process should cover every aspect of the management system from business objectives to internal auditing and everything in-between, acknowledging productive and efficient performance and, importantly, identifying any negative aspects or emerging trends that could have detrimental impacts on business operations, to also include appropriate remediating actions.
Future planning identifies investment requirements, budget agreement, additional resources and potential expansion of standards, such as extensions to scope or achievement of additional certificates. Schedules of accreditation must evolve to accommodate current and developing methodologies; the dynamic nature of many industries necessitates the review of service delivery to constantly meet end-user requirements.
Management review is the ideal vehicle for the effective exchange of company communications. Information must flow throughout the organisation, providing the opportunity for open dialogue regarding both successes and failures, celebrating achievements and addressing identified issues.
(Flowers courtesy of Kirsty Faulkner)
==============================
Take Time to Reflect
(11/03/2024)
In your demanding schedule, sometimes it is good to pause, take time to reflect and give serious thought to your achievements. Appreciate the positive impacts that your robust quality management system brings to the organisation and recognise your contribution to operational and commercial success.
Successful quality management is a time-consuming and challenging occupation, often focused on the goals of continual improvement and forward momentum. Compliance requirements constantly change and develop; the statutory FSR Code of Practice issued just six months ago has already undergone consultation for version 2, and the Quality Manager must ensure that their management system adapts to meet emerging requirements. The forensic industry itself can be a fast-paced environment, particularly for certain disciplines such as digital forensics with the necessity to maintain constantly developing tools and techniques, and again, the Quality Manager must monitor the fulfilment of technical obligations.
It is understandable that there will be times when you feel that you are taking two steps forward and one step back, however a moment of self-reflection is highly recommended to recognise the progress you have made and the goals that you have achieved. The scrutiny of a non-conformance and subsequent root cause analysis often leads to identifying effective improvements to technical processes. Identification of an emerging risk, and implementation of appropriate control measures can result in increased resilience across multiple activities. Whilst the immediate focus may be on the issue at hand, positive outcomes should not be overlooked. Taking a moment to evaluate and appreciate your accomplishments will increase your motivation and drive continual improvement.
==============================
Maintenance – a vital aspect of Quality Management
(19/02/2024)
The initial attainment of accreditation to international standards is, quite rightly, a notable achievement and something to be very proud of. It takes an incredible amount of focus, hard work and commitment to ‘get over the line’ and any organisation that receives their grant of accreditation has clearly demonstrated their competence and should be congratulated.
What is equally important is to recognise and understand that the grant of accreditation signifies that you are at the start of your quality journey, one that in essence has no end point, and requires you to keep moving forwards ensuring that not only do you retain your accreditation but that you also develop and demonstrate continual improvement.
Continual improvement is the very essence of quality management. The world does not stand still, what was suitable last year may no longer be fit for purpose. Organisations must grow and develop to keep up with their commercial and client requirements and of course, the advancement of technology is unbelievably rapid. All of these factors pose challenges to your quality management operations, challenges that must be addressed if your accreditation is to be maintained. Extensions to Scope will be required to keep pace with emerging trends and assure the efficacy of your quality management system.
We understand that this may be a daunting concept, especially for those organisations who are new to the world of quality management, accreditations and certifications. Our experience has shown that over time, when the maintenance and continual improvement of your QMS becomes business as usual, you will realise the benefits of a robust QMS. Benefits that include improved working practices, a higher level of customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies.
==============================
Man’s best friend is his dog….
(29/01/2024)
The old adage says, ‘Man’s best friend is his dog’, but who is the Quality Manager’s best friend? We would like to suggest that the QM’s best friend could be the organisation’s IT Manager!
The importance of robust information security procedures aligned with the quality management requirements cannot be underestimated. A number of accreditations and certifications within your forensic units require the evidencing of effective information security processes and these are subject to focused scrutiny during assessment visits and external audits.
In addition to recognised infosec-based principles, e.g. ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials, standards such as ISO 17025 and the FSR Code of Practice have significant compliance requirements for controlling data and information security. The level of interrogation into systems and controls requires specialist knowledge to be able to evidence such things as server and network hardening processes, monitoring and responding to vulnerabilities, patching and access controls etc.
Our own experience has repeatedly shown the immense value of having IT Support who not only understand the importance of forensic regulatory requirements but who are also prepared to engage with the assessors. There is nothing more reassuring to the Quality Manager than when they are fully supported by the technical expertise of their IT Team during an assessment visit.
We believe that to achieve success and meet the stringent requirements of many accreditations and certifications, it is essential for the QM to develop strong and close working relationships with key individuals throughout their organisation and IT Support should be at the top of their list.
==============================
A Quality Manager’s role can sometimes be a lonely place
(22/01/2024)
In many organisations, the position of Quality Manager is held by one individual who is key to the successful creation, maintenance and improvement of the quality management system. A lonely place at times when issues arise or processes need improving. As the saying goes, “a problem shared is a problem halved” but who do you have to talk quality with? Larger organisations may operate a quality team, led by the QM, and instantly you can benefit from having support, a group with a shared understanding of continual improvement, and an environment to discuss ideas and exchange knowledge and experience.
For any Quality Manager, on their own or with their team, having a safe environment to talk openly about concerns, triumphs or their most recent experiences with external assessors is so valuable but sadly, sometimes lacking.
This week, we were delighted to hear that one of our current ISO 17025 clients was approached by the quality team from a different part of their organisation, reaching out for advice and the opportunity to discuss quality. This made us smile! It may well be very early steps to building their support network but just imagine the possibilities, the sharing of best-practice, consistency in methods and help with validation!
We fully appreciate that QM’s don’t always have the luxury of support from other quality teams but this is where Compass QMS can add value by providing industry leading experts to advise and assist. Whether it is to explain a complex requirement, offer improvement suggestions or simply to provide reassurance that you are on the right lines and doing a great job, we are here for you.